Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina - Cairns.

Cairns. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina.

After a leisurely breakfast we check-out of the lovely Rydges Sabaya Resort and head along the coast road to Carins. However, I couldn't quite concentrate on the beauty of the coast as I was busy flicking through the instruction manual to find the off switch for the seat-heater as I slowly broiled from the inside out. I finally found it. Warning! Beware of pressing random buttons on  new fangled cars! This Holden Cruz is cool and that button would be excellent in winter down South but somehow I doubt that it would ever be needed in sunny Queensland. After all, its winter and 28 degrees.

We pause at a designated 'Stop & Revive' spot to take photos of a stunning stretch of beach and sink our feet into the pristine sand. Its worth stopping regularly to drink in the scenery along the coast road.

Before we even set foot in the Shrangri-La Hotel we're already impressed. We park the car out the front and head to the vast reception area, complete with water ponds and mood lighting. Max the Italian/Swiss concierge greets us then parks our car. Our room is not quite ready so we head for the mini mall underneath the hotel for a spot of shopping. Within 10 minutes I've bought myself a 'Robin Hood' inspired olive green shirt, a new Olga Burg purse and booked myself in for a haircut. You could also go to the gym, have a facial, check your emails or buy a book. The mall is jam packed with large and small shops with myriad restaurants lining the Marina out the front. We have a coffee at one of the many cafes then make our way back to the hotel.

Max has already taken our luggage up to our room and escorts us to our level, giving instructions on how to use the lift with our door key. Excellent security. No one is allowed on the floor unless they're meant to be there. He introduces us to our French receptionist Aurelia, dedicated to the Mezzanine level where the Horizon Club is located. She explains the amenities available during our stay; internet services, buffet breakfast served daily from 0700 - 1030 am and drinks with canapes' served nightly from 5 - 7 pm in the Horizon Club. Can't wait!

The swimming pool is located on the floor above, if we choose to to swim we can grab a beach towel from reception. After all that, she personally leads us to our room.

What a knock out! The first thing I notice are the floor to ceiling double glazed doors leading out to the deck inspired balcony with panoramic uninterrupted views of the Marina, bustling with actively, crowded with yachts, catamarans and boats of all sizes with towering mountains behind to complete the backdrop. Our room is situated directly above the restaurants underneath along the boardwalk. The smells wafting up are mouth watering.

Tastefully decorated in neutral colours; cream, brown, honey-toned, soft greens and caramel with unobtrusive comfortable furnishings. The room is spacious, the ceilings so tall it creates a feeling of endless space, excellent for tall folk who often feel helmed in. The best surprise awaits us in the bathroom with lovely L'Occitane products, an enormous bath, separate shower and king size fluffy bath towels. Aurelia shows us how to operate the electronic privacy shade should we choose to bath or shower while watching the yachts sail past our window or not. After hugging a surprised Aurelia, she departs and we squeal. We test the beds, no surprises, wonderfully comfortable with high quality bed linen and Memory Foam pillows. Bliss!

A long slender dresser has enough space to write, hold a laptop with wall connection as well as a small digital TV. The top drawer is filled with a selection of teas and coffee with 2x50g packets of LavAzza coffee in the well stocked bar fridge along with a selection of top wines, spirits and water. The second draw holds all the appliances and cutlery. A personalised letter of welcome completes the picture.

Its time for my hair appointment. A lovely Irish lass who has newly immigrated to Oz seats me in a massage chair and whacks it on high. While washing my hair she also massages my scalp,
something I thought had gone out of fashion. She generously cuts my hair, apparently it needs it, lavishes product into the new style and all for the low cost of $59. Marvelous.

Time for canapes' in the Horizon Club. The room is already crowded with guests from the Mezzanine floor. The buffet is full of tasty morsels of spicy chicken, Ciliegie di Riso - rice balls filled with Gorgonzola Piccante and Grana Padano cheese, goat cheese & salmon quiches, meatballs with spicy sauce, Thai triangles, spring rolls and the list goes on. A Mediterranean platter offers a mixture of olives, roasted peppers with a selection of breads.

If you hanker for sweet delights there are elegant mini cakes and pastries. Yummy!

Waiters of all nationalities buzz about replenishing the buffet, serving drinks and clearing plates. The Nestle' coffee machine is fun to use with a variety of coffees from super strong to decaf.

We meet and greet fellow guests, swap business cards and travel stories and agree to meet up again. What a great idea!!

A guest recommends we check out the Night Markets on the main street. Its full of the usual souvenir fare, but we are seduced by the 40-minute foot and back Chinese massage for $15 plus a $5 herbal patch to realign my chi'. The massage is not as brutal as some places I've been, on the contrary it is very relaxing. Afterwards we stroll around the busy streets, a great relaxed atmosphere with families picnicking on the lawn, kids swimming in the lagoon and restaurants full to capacity.

We head back to the pier and select a restaurant along the marina. We decide on a French/Japanese fusion called M'Yogo - deciding against entrees we order mains of tasty Seafood Risotto and Creamy Garlic Prawns, but definitely sharing a French dessert of custard pancake with orange and dark chocolate sauce with a generous dollop of white chocolate ice cream. Thats it, we're done!

When we get back to our rooms the beds have been turned down, dressing gowns laid out and instead of chocolate they leave a lovely poem on the pillow. They all but tucked us in.

I've discovered another thing about myself - I can do 5 star really well. Wonderful.


Shangri-La Hotel. The Marina.
Pierpoint Road.
Cairns. QLD. 4870

P: 07 4031 1411
F: 07 4031 3226

www.shanrgi-la.com
www.tropicalaustralia.com