If I became prime minister of Australia, my first decree would be that every hotel has a swim-up pool bar exactly like the one at the Oaks Resort in Port Douglas. I'm drawn to swim up bars like a moth to a flame, so believe me when I say I'm qualified enough to title this as one of the best in the country. And this is what makes the Oaks so perfect for any trip to Port Douglas , whether you're on a honeymoon, a family trip, a getaway with friends or a solo treat-yourself holiday.
The bar's collection of frozen mocktails and slushies also makes it a stellar spot for a babymoon - which is exactly what took me up to the small Queensland town. READ MORE: Here's how a cruise holiday can actually save you money Oaks Port Douglas is a sprawling property a short walk from the famous Four Mile Beach, with a mix of classic hotel rooms and one- or two-bedroom apartments. It's truly a tropical oasis - the moment you step into the lobby you're greeted with a gushing waterfall, a lilypad-covered pond, and wooden boardwalks that lead you to the lagoon-style pool.
You can choose between rooms that are centrally located by the pool, or tucked away among palm trees and lush foliage if you want a bit more privacy. Besides the pool which I've already professed my love for, the onsite spa is a place that really captured my heart. READ MORE: Surprising things you can do in the Whitsundays An hour-long pregnancy massage was exactly what I needed to ease myself into the holiday, cocooned in the calming vibes of the spa.
They also have hot stone massages and beauty treatments so you can pack out your day with one calming appointment after the other. READ MORE: Suitcase detail that means your bag is less likely to be 'tossed around' There are four on-site dining options: the pool bar, the Lilypad cafe which offers a buffet breakfast, the Little Pizza Company for laidback dinners, and the Oak & Vine restaurant. You already know I'm a fan of a pool bar, so that was our first stop after arriving mid-afternoon from Sydney.
While poolside food can sometimes be hit or miss, I'm pleased to say that the pizza, burger, and hot chips were absolutely spot on, devoured in the sun between taking dips in the pool. Oak and Vine - the onsite restaurant - is a welcoming, open space with high ceilings and dark furnishings. It's semi-alfresco, allowing you to enjoy balmy evenings while listening to the cascading waterfall across the way.
We were lucky enough to visit on a night with live music, which only made the vibes even better. Looking at the menu it felt almost impossible to nail down the right choice of meal, as everything sounded so good. But after careful deliberation, my choice of the barramundi certainly lived up to expectations.
My boyfriend says that the Massaman curry he ordered was "one of the best I've ever had". And let me tell you, he's tried a lot. The hotel also has a 'takeaway' pizza joint open every day, which is great for an easy dinner if you're travelling with kids or exhausted after a day out exploring the Daintree or the Great Barrier Reef.
You simply can't visit Far North Queensland without staying somewhere that has a pool. Even though we were there in winter, temperatures were in the high 20s, and being able to float around in the perfectly temperate water was a godsend. The pool is big enough that you don't have to fight for a lounger, and even has some comfy seating on an island in the middle.
There's a kiddie area too, so it's suitable for all ages. Of course, the swim-up bar is the highlight - I already want to come back here on a girls trip and sample their cocktail menu. Knowing nothing about Port Douglas before the trip, I wasn't sure which part of town was the best to stay in.
Thankfully, there's an on-demand shuttle bus that runs from the Oaks to anywhere you want, all day through 'til midnight. This made it so much easier to get around and explore the area - there was no way I was going to lug my pregnant belly on a 30-minute walk in the North Queensland heat. The Oaks is just a five-minute walk from the world-famous Four Mile Beach - a long stretch of pure sand fringed by picturesque palm trees.
One early morning we tackled a walk along the beach into town, summiting the Trinity Bay lookout and taking in the amazing views before it got too hot. Then all we had to do was call for the shuttle to whisk us back to the Oaks in all its air-conditioned glory. Port Douglas is a classic babymoon spot, and for good reason.
First of all, the weather is almost always warm. Heading from the depths of NSW winter into the balmy sunshine of Port Douglas was exactly the mood booster I needed in my third trimester. Plus, there is so much to do.
While hiking, diving and bike riding are all typical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree activities, there are still plenty of options for those of us who are a little less mobile. Think spa treatments, slow beach walks, leisurely sunset cruises, chilled mocktails on the deck, long lunches, and bougie breakfast spots. Oaks has just launched two new packages for anyone keen to head up north and check it out for themselves.
Couples can take advantage of the romantic package which includes three nights accommodation, a welcome drink, and a sunset cruise, from $649. There's also a family package , staying in a two-bedroom apartment, where kids eat free and includes a visit to Wildlife Habitat, from $999. The writer was a guest of Oaks Port Douglas Resort.
.
