Restaurant is truly first class. The atmosphere in the spectacular building open to nature including the creek/river, the food at lunch really great by any standard, and the best service staff we’ve experienced. Well done Silky Oaks team!

Never been to a hotel like this before. I would definitely class it as luxury. We were met by a very pleasant young lady and then given a glass of bubbly and another staff member introduced us to the hotel. Made to feel important. Beautiful huge room overlooking the river. Loved the teacup bath. The evening meals were amazing. Loved the steak and kangaroo. Unbelievable. Like Masterchef! Thought the incense burner and the closing of the blinds whilst we were at dinner were a lovely touch. 100 dollar credit enabled me to have a lovely facial. Not sure if we have an equivalent in the UK; certainly not a rainforest retreat.

Silky Oaks is in a spectacular setting in the Daintree Forest. The lodge has had several owners and make-overs, so that the beautiful surrounding vegetation comes from several countries. Almost none of the forest is primary but what exists now blends well. The animals and birds that scratch on the ground and fly above are just a delight to see. Our top-end suite was spacious and well-appointed with balconies looking out onto the forest and running river below. The resort is landscaped with attractive walking paths and a swimming pool nestled in one corner. It feels as though the original designer was extremely talented. The staff were approachable and proficient. They showed interest in what we were doing and were keen to ensure that we enjoyed our stay. Nevertheless, we were disappointed on several levels that mainly relate to systemic and management issues. We felt that Silky Oaks is overpriced for what it offers, compared to what other luxury hotels offer. As well, despite the renovations, it is in need of more. (e,g, buckled wood flooring in the boutique shop, the ‘kitchen garden” overgrown and somewhat unkempt, the outside paths cracked, and in need of repair). We had the sense that the resort was economising. It is no single thing that gave us this impression but to give some examples. We had a cheese platter delivered to the room on arrival. After less than an hour, we left the room for dinner and on return it was gone. When we asked for it to be returned, a much smaller replacement was delivered. There is a wine allowance in your mini-fridge of one bottle per day, with Rose the default option. The bar doesn’t open until 5.30 pm. Lunch is not included in the all-inclusive tariff. We found the food variable. Breakfast selection is limited e.g. three choices of bread (none of it fresh), three choices of pastries, fruit limited and sometimes over-ripe or under-ripe. If you order toast (for example with eggs) you can only get slices that are grilled on the stove and tasting of fat. If you want otherwise, you have to toast your own (no offer to prepare food as you would like it). Dinner was much better. Guests are asked to provide their time for dinner at breakfast. (One morning when asked what time we wanted dinner I replied 6.30 and we were told “I only have 6.15 or 6.45”. The Resort was far from full when we were there). If you want to attend morning yoga or a nature walk you need to tell Reception the night before. If you want to change your daily replacement of a bottle of Rose to something else, you need to tell them the night before. I think I would be less critical if the tariff was not so high. We have compared it to many other places we have stayed at in this price range. The high tariff comes with an expectation of the best level of service, accommodation and facilities that too often fell short here.

Silky Oaks Lodge is in a beautful location. You dine in what feels like a treehouse. It's all open dining (excepting a private dining room). The trail to get to your room is lovely with a lot to look at. The food was delicious, and the view cannot be beat. You look over the river and rocks, and it's very soothing. The staff was helpful and kind. It's a "thing" in Australia for those who wish to get a visa to fulfill a requirement to work in a rural area for 88 days, and you will find these (mostly younger) people helping you at these resorts. They live in a little village right next to the property and they are from all over the world. They were happy to be there, and it showed. The rooms were well-appointed and had a lovely outside bathing area. I would recommend Silky Oaks Lodge.

I was afraid Silky Oaks could not live up to my expectations- but it blew me away. So much takes place amidst the dense vegetation of the rainforest with the sound of the river always in the background- you are completely immersed! Best pillows and comforters, a hammock on one balcony and an outdoor shower and tub on the other- you get the picture. Sample local wines and enjoy some of the tastiest food in Australia. We started each day with a fabulous and so personalized yoga class, up in the trees and to the sound of the birds, rushing river or rain. We hiked to the falls with stunning views up the mountains of the clear water rushing over the rocks. Plunge in to the river for a dip before or after you enjoy the picnic lunch staff packed for you. As always, it’s the people that make it and this staff comes from all over the world to ensure your comfort every minute of your stay.