Located on a paradise island off the North-Eastern coast of Australia, Orpheus Island Lodge sits nestled on a golden beach at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. A luxury private lodge with only 14 rooms, suites and villas, Orpheus is intimate and secluded. Devoted to giving guests luxury at their fingertips.
OUT OF OFFICE: SWITCHED ON
Arrival to this tropical utopia requires a short helicopter ride from mainland Australia, before your feet touch down on the shore, your eyes are treated to views that seem to be dreamlike. Rocks guard the islands coasts whilst luscious forests sprawl across the sleeping hills gripping each rugged cliff, embracing each mountain curve. With sights like this, the mind quickly switches into ‘Out of Office’ mode.
With capacity for only around 30 guests at a time, there is an intimate quality about Orpheus, and part of the magic is because it is so quiet. In the early morning (after sleeping off the tiredness that goes hand in hand with travel) when standing on the deck looking out across the horizon, it is the blissful sounds of ocean stillness that make this place magical.
PARADISE TRAILS
Whilst the lodge and its villas watch over the shore, the rest of the blossoming island behind is made up of 1,000 hectares of the national park which are abundant with tropical fauna. Trees shoot up from the earth, thriving in the sunlight, and through the neon green almost translucent light saturated leaves, the tropical birds sing sweetly from the hours of early mornings into the depths of humming evenings; joined in by tree frogs who croak into the night. Mornings spent here can be enjoyed by stepping out and exploring the hiking trails that weave through this jungle, guests are invited to immerse themselves in this Jurassic like landscape where waterfalls pour and rivers flow.
Once you’ve discovered the wonders of the sprawling national park, one can head to the sea in search of the salty breeze and shallow waters. What makes Orpheus so extraordinary is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, just a few steps from the villas, once you have padded barefoot across the sand, you will find yourself at the edge of the ocean. The turquoise canvas that stretches out into the depths of the horizon, underneath the sheet of surf, a world of delicate coral awaits. Orpheus responsibly grants its guests the opportunity to access the reefs, which are abundant with over 1,000 tropical fish species.
DIVE DEEP
With the warm summer heat beaming down, ones need to plunge into the clear, salty waters is unequivocal. Orpheus offers guests the chance to experience the ocean through different activities such as snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding and kayaking. The enchanting underwater landscape is worth exploring, The Great Barrier Reef is home to 1/3 of the world’s coral species as well as a myriad of marine life. Orpheus Island Lodge works hard with James Cook University to help support and preserve this incredible structure of coral organisms so that future generations have the chance to observe and learn about this vital ecosystem. As well as working hard to preserve the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus also ensures that it works alongside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority so that the coral reefs can be explored in only positive ways for both the people and for mother nature.
REST AND REPEAT
After afternoons spent submerged in the deep and lounging on the golden sands, before evening creeps in there is time to take a visit to The Gwandalan Spa. The spa breathes tranquility and serenity into the resort and is designed to awaken and rebalance the body and mind. The Aboriginal word ‘Gwandalan’ translates as ‘rest and peace’ and is a fitting name for the authentic spa. Treatments here use sustainable, wild-harvested, pure Australian organic ingredients; a gentle nod to their commitment to island sustainability. Their exotic beach massage treatment brings the soul into a state of pure relaxation, teasing every one of the senses into a hypnosis. With palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, they are the perfect soundtrack to accompany this aromatic muscle-melting massage.
Sustainability is at the core of this idyllic paradise retreat, respect and understanding of the environment is woven into Orpheus’ DNA and is visible when you discover their attention to detail in every corner of the lodge. Orpheus is committed to educating guests whilst providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. They shine a spotlight on the severity of climate change and are devoted to actively participating in efforts to minimise impacts on the environment through energy and emission reduction strategies.
