Located in Airlie Beach, this oceanfront resort has stunning sea views, fantastic facilities and an award-winning restaurant. Dine al fresco on seafood at Clipper Restaurant & Bar and savour candlelit dinners at the Gazebo. Relax in the massage room or in the swimming pool, and there is a wading pool for kids. Coral Sea Resort is a particularly convenient option if you are self-driving the Queensland coast.
Exclusively for adults, qualia’s Latin name translates as ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’. Its location allows for the best of tranquillity and activity – on Hamilton Island with its numerous facilities, yet tucked away in 30 acres of immaculately landscaped tropical gardens on the northern tip for maximum privacy. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant on the island – spot wallabies, lizards and kookaburras in the grounds or explore the marine-rich underwater world with fantastic snorkelling and diving excursions. Facilities at the resort include the superb Spa qualia, where signature treatments include ‘Bularri Yarrul’ – a gentle timeless treatment using naturally formed ancient stones. Dine at the elegant Long Pavilion restaurant with its innovative and indulgent à la carte menu, and Pebble Beach on the water’s edge for casual lunches and beachside cocktails. Both also feature wine bars that are exclusively for qualia guests. The elegant hillside pavilions all have a living area and private sun deck, with island or Coral Sea views. Leeward Pavilions are studio style and have spectacular sunset views. For your own private plunge pool, choose one of the north-facing Windward Pavilions, or for the ultimate stay, opt for the huge Beach House with its 12-metre infinity pool and dining room with space to seat ten guests.
Set back from sandy Catseye Beach, Reef View offers spacious, well-appointed accommodation, all with private balconies overlooking either the landscaped gardens or the breathtaking vistas of the Coral Sea for the most perfect sunrise and sunset. Close to an array of local restaurants and bars, it also offers a selection of complimentary non-motorised watersports. Reef View offers a lounge and Poolside Terrace restaurant. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and complimentary use of catamarans, windsurfers, paddle skis, snorkelling equipment, tennis and squash courts, fitness room and sauna. Complimentary return transfers are included from Hamilton Island airport, as well as unlimited use of the island shuttle service.
The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has brought back five-star luxury to one of the world's most breathtaking locations. The most northerly of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, this iconic private island resort has been completely transformed, with new room types, refreshed dining concepts and a reimagined state-of-the-art spa. It's sleek, contemporary and family-friendly, an island paradise offering world-class facilities and exotic natural beauty. Spend days exploring the great depths of the Great Barrier Reef, or while away an afternoon sailing the cerulean waters of the Coral Sea. If doing nothing appeals most, indulge in a series of spa treatments personalised to you or bask in the serene beachfront waters of the luxurious pool. There's a range of five distinct dining options, with stylish restaurants and bars in tropical garden settings and sparkling oceanfront spots. Head to Pacific for an all-day venue with an ocean-facing dining room and wrap-around bar, where you can enjoy gourmet buffet breakfast and a sophisticated à la carte menu. Bam Bam is by the infinity pool and serves up creative pan-Asian dishes with an Australian twist, while Aqua sits on the edge of the Hayman pool and serves up seafood, salads and sweet tropical treats. Amici Trattoria does authentic Italian cuisine like pasta and wood-fired pizza straight from the oven. There's also entertainment including a golf simulator in the new Bar Fifty. From sea-facing retreats to private garden sanctuaries, all of the rooms offer a tranquil sense of escapism. Housed in three separate wings across the resort, each one combines a contemporary design with subtle elements that reflect the island's natural beauty. Chic interiors have been elegantly refreshed, with new designs, larger layouts and improved quality introduced. Serene marble bathrooms feature spacious showers with separate bathtubs, and private balconies drink in gorgeous views of the pool, lagoon or ocean.
Opening in April after an extensive refurbishment, this fresh resort will bring the famous Great Barrier Reef's underwater world right to your doorstep. It's one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, just under half a mile long and wrapped by a 'Living Reef' that's home to over 100 species of marine life. Swim with the sea turtles, meet manta rays and join one of the resident marine biologists to learn about the kaleidoscope of sea creatures. Back on shore, there's an open-air cinema, three bars and three new restaurants to try, including Infinity for delicious Asian-fusion food. A kids' club will have plenty of activities on offer to get the little ones curious about the marine life around them, and an adults-only area will give adults some well-deserved island relaxation time.
Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach
qualia, Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Daydream Island Resort
