A true “green” experience travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Tucked away in the world’s oldest living rainforest, which has existed for some 110 million years, on the northwestern coast of Australia, Daintree Eco Lodge is the ultimate destination from which to explore Far North Queensland. Surrounded by ancient waterfalls and near numerous endangered and rare species, the lodge projects a sense of exotic remoteness which is belied by the fact that it is located only 90 minutes by car from Cairns and 30 minutes from Port Douglas.

The family-owned and operated resort boasts 15 treehouse villas in secluded positions, bringing guests right into the thick of the primeval forest. Daintree Eco Lodge works to preserve aboriginal culture by collaborating with the Kuku Yalanji tribe who provide guided rainforest tours, cultural performances and art classes. Contemporarily designed in original Aboriginal Art River and Treehouses connect with the natural environs each features wide verandahs with outdoor Jacuzzi, televisions, CD players, minibars, air conditioning and luxurious spa baths. It’s an easy choice for a nomination in Luxist’s best green spa category. Guests can participate in yoga and meditation on the waterfall deck or in the rainforest garden. The spa itself offers a range of treatments, all of which have been approved by the elders of the aboriginal Kuku Yalanji tribe. It includes Vichi Showers, nourishing foot massages using local products of ginger, ochres and muds that bring everything together to soothe the spirit, a calming smoke ceremony to invigorate the senses, and warm mud treatments and polishes. Daintree represents the largest surviving tract of tropical lowland rainforest on the Australian continent, remnant of Gondwana land. Many scientists have discovered rare and endangered species of bird, wildlife, plants and fungi on the property. The surrounding area is home to 430 recorded species of bird, 200 species of fish and 70 types of crustacean. From here you may experience the adjoining Daintree National Park and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef as well as the many other attractions and activities the region has to offer. Guided tours provided by the Kuku Yalanji include cruises on the Daintree River, watching crocodiles at sunset, making ocher for Aboriginal art projects or body art with a Kuku artist and interactive rainforest walks focusing on education and conservation.

One of the “must do” experiences while staying at Daintree is to enjoy the dining experience at Bilngkumu Restaurant featuring Oven Baked Red Snapper, Rainforest Salad, Dark Chocolate Pudding and Reef Fish Cakes. The expertise of their internationally acclaimed chefs will have you surrendering to what many state is true Australian gourmet cuisine. The Daintree hosts recycling and composting programs, and treats its own wastewater to ensure the continued care of the surrounding ecosystem. Additional information: year of establishment and/or latest refurbishment: 1993/2001, period of closure: open all year, languages spoken: English, nearest airport: Cairns - 104 km.