Port Douglas Retreat is a picturesque, peaceful complex nice and close to the heart of Port Douglas - and yet not so close to be noisy or have much traffic.
It was a great place to relax after a busy day sightseeing, the room was fine for what we needed, and David & Joyce couldn't do enough for us. The pool is mostly shaded, but the deck seemed to get quite a bit of sun, and the bbq area was good to use too. The trees realy add character to the place and make it seem very tropical - plus there are birds galore, which was great to listen to. Air con is a little noisy if you have it on, but that was the ony thing wrong at all. Highly recommended.

From the moment I arrived, as David came to the airport transfer bus to help with my luggage, I felt welcome. He and Joyce were very helpful and friendly.
The location is excellent; close to the beach, shops and restaurants and not far from the harbour. The room was spacious and well equiped with a balcony overlooking trees. The pool was the best of my month in Australia: warm water and surrounded by tropical trees and brightly coloured lorikeets.
David and Joyce gave excellent advice on trips which were all brilliant. (The only time I went to see soemthing they hadn't recommended - the cane toad racing- it was rubbish!)
A really pleasant stay.

We have just returned from an 8 day stay, and found Port Douglas Retreat to be just that - a wonderful, peaceful spot, fantastic location just 5 minutes from the beach and shops, with a stunning garden and wonderful birdlife. Contrary to the previous comments, the lovely trees around the beautiful pool offer welcome respite from the Queensland sun, and as the sun moves round you simply move your lounger! Great facilities, David and Joyce as managers were always on hand with advice if needed - a fantastic stay, and having looked at so many other options in P.D, this definitely represents the best value and experience - we are planning now for a return visit!

From the outside the premises look lovely and are built in a colonial style, but it's a shame guests can't take advantage of the balmy climate on the beautiful pool and decking area. Mostly there is very little direct sunshine on the sun terrace as it is surrounded by trees. I was not the only one who found this disappointing - whenever I went down to the sundeck to see if I could catch a few rays, two or three other guests with the same thing in mind were muttering about the place needing a tree surgeon. I don't subathe all day, but I like to chill out for an hour or two perhaps after I've been somewhere and this is very much part of my holiday, so I was very disappointed. Our apartment, which was admittedly one of the cheaper 'tree view' ones, was clean and serviceable but gloomy and chilly as, again, the trees were right up against the balcony and there was no direct sunlight at all. When leaving the apartment and getting out on to the street, we were always surprised how warm it was outside! However, the position of the establishment is very central, so if you don't want to sunbathe it is fine.