If Cairns were to host a hotel beauty pageant, the Pullman would no doubt be a strong contender for the crown. Sitting just off the main esplanade runway, this five-star hotel shines from head to toe, earning bonus points for its beauty, prime location and luxe day spa.
Just like its fellow contestants, Pullman Cairns International is dressed to impress in pearly white. The colonial-style hotel lobby offers a cool retreat from the humidity which Cairns is known for, and a chilled glass of water on arrival goes down a treat.
The Pullman is only a five-minute stroll to Cairns’ beautiful waterfront esplanade and the serene lagoon pool, making it easy to dive into a full day of adventures. The hotel is also a breezy five-minute walk to the Fleet Terminal; your gateway for day trips to the glorious Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
The natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland served as the muse for the design of the Pullman’s spacious rooms and suites, which are in fact the largest hotel accommodation rooms in all of Cairns. I’m immediately drawn to my room’s private balcony, which welcomes in natural light and treats me to sparkly views of the harbour and beyond. Other rooms showcase peaceful vistas of the surrounding hinterlands, offering a stark contrast to the sophisticated interiors adorned with monochrome palettes, geometric carpeting and striking art by local Indigenous artists, like Melanie Hava and Netta Loogatha.
If you’re all about the extra touches, then indulge in the locally-inspired mini bar selection, complimentary Nespresso coffee machine, plush robes and slippers, and Italian marble bathroom with back-heated mirrors to avoid fog. You can also live the luxe life with a trip to Vie Spa, located on level two. Recently revamped, the spa features ten private spa suites, where you can pamper yourself with everything from rainforest foot soaks and hydrating hair cocoons to hot stone massages and marine mineral seaweed wraps.
The Pullman Cairns International also has an on-site gym, perfect for getting your steps in when the tropical weather takes a turn for the worse. But when the sun is shining, plant yourself at the swimming pool where you can sip on cocktails from the poolside bar.
For something more refined, you can also treat yourself to traditional or seasonal high tea at Coco’s Bar and Restaurant. Midweek travellers are in for a treat with the best seats at Coco’s oyster happy hour, held on Thursdays from 5-7pm, and $29 Wednesday steak nights.
Time Out stayed as a guest of Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
