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Bali Hai invites guests to reconnect with what
truly matters; family, friends, and nature,

offering a rare blend of luxury and intimacy
UNIQUE STAYS that is increasingly hard to find.

Bali Hai Port Douglas

Where time stands still and connections deepen

Words by Jamie Jansen

ometimes life moves so quickly that the distance between
us and the people we love creeps in unnoticed. A new style
of travel is quietly changing that with multi-generational
Sescapes. Rather than travelling separately, families are
coming together across generations, with grandparents, parents,

and children sharing the same space. They’re opportunities
to connect, celebrate, and cherish moments that can never be
recreated.
This kind of intentional travel calls for a property designed around

connection, and Bali Hai, just outside Port Douglas, fits the brief
perfectly. Set on 80 acres that feel entirely removed from time, it is
a sanctuary of tropical luxury and calm.
A JOURNEY INTO SECLUSION
THE CREATION OF PARADISE VERSATILITY AND LIFESTYLE
Tucked away in a private, exclusive pocket, the property’s address The story of this sanctuary began more than 25 years ago with Hans and Multi-generational escapes are a natural fit, but Bali Hai also lends

is deliberately vague: “somewhere in the rainforest”. The journey Wendy, locals with a vision for something extraordinary: a private escape itself effortlessly to friends seeking a private retreat, couples celebrating

there is part of the experience, accessible by car for those who that blends Southeast Asian charm with the untamed beauty of Far North honeymoons, or elegant weddings and special events.

enjoy a scenic drive or by helicopter, which offers breathtaking Queensland. What were once cane farms have been transformed into 80
aerial views of the Daintree Valley. Over the years, it has hosted everything from intimate celebrations to
acres of rainforest, gardens, and lawns that stretch like an emerald carpet.

Driving in, the sense of anticipation begins immediately, winding past cane fields, tropical Hans collaborated closely with architect Chris Van Dyke, celebrated for lively gatherings of up to 150 guests, proving that no matter who arrives,
the focus is always on sharing time, space, and the natural beauty that

gardens, and the distant mountain range. The property’s long driveway climbs gently through designing spaces that harmonise seamlessly with the natural environment surrounds them.
rainforest, with the valley stretching into ever more spectacular views at every turn, setting while capturing the essence of tropical living.

the tone for the serenity that defines Bali Hai. One of the great things about Bali Hai is the freedom it offers: guests can

Today, Bali Hai comprises a main house and seven individual choose to stay on the property and have everything provided on-site or

Perched atop a hill, seven villas await, crafted in authentic Balinese style. Lush greenery
envelops every corner, while panoramic views of the Daintree mountains and valley dominate thatched bungalows, including one with two bedrooms, comfortably venture out and explore the region with tours and experiences arranged
the horizon. A wet-edge infinity pool sits perfectly within this setting, inviting guests to accommodating up to 14 guests. Each villa features a standalone bathtub by the team.

linger, relax, and fully soak in the scenery. perfectly positioned in front of a large window, inviting guests to sink into Guests can immerse themselves in the tropical surroundings, whether
warm water while the mountains stretch endlessly beyond, a moment of exploring the nearby Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest or browsing
Nestled at the lower end of the property, a freshwater creek winds its way through the grounds. pure indulgence where the world seems to pause. local markets. For those who prefer to stay on the estate, Bali Hai offers

A grand flight of stone steps leads down past an orchard bursting with tropical fruit trees - Bali Hai was Hans and Wendy’s first creation, and it would grow into personalised services, including in-house chefs and private spa treatments.

such as mango, lychee and mangosteen - before reaching the creek, where natural swimming Executive Retreats, a collection of architecturally designed beachfront From soothing massages to indulgent facials and body therapies, these
holes invite guests to cool off while the gentle babble of the water adds to the sense of calm.

houses, villas, and private lifestyle escapes across Port Douglas and beyond. experiences allow luxury and nature to come together, offering total
Next to the creek, a Balinese-style spa with a gently curved roof features large windows that From the beginning, Bali Hai set the tone: a place where privacy, elegance, relaxation without ever leaving the property.
frame the view and let in the soothing sounds of the water. It’s a space where luxury and and the natural world coexist in perfect harmony.
nature come together, offering a calm and indulgent escape.

While Hans and Wendy no longer own Bali Hai, they continue to handle
It’s no wonder celebrities like Rebecca Gibney have chosen the villas for intimate moments, bookings through Executive Retreats, ensuring that the property retains
and during Port Douglas’s filming heyday, other notable guests have passed through. the personal warmth and vision that made it so special from the start.

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PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 31