As the weather takes a turn for the cooler, it’s only natural to begin to feel that familiar itch – you know the one. It’s a palpable yearning to escape the dreary city for palm trees and sandy beaches, for laying pool-side with a cold drink under a hot sun. Luckily, Australia has these kinds of holiday destinations in bounds, but one in particular that is as pristine and tropical as you can get year-round is the Whitsundays.
Located off the coast of Queensland’s Airlie Beach, a little further north than Brisbane, the Whitsundays are an archipelago of 74 islands characterised by dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches. Here are the best hotels to stay at for when the mood to escape reality (read: winter) strikes.
1. Qualia Resort
Highlights: adults-only, locally sourced produce, exceptional wine lists.
The 6-star Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island is the epitome of tropical luxury, with 60 luxury private pavilions that each look out across the Coral Sea with views of the Whitsunday Islands. Situated on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, the resort is fully equipped for your stay – dining options at their two on-site restaurants, snorkelling and diving experiences, private charter boats, a restