Peppers Bale, Port Douglas

Where is it? Opened in May, the resort is in Port Douglas, north Queensland, between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park.

What's so different about it? The layout of Peppers Bale is unique in Australia. Guests stay in one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas (right), known as sanctuaries, that come in five design styles.

Luxurious or basic? Very luxurious. Courtyard sanctuaries are more than 500 square metres and are appointed with high-quality contemporary furnishings, funky white pottery and state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. They have fully equipped kitchens and laundries.

What about the design? The timber double doors that lead into each sanctuary open onto courtyards boasting eye-catching water courses filled with goldfish and water lilies. The main indoor areas - master bedroom, kitchen, living room and en-suite bathroom - have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the courtyard. Whether you are eating, resting, showering or lying on the bed, this central haven is always in view.

What about the bedrooms? The master bedroom has a king-sized bed. The en-suite bathrooms have spa baths, large indoor showers and glass doors leading to unheated outdoor showers.

What about the ambience? Balinese music is played throughout the sanctuary, mingling with the sweet aroma of frangipani. Some of the courtyards have verdant forest backdrops.

Who goes there? Opened in May, the resort claims Tom Hanks as a guest (Hanks is producing a television mini-series, The Pacific, which is being filmed inPort Douglas).