Reef House

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2026

Peter

Freshly cooked breakfast on the large deck overlookig the sea - what a great way to start a day!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Inna

We had very relaxing time at the beautiful hotel

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Kathryn Anne

Lovely room in this great small boutique hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Great location, amenities and onsite activities

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Sonia

Staff are great, they went above and beyond. First time staying at an 18+ resort and better than expected. Great to relax by the pool and read in silence. Will look to come back again.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2026

DAVID

Outstanding service with a relaxed atmosphere. The food and dining experience was fantastic. Would highly recommend

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2026

KATERINA

Fantastic

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Justin Leaman Edward

Very convenient, quiet. Excellent staff and service. Top draw. Will be back.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jul 2025

Rebecca

The staff in all areas were amazing. The room unfortunately did not match the description on the website or the pictures.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Mykel

Staff were welcoming and accommodating of any need. The restaurant was fantastic.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2025

Kimberly

Charming accommodations, professional and friendly staff members, so relaxing…it was an amazing stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2025

Christine

The Reef House was exceptional! Very personable with excellent inclusions and service. Rest and relaxation were the highlight of our holiday. The Reef House did not disappoint! We will return!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Peter John

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Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2024

Jessica

Our visit was tranquil and very chilled which was exactly what we needed. The room, facilities, location and staff were all exceptional. For an adults only retreat, it was perfect.
The food, breakfast lunch and dinner were next level amazing. Dinner was chefs kiss perfect.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2024

Cezanne

Absolutely fantastic! We had an amazing time - the service is outstanding and you can’t help but be relaxed amongst the amazing gardens and pools. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2024

Maria

Very unique boutique adults only resort. It’s like being on a cruise ship without leaving port. So many special extras included. Free classes if you want something to do. They offer stretch and breath, yoga on beach, aqua aerobics, cocktail making, sleep, breath and meditation. Culture, reef talks and a wine appreciation session. Cold towels by the pool, sorbet at 3pm and canapés and cocktails at 5 at the brigadier bar. The restaurant is outstanding. The two pools and surroundings add to the relaxing and pampering experience. They have a spa for treatments as well. The mineral pool is heated. The staff are amazing. The beach is directly across the road. Stayed there twice and will definitely go back again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2024

Sarah Louise

We had never visited Palm Cove and were delighted from the moment we checked in we were welcomed and well looked after The Reef House Retreat was bliss and we’ll be back !

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2024

Kara-Jae

Inclusions were good value, pools were lovely & staff accommodating.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2024

Stephen

Absolutely amazing experience!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2024

Kiran

It was just perfect. The staff made us feel so welcomed and it couldn’t get any better than that. Thanks

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2024

Elina

The staff are absolutely wonderful. The hotel is dated. It had its hey day in the 70s and everything is still from that era. The mattress is lumpy and old. The shower is tiny and it’s impossible not to get your hair wet with the rain shower that was obviously installed afterwards and does not belong in the tiny shower stall. The porcelain sink had hundreds of hairline cracks. You will need to buy your own toiletries if you don’t want to smell like a man-cedarwood and juniper. I want to finish on a good note and reiterate that the staff is top notch, from the concierge to the front desk and restaurant staff. The hotel just needs a lot of updating from the 70s

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2024

Srdjan

Second time at beautiful Reef House. We are made feel very special from the day one. Staff is just beautiful and lovley. We will come back again for sure.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2023

Matheus Teodozio De

Pefect location accompanied by great price

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2023

marc

Great time

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2023

Timothy

Beautiful and Convenient

I loved staying at Reef House. The grounds are beautiful and we especially loved the mineral pool and spa. The bed is very comfy and the location is great. We would definitly come again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2023

Karen

Extremely helpful and friendly staff. Personal touches, and many complementary inclusions.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2023

Tina

An amazing experience from the moment we walked in. The property is beautiful, the cocktails a plenty and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. A perfect romantic, relaxing getaway for special occasions. We will be back!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2023

