I chose Julie and Rod Mitchell's place for a 4-5 day rest in Cairns area after flying in from Europe with the intention of visiting the Great Barrier Reef. I had chosen a bed and breakfast as it is more personal, and from its description with lovely and - as it turned out - accurate photos- which clearly located it opposite the sea, with the kind of luxury that suits me which it is about having a lovely harmonious room , a great breakfast and a lovely view. But also a for a single traveller importantly I had welcoming hosts who ensured I was met, got on the best trips - to Daintree Forest - a must-, as well as the Reef, hired a car, and all with no trouble of difficulties. There were places to eat within an easy walk. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

We spent our last night in Australia here before flying out of Cairn the following day. We really wished we had stayed here longer rather than in Cairns itself. We enjoyed the chance to cool off in the lovely pool and to stroll to the local (very good) restaurant. The rooms were quiet and very comfortable, the breakfast was superb and the Mitchells extremely charming and helpful. From our room on the first floor balcony we got an amazing late night display of sheet lightening on the horizon which entertained us for several hours.

We enjoyed our stay with Julie & Rod. They were friendly and very helpful in setting up our tours to the rain forest and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. The Rajah room was fantastic with a beautiful veranda overlooking the palm trees and pool. Breakfast was amazing and the fruit plates a work of art. We would certainly stay here again and recommend it to our friends.

After staying with Julie and Rod Mitchell for three nights the end of January, we have just reset the bar for what we consider to be a great B&B experience. If you want typical "franchise" acccommodations then don't stay here! If, on the other hand, you stay in a B&B because you enjoy meeting interesting people and favor a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, then Zimzala is the place to be the next time you visit Cairns or want to see the Reef! The Mitchells acquired the property a few years back after it had gone into decline, and have done an outstanding job of turning it around.

The stories of Rod's fabulous breakfasts are all true. Zimzala's second floor spacious guest accommodations along with access to the pool downstairs, location across from the beach, and the Mitchells' willingness to be as involved or as invisible in your holiday as you like make a stay at Zimzala an absolute "MUST DO"!!!

Also, be sure to avail yourself of airport pick-up/delivery services that the Mitchells offer. On the way to Zimzala, Rod gave us a tour of Holloways Beach and the local eateries and bottle shop (all within easy walking distance of Zimzala). Thanks to his guidance, we discovered the absolute joy of crumbed Barrimundi for the first (and second!!!) time.

Should we ever return to this part of Australia, we will happily look forward to staying with the Mitchells again! Best to you Both!!!