Villa Empat Puluh Dua

Relax and retreat in magnificent tropical surroundings on the shores of the Coral Sea. Take endless beach walks, watch rainforest sunsets. Swim, snorkel, sail, slumber. Be pampered in body and soul. Inspired by the architecture in Bali, Port Douglas Villa Empat Puluh Dua is imbued with a monumental Asian feel. Experience luxury and 5 star waterfront accomodation. The facilities and services available give Villa Empat Puluh Dua the feel of an exclusive mini resort where almost anything can be arranged, and complete seclusion is possible.

Perched high on forested Flagstaff Hill overlooking the town of Port Douglas and the Coral Sea, Villa Empat Puluh Dua is a place of peace and luxury. Sweeping views of rainforest, beach and mountains, the sound of falling water and breaking waves, birdsong and tropical breezes are Empat Puluh Dua’s essence. This holiday beach house is a place for families and friends to be together, or for couples to retreat from the world. Revel in the myriad activities that Port Douglas has to offer or simply relax by the villa’s pool and do as little as you wish.

The villa is just five minutes’ walk from Port Douglas’ beautiful Four Mile Beach, and five minutes from the centre of town. It is surrounded by some of the most magnificent natural environments on the planet. Among the best diving and snorkelling sites on the Great Barrier Reef are found directly off Port Douglas, and the lovely fringing reef of the Low Isles lies just offshore. World Heritage rainforest surrounds the Port Douglas area. The area affords opportunities for all kinds of active relaxation from game fishing to golf. High quality shopping and dining in Port Douglas are within easy walking distance, and the town’s Sunday markets are some of the best in the region.

The villa has seven bedrooms, 3 king sized and 4 queens, that accommodate up to 14 people. The rooms are individually designed to reflect the classic Asian feel, using beautiful Designers Guild fabrics and Grange wrought iron and cane furniture imported from France. Timber louvers on all the bedroom windows protect against the tropical sun, and each room has a ceiling fan as well as its own air conditioning unit. There is a hotel-style phone system with separate lines in every room and additional plugs for internet access. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms with bath or shower. L’Occitane products are supplied in the bathrooms, and luxurious are provided in the bedrooms.

The lounge and the dining area are the heart of the house. Dusky red amoora wood paneling and dark polished timber floors add to the pleasantly cool and shaded atmosphere. Handmade Customweave rugs add luxury. High ceilings give sense of space, and folding glass doors lead onto a huge deck with expansive views over ocean, beach and rainforest. Timber louvers high in the eaves and on all windows open to allow in tropical breezes. Comfortable imported Italian leather sofas in chocolate brown are perfect for languid lounging, and wide screen TV, a DVD player, Austar satellite channels and Pioneer stereo provide indoor entertainment.

In the kitchen, a state-of-the art gas/electric cooker, dishwasher and full dinner service for 14 make cooking for friends easy. A gas barbeque is also provided on the main deck. On the entrance level, there are additional kitchen facilities and a dining area, which can be closed off with sliding doors from the large lobby space. Full laundry facilities are also available.

Built with terracing on several levels, the large outdoor terrace area is made for lounging. Cool off in the skyline edge pool, heated in winter, and gaze out over the Coral Sea, or relax on the day bed, listening to the sound of the water garden as it spills over terrace levels. Imported German cane weave outdoor furniture and luxurious soft furnishings complete the classic cut comfortable effect. The tranquil, private gardens, designed by Paul Bangay, are a tropical green haven of gardenia hedges, scented ginger, water lillies and cascading white bougainvillea.

In the central poolside pavilion a second gas barbeque and dining area are provided and there is an additional kitchen area and bar fridge by the pool. Gas flares on the main deck and poolside add to the exotic atmosphere at night. For those who wish to avoid the steps from street level, an inclinator, accessed from the garage, allows stair-free access to the pool and entrance level.