Amanda

Great service- adults only

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2023

Neil

Awesome and quiet- great service and inclusions

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2023

Kelly

Best ever 10 out off 10

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2023

Regina

I am so happy I found this place. I have a gluten allergy and every meal was appetizing and prepared safely!
The hospitality of the staff was amazing. It really stood out as the best place I stayed throughout all of Australia.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2022

JOY

Old world charm with excellent service

Delightful property
Old world charm
Excellent staff
Beautiful surroundings
Client focused
Restaurant has an excellent menu
Would suit couples wanting a relaxed atmosphere with a quiet ambiance
Highly recommend

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2022

Sharon

Reef House was excellent, fantastic staff led by Cedric - they all were friendly, helpful and could not do enough to make our stay more memorable. Great food, position at Palm Cove

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2022

Jessica

Great location and great friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jan 2022

Rosealie

The grounds and pool were very good but the rooms had very minimal furniture. The room area was large but had very little furniture. The kitchenette was a small bar fridge, sink and microwave and it was located outside the room on the verandah. Not a very clean environment for prepping food.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Paradise

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2021

JAEHAN

A little haven

This property is a bliss. A little haven from your daily stress of normal life. Staffs are wonderful and professional. Beautiful breakfast and lovely pool in a old glamour. Oceania in front desk , she is amazingly helpful host. Kerri in breakfast and Anna in dinner service, Joel and Janet. All fabulous. We don't want to leave our haven.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

Great location, exceptional service and staff.
We were happy with our room and amenities.
Felt that the mineral pool area needs a lot of maintenance done. It’s a bit run down. The other pool area is nice.The breakfast was amazing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2020

Neil

Paradise

The old poster says it all; the quiet luxury of gracious living!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2020

Verified traveler

The property is aging and desperately in need of some work. Staff are friendly.

4/10

Poor

27 May 2020

Alex

Dismal service.

Arrived to be told reservation was cancelled despite having re-confirmed two days prior. Then told room type wasn’t available. Offered a room that was unclean and under repair.
Worst experience ever. No catering of any type on property, despite not advising that on booking site. I would not recommend this hotel.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2020

Verified traveler

Close to the beach, friendly staff, two pools, and scheduled daily activities. I am not a Spa person but have family that would have made use of the Spa. The word 'complimentary' comes fast to my mind as there were many offerings from champagne in the room to sorbet by the adult only pool; daily social with drink of the day at the Brigadier bar (first and only bar set up on the honor system); fishing gear, bicycles/helmets, videos etc. and concierge services to assist with tours, transportation and reminders so we wouldn't miss a thing.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Staff were friendly and professional, very helpful. The room was lovely. The punch hour at the bar is great and the gifts on arrival are welcoming.

It would be nice to have a buffet breakfast instead of a continental. And the restaurant to be discounted for guests.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Good location and facilities. Pool areas were clean and staff knowledgeable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2020

Paul

Wonderful place

Lovely, low key stay. Great staff who went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2020

Marian

Gorgeous colonial style property with heaps of complementary extras. Sorbet by the pool every afternoon, cocktails and canapés at The Brigadiers Bar every evening, bikes, fishing equipment, games/library room, bottle of wine in room fridge, and more. Staff are amazing and ever ready to help. Shout out to Bernard, one of the reasons we returned here. Five star all the way!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2020

Karen

Your search is over

I can’t say enough how pleased we were with our stay at. The Reef House. Everything was perfect, from the service to the beauty of the location. No need to look anywhere else, book your room right away!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Great property really relaxing stay, We would definitely stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2020

dylan

The property is the ultimate luxury escape. The facilities and service are perfect and their attention to every detail is on point

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2020

Piers

Enjoyable stay, great location, if anything could be due maybe for renovation but would not deter me for booking again soon.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

The location is great: just near the beach and plenty of restaurants, and we loved having the pool so easily accessible.

