An Australian spa that has operated in Cairns for 18 years has been placed in receivership by major creditor the National Australia Bank.

Daintree Eco-Lodge & Spa, which is a scenic 90 minute drive north of Cairns International Airport, was last year the only Australian winner in the World Travel Awards 2012, and includes 15 tree-house style accommodations, Aboriginal inspired spa therapies and an al fresco restaurant.

The philosophy of the resort's spa is harmony with nature, essence in nurture and respect of culture.

Negotiations over the past two years to sell the business - including its rare parcel of freehold rainforest - have fallen through with several potential buyers.

Owners Terry and Cathy Maloney said they had poured AU$3.6m (US$3.7m, 2.9m euro, £2.5m) into an indigenous employment programme that was successfully completed by more than 100 trainees.

They said they were disappointed approaches to the federal and state government to cover costs of the programme had not been successful.

Around 20 staff had been told their entitlements by KPMG following the receivership, which happened on 4 March.

KPMG has said it would be business as usual for the company while receivers and managers undertake an urgent assessment of the company's financial position and devise a strategy to move matters forward.