It’s all about the water at Crystalbrook Riley, whether you’re swimming in the light-dappled lagoon pool that stretches over 1000 square metres; sinking your toes in the sandy, man-made beach; or peering out at the Coral Sea from the windows in one of the hotel’s 311 luxe rooms and suites. Every day here is a pool day, particularly throughout the sunny dry season. As the day winds down, head up to the hotel’s rooftop bar Rocco and take in the city and Coral Sea views with a Marrakech Mule – a chilli and cumin infused tequila, lavender, ginger beer and mint cocktail – in hand.

Escape to Crystalbrook Riley and save 10% with the Crystalbrook Crowd. Book now at crystalbrookcollection.com

The Great Barrier Reef (deservedly) garners a lot of attention but travel inland from Cairns to the dramatic terrain of the Atherton Tablelands and you’ll discover an entirely different kind of tropical playground. The village of Kuranda (30 kilometres northwest and accessible by car and the Kuranda Scenic Railway) is a lush, high-altitude haven worth adding to the itinerary. In the winter months, temperatures sit in the mid-20s, perfect for strolling the rainforest markets and sampling local mango wine.

Given its palm-fringed view of the beach, the restaurant Nu Nu could easily let its location do all the heavy lifting – but it doesn’t. About a 30-minute drive north of Cairns, in the tropical idyll of Palm Cove, Nu Nu plates up dishes that are both elegant and exploding with flavour, thanks to executive chef and co-owner Nick Holloway. Think reef fish poached in kimchi butter, caramelised duck ham with pineapple and fragrant spring rolls stuffed with pork and coral trout.

The curved, honey-hued wood and marble accents of Crystalbrook Flynn’s lobby might ooze a sleek elegance but there are pops of vibrant personality everywhere you look. The glass swimming pools, complimentary electric scooters and Boardwalk Social, a bustling central bar complete with DJ, make for a stay that is equal parts playful and indulgent.

Escape to Crystalbrook Flynn and save 10% with the Crystalbrook Crowd. Book now at crystalbrookcollection.com

While the land-based locals are sure to give you a warm welcome in Cairns, the main action lies within the city’s glittering waters. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the ideal launch pad for exploring the World Heritage-listed wonder and it’s home to a number of tour operators, including the award-winning Divers Den. Winter is the safest season for swimming on the reef, with stingers steering clear between June and October. Strap on a snorkel and dive in.

There’s a rich history of Italian immigration in Cairns, with many having worked on surrounding farms. Flynn’s Italian – Crystalbrook Flynn’s signature dining offering – pays homage to the city’s heritage by marrying Italian flavours with homegrown, seasonal Australian produce. In winter, expect charred Queensland tiger prawns tossed in linguine, ravioli made with crab and Daintree barramundi and a Caprese salad decorated with Atherton Tablelands tomatoes.

The first thing you’ll notice as you walk into the lobby at Crystalbrook Bailey is the towering expanse of green that stretches skyward on the living wall. The second thing you’ll notice is the grand piano, which was handpainted by Gunggari/Djabugay artist Natasha Davui. It sets the theme for the hotel’s 217 rooms, each of which is a celebration of local and Indigenous art. An added bonus? Four-legged family members are welcome to tag along, as Bailey is dog-friendly.

Escape to Crystalbrook Bailey and save 10% with the Crystalbrook Crowd. Book now at crystalbrookcollection.com

With its vintage mustard-and-cream-coloured umbrellas and sun-soaked day beds, the vibe at Calypso Club is part tiki bar, part Slim Aarons photograph. Clarified Cocos, a coconut, rum and spices cocktail topped with colada foam in pineapple-shaped glasses, and deluxe potato scallops (served with garlic aïoli and vinegar mist) make Crystalbrook Riley’s buzziest spot the ideal place to celebrate your escaping the cold

Relax with a “muscle meltdown” massage that combines warming essential oils with therapeutic massage techniques or indulge in a rejuvenating facial using Sodashi’s Western Australian-made products at Eléme Spa. Found in both Crystalbrook Flynn and Crystalbrook Riley, this day spa offers a range of treatments designed to hydrate skin, soothe the body and lift your mood.