Staff were also fantastic: very hospitable and happy to help, particularly when our rental car had a flat tyre as we were departing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2020

Mike

Great size, lovely room with a large balcony. Nice pool and lounge area. Attentive staff and nice restaurant.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Great Hotel and great staff, we stayed for a weekend for our wedding anniversary and everything was perfect. Forget the reviews where it states the hotel is run down and needs to be updated. If you are picky you’ll complain if you want to enjoy yourself you will. Awesome place, highly recommended.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Soo much character, staff incredible. We had a wonderful stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2020

Alejandro

Location wise the hotel is in the best spot of Palm Cove, close to every restaurants and cafe.
The main asset for this property are all the staffs, you can feel their energy, friendliness, pride and warm hospitality from their heart and action. I have 2 minor issues while my stay, 1/ the lounge chairs in both swimming pools are not enough during the peak hours. 2/ ants issue. Other than that I have a lovely and very enjoyable stay.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2020

Drezilla

Close to the beach and great area. Pool was fantastic and the room, while a little old, was still nice.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Location is amazing. Staff were super friendly. The spa was divine and Ruth was fantastic. It would be nice if the “family” pool was kitted out more like the other pool with the nicer seating areas.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Was a lovely stay, great location and staff were all so helpful and friendly.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2020

Jessica

Complimentary services/ activities such as mixology, punch, canapés, library, DVDs, bikes, fishing rods etc were a fantastic touch!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Dec 2019

Linda

Loved the tropical feel. Outstanding view of ocean from restaurant. Excellent position. Loved the bookswap.
Not impressed with the dirty looking and smelling bathroom in particular. No sanitary bags at all. Linen laundered on site - a bit tatty - gunk on a hand towel. Very helpful front office staff - especially with boarding pass print outs.. Should be a warning at time of booking that painting etc is to be carried out during time of stay - woken up by same. Not a 5 star property by our understanding, but we love it and will be back.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2019

KM

Our reception was warm, friendly and service oriented. The room was spacious and well equipped with a kitchen. It was clean and comfortable. We had opted for ocean view with a balcony and enjoyed it very much...noting the view included the front street and people watching. We did not notice and were not disturbed by any street noise.
We did use the adult pool and found a number of guests had left used towels on the ground...these and fallen debris from trees etc detracted from the experience giving an unkept feel.
Overall we would recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

The Reef House was absolutely gorgeous
A very tranquil place to stay, nice and quiet.
Beautiful room and the food was next level.
Love the history of the place.
Has a lot of character which we much prefer over your typical resort. Will definitely be going back

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

We loved the whole property, my only reservations are that 3pm is too late for check-in and it should be 2pm and bathrooms are looking tired.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Well maintained but very tired. Fine for if you want to sit by a pool but recommended else where is that is not your intention.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2019

Greg

The restaurant had a fantastic outlook over the beachfront.
The accommodation and pool area dated back to the 80’s and some parts earlier. It was starting to become a bit old and tired.
Drinks at the hotel were expensive at more than $10 for a stuby of beer and $17 for a glass of wine.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2019

Tracey

Enjoyable stay

We had a lovely,relaxing holiday.This was our second visit to the reef house in the past eighteen months.First was our Honeymoon and this was a belated one year anniversary.We had the pleasure meeting Bernard,we found him to be outstanding in making our stay memorable.Our verandah spa room was nice but the exterior corridor doors banging when other guests were leaving their rooms was annoying.The morning breakfast in the restaurant was great and the fine dining for dinner was beautiful.We will definitely visit again soon.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2019

JR

If you want the best in Palm Cove, look no further. Everything about it was perfect. Spacious and beautiful rooms, amazing views throughout the entire hotel. Perfectly located restaurant with a beach view that you won't get anywhere else. Gorgeous pools at the perfect temperature. Wonderful staff and great service.
During out stay we checked out the other hotels on William Esplanade and after walking into and exploring each of them, we were so happy we chose The Reef House. I would definitely stay there again. One of the best hotel experiences I've ever had.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2019

