Leaving the daily grind behind and tuning out is simple with a break in Far North Queensland, writes Jennifer Ennion.
With long white beaches on your doorstep, tropical rainforest in your backyard and a plethora of resorts, spas and restaurants to visit, a holiday in Far North Queensland, will have you turning off your alarm and ignoring work emails in no time. Book your flight to Cairns and take the stress out of planning with our guide to relaxing retreats and spa pick-me-ups. 
LAGOON DREAMING
Spend your days in lagoon-side luxury at the Blue Lagoon Resort, just a skip from Trinity Beach. When it comes to winding down, this is the place to be, with three swimming pools beckoning your name. In between poolside Manhattans and Mai Tais, stroll to the nearby alfresco cafes, restaurants and shops. For somewhere to eat, our pick is The Lime Tree Bar and Restaurant, open for breakfast, afternoon tapas and dinner. The menu is sure to impress, with dishes such as shredded duck and truffle oil omelette for breakfast, and mussel linguine for dinner. Call in from 5pm on a Friday for live music. If you feel the need to work off all that delicious dining, lock in some time at Blue Lagoon Resort's tennis court or gym, or sign up for a scuba diving or snorkelling adventure to the Great Barrier Reef. Better yet, simply retire to your luxury one-, two- or three-bedroom self-catering apartment, or stylish studio, for the afternoon.
TROPICAL OASIS
Get away from the holiday crowds with a stay at exclusive nature resort Kewarra Beach Resort and Spa, at Kewarra Beach. This is where you want to come when you really need to relax and rejuvenate the mind and body. Book one of the deluxe bungalows hidden among 30 hectares of tropical gardens, or opt for a private beachfront bungalow. When the sun drops, head to Paperbark Restaurant and Bar for a romantic dinner for two. With a strong focus on seasonality, dining at Paperbark is a dynamic culinary experience. Think crispy-skinned barramundi, seared kangaroo fillet and chilli mud crab. Other resort facilities include two beautifully designed pools surrounded by gardens, and a day spa where you can indulge in treatments from a standard neck massage to a mango body scrub and gold facial.
RELAX IN PARADISE
If you know your birdies from your bogeys, you'll be in your element at the stunning Paradise Palms, five minutes' drive from Trinity Beach. The centrepiece of Paradise Palms is its championship 18-hole, 71-par course, which features creeks, lakes and more than 70 bunkers - perfect for a friendly challenge with fellow holidaymakers. Afterwards, relax in your spacious resort room, with private balcony and king bed, or chill out in a one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartment, with stylish kitchen and living areas. Aside from golf aficionados, families will also love Paradise Palms, with its 18-hole mini golf course, playground (with cubby houses and a jumping pillow), 25-metre pool and toddler pool.