Unique stays: Bali Hai Port Douglas

Words by Jamie Jansen

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Sometimes 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 escapes. 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

Tucked away in a private, exclusive pocket, the property’s address is deliberately vague: “somewhere in the rainforest”. The journey there is part of the experience, accessible by car for those who enjoy a scenic drive or by helicopter, which offers breathtaking aerial views of the Daintree Valley.

Driving in, the sense of anticipation begins immediately, winding past cane fields, tropical gardens, and the distant mountain range. The property’s long driveway climbs gently through rainforest, with the valley stretching into ever more spectacular views at every turn, setting the tone for the serenity that defines Bali Hai.

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 the horizon. A wet-edge infinity pool sits perfectly within this setting, inviting guests to linger, relax, and fully soak in the scenery.

Nestled at the lower end of the property, a freshwater creek winds its way through the grounds. A grand flight of stone steps leads down past an orchard bursting with tropical fruit trees - such as mango, lychee and mangosteen - before reaching the creek, where natural swimming holes invite guests to cool off while the gentle babble of the water adds to the sense of calm.

Next to the creek, a Balinese-style spa with a gently curved roof features large windows that frame the view and let in the soothing sounds of the water. It’s a space where luxury and nature come together, offering a calm and indulgent escape.

It’s no wonder celebrities like Rebecca Gibney have chosen the villas for intimate moments, and during Port Douglas’s filming heyday, other notable guests have passed through.

The creation of paradise

The story of this sanctuary began more than 25 years ago with Hans and Wendy, locals with a vision for something extraordinary: a private escape that blends Southeast Asian charm with the untamed beauty of Far North Queensland. What were once cane farms have been transformed into 80 acres of rainforest, gardens, and lawns that stretch like an emerald carpet.

Hans collaborated closely with architect Chris Van Dyke, celebrated for designing spaces that harmonise seamlessly with the natural environment while capturing the essence of tropical living.

Today, Bali Hai comprises a main house and seven individual thatched bungalows, including one with two bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 14 guests. Each villa features a standalone bathtub perfectly positioned in front of a large window, inviting guests to sink into warm water while the mountains stretch endlessly beyond, a moment of pure indulgence where the world seems to pause.

Bali Hai was Hans and Wendy’s first creation, and it would grow into Executive Retreats, a collection of architecturally designed beachfront houses, villas, and private lifestyle escapes across Port Douglas and beyond. From the beginning, Bali Hai set the tone: a place where privacy, elegance, and the natural world coexist in perfect harmony.

While Hans and Wendy no longer own Bali Hai, they continue to handle bookings through Executive Retreats, ensuring that the property retains the personal warmth and vision that made it so special from the start.

Versatility and lifestyle

Multi-generational escapes are a natural fit, but Bali Hai also lends itself effortlessly to friends seeking a private retreat, couples celebrating honeymoons, or elegant weddings and special events.

Over the years, it has hosted everything from intimate celebrations to 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 surrounds them.

One of the great things about Bali Hai is the freedom it offers: guests can choose to stay on the property and have everything provided on-site or venture out and explore the region with tours and experiences arranged by the team.

Guests can immerse themselves in the tropical surroundings, whether exploring the nearby Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest or browsing local markets. For those who prefer to stay on the estate, Bali Hai offers personalised services, including in-house chefs and private spa treatments. From soothing massages to indulgent facials and body therapies, these experiences allow luxury and nature to come together, offering total relaxation without ever leaving the property.

Bali Hai invites guests to reconnect with what truly matters; family, friends, and nature, offering a rare blend of luxury and intimacy that is increasingly hard to find.