Jennifer

Unpretentious Luxury

Lovely hotel, location if great and the staff fantastic. The property is not ultra modern in design which is a welcome change and makes it rather unique. However it has been immaculately maintained. We also loved that it was only 30+ rooms so it was not over run with guests, it also ensured it was quiet and relaxing.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Boutique hotel experience. Quiet and private. The surroundings are divine.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Privacy and mineral pool
We bought a buffet breakfast and it was continental buffet breakfast.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The location of The Reef House was perfect. Very central, overlooking the beach. The style was gorgeous, I love this Colonial style of building. The bed was comfortable and the room was set up well.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

It’s an oldie but a goodie
Could be updated slightly in keeping with the uniqueness of the property and some deck chairs are a bit old and tired we did find the bed a bit hard rather than firm.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2019

Glenn

Stunning location, fabulous room, sparkling pools, exceptional service, friendly staff...

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

It is quirky,obviously it’s a bit dated by modern hotelsbut the originality adds appeal,the staff are excellent the only two negatives are plenty of stairs and the need for soft close hinges on pool gates

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Great location, friendly staff, heated pool and an adults only pool. Complimentary 3pm sorbet and 5pm canapés.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The accommodation is excellent and spacious.
The two pools are really great - one warmer than the other.
The staff are friendly and helpful.
I was disappointed that the breakfast buffet no longer includes hot food (it used to) and only brewed coffee was complimentary

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Return to Reef House

We used the Reef House as a base while on business in the Cairns area. We stayed there 30 years ago before it was enlarged as it is today. It was a small boutique hotel then and now is a full resort. It was pleasant, but dated, needs a upgrade. The staff were helpful and very pleasant. It is right in the middle of Palm Cove, surrounded by very old and beautiful paperbark maleleucas, so was convenient to walk to morning coffee, local boutiques and restaurants when we had time. Their restaurant menu did not change much, but the food was fine. We didn’t have time to use the 2 pools but they looked well maintained. Would we go back...probably not.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

I liked the fact it was a boutique hotel. Loved the cocktails and canapés hour. Loved they had videos and books for you to use without having to pay.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

A small boutique style resort. Very quiet and relaxing despite being on the main street. Excellent location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Central position in Palm Cove. Excellent staff and facilities. Brilliant ambiance . First class

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

I Iiked the honesty bar system, but breakfast needs to be rethought. Not many hotels charge over and above the normal breakfast price for an espresso coffee instead of *gulp* dripolator coffee that’s been sitting around for who knows how long. The updated decor is good, but bathrooms really need an overhaul.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

08 Jul 2019

JS

Way over-rated place. Rust, rust, rust everywhere you looked (up). Be prepared to pay for alot at this place and there's no flexibility. Want a decent (non-filter) coffee for b'fast, after paying for the \"Continental B'fast\"? Pay for one. Want to change an egg with a sausage? Pay for it. You get to understand their business model. Room is more like a 3-star hotel. Great location though! That's about it.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2019

PeterChan

Staff polite and friendly. Quiet and serene environment.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

The Reef House appears to appeal more to older travellers. I felt that the place was rather soulless. Service was at best perfunctory. The property however is conveniently located and very quiet and peaceful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Great property - very friendly people
I would come back any day

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

31 May 2019

Verified traveler

No communication ,example showing us around the property.
The bedroom door lock was broken.
There was also bad staff serving us,that made us wait for breakfast.
My room was definelty not 5 star.

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2019

Verified traveler

The property had a wonderful, position and ambience..
The bathroom was tiny with minuscule shower which is my only negative. Comment.
Excellent stFf

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic service staff very helpful especially reception staff
Lovely setting great food

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2019

Martin

Great position.

Great position, attractive building and good public areas. Nice restaurant, open air and nice food. The bedroom is a little bizarre in design, with the bathroom consisting of only shower and toilet, with the wash basing in the bedroom. Apart from that, alright. Nice wicker hammock on the balcony, overlooking the pool.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2019

Verified traveler

Separating any hot food out of a buffet breakfast is misleading and then charging extra for the hot food is wrong. Very very dissapointed with this arrangement and I heared many people complain about the same. Any decent 5star I have ever stayed in only charged extra for barrista coffees !

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2019

Joby

We LOVED The Reef House. The rooms and facilities aren't super modern - but they're comfortable, well thought out & completely perfect for a tropical holiday. The staff are attentive, friendly & happy.
What we loved the most was the unexpected little things that the reef house offers, the Brigadier Bar and the excellent conversations with Norm, The relaxed setting with chess boards, shared library of books and movies, afternoon sorbet around the pool, the fishing rods & push bikes - all there for our use.
The continental breakfast was a delight & the restaurant served the best food we've had in a long, long time.
We loved reading the history of the place as well!
We felt that Palm Cove as a whole was an ideal place for couples. Take your kids to the GC - but take yourselves to Palm Cove, and in particular - The Reef House.
We will absolutely return.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Centrally located, spacious rooms, beautiful and calming decor. Restaurant food was delicious. All in all this is now my preferred accommodation whilst in palm cove

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2019

Nicole

Great place to stay outside of Cairnes.

Hotel is really nice and friendly. Restaurant has good food too. Really good location outside of the main city. Tours will pick you up from Palm Cove so it’s worth staying in this little oasis. Would recommend highly!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2019

Venu

A little gem in Palm cove

We had a great stay in a lovely property . We got an upgrade to a pool facing room . Spacious room , huge sit out. Big bathroom and lot of space for our bags . Staff were very friendly and helpful . Highly recommend this hotel .

Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2019

JayF

The property was finished out in an old farmer’s lodging, according to Colin, who is associated with the hotel and a third generation native of the area.
It was originally opened as a Ramada hotel in the ‘80’s. There doesn’t seem to have been much done to it since then.
It’s got a rustic charm but really needs some refurbishing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2019

Nir

Reception staff are very friendly and helpfull - excelent customer service!

4/10

Poor

15 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Cockroaches at the apartment. Staff very helpful though

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Everything about our stay was simply perfect - hotel staff and facilities were wonderful. Everyone went out of their way to be helpful and we were always greeted with a smile. We cannot wait to stay there again!

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2019

Alli

Not what I expected our stay at the resort to be like. We arrived and had early check in (which was great). The welcome drink was a nice touch with a cool towel and the nightly drinks at 5pm were refreshing. Pool towels and sun lotion were included. We noticed that the pool area was not kept very clean throughout the day (not sure if there was short staff). The \"bar\" was a serve your own and mark down what you took ordeal... which we didn't like since there were not the correct ingredients for the drinks that were advertised that you could make on your own. Our rooms were cleaned daily, but I'm weary that the floors were swept in our room each day because it felt like there was a build up of sand on the floor (which is important when you're at a beach resort). I didn't care for the fact that we didn't get complementary water bottles each day. At a nice resort, I expect to get waters replaced. I thought it was cheesy that we only got one water bottle in our fridge at check in for two guests. Lastly, everything cost extra money including lattes or when you purchase the breakfast on Expedia with the room. I thought the continental breakfast was lacking as it was only cold cereals, yogurt and bread. There was no hot food. Lastly, there were children in the serenity adult pool which was slightly annoying. Overall, the stay was pleasant and I would recommend, but it was not the service I expected for the value of the resort.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2019

Monika

We had only one disappointment. That we had only 3 days to luxuriate in this gorgeous hotel. Fabulous. We’ll be back!!

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2019

Camilo

Great and spacious rooms and pool.

It's the best and most comfortable place to have a holiday break, as this is our third visit.