Virginia Hellier Consulting
Sebel Reef House and Spa
The Sebel Reef House and Spa at Palm Cove...even the name conjures thoughts of palm lined golden beaches,
tropical cocktails under umbrellas beside glistening pools and sunset dinners overlooking the sea.
Fifteen minutes north of Cairns and its airport, Palm Cove is a tiny village of residential and
low lying accommodation properties overlooking a pretty brick paved esplanade with the pristine
sand of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef beyond.
character of the tropical north complete with plantation shutters and an abundance of tropical
plants. General Manager Tony Marrinan who has joined Sebel from his last posting in Oxford, has
developed an exceptional kitchen brigade headed by Chef Philip Mitchell.
Originally from London, Chef Philip Mitchell's Australian experience includes Bedarra Island,
Palmer's at Noosa and his own restaurant '2 Chefs'. At Sebel Reef House and Spa he has complemented the
exclusive atmosphere of the property with the most stunning menus, offered in two dining areas.
The main Dining room, which has a beach house ambience, spills out on to the garden where diners
catch the tropical sea breezes. The menu circles the globe with dishes such as Souffle of cod
brandade with tomato and garlic; shredded pork, quince and chilli salad with verjuice vinaigrette;
gravlax and wasabi panna cotta with mizuna flying fish roe and a fabulous scorched, fennel dukkah
encrusted barramundi, with black mussel sauce. Philip often travels Australia as a guest chef at
food festivals and schools spreading the Sebel Reef House story.
If bathers and beach towels are the order of the day, guests can dine by the pool, where a simpler
menu is offered throughout the day and evening. The staff are 'Queensland' friendly and very
accommodating whilst retaining their professional edge. The indulgent experience of
a Reef House visit can now be extended further with the opening of the Reef House ' Spa', a place
where the entire body can be pampered - Chef Philip Mitchell has sourced especially light
and summery produce from many regions of Queensland to create a Spa menu which guests may choose
to complete their 'Spa' experience.
But for now...after a day at the beach and a delicious dinner, gigantic tropical palm fronds swaying
in the sea breeze beneath a star filled sky, you may think you are in paradise…
The Sebel Reef House and Spa99 William Esplanade, Palm Cove
Queensland 4878
Tel 07) 4055 3633
Visit the Sebel Reef House and Spa website Please contact us at any time directly via e-mail here
or at the Melbourne office
Hellier Consulting
PO Box 259
Toorak 3142
Melbourne Victoria
Tel 03) 9500 2392 Fax 03) 9500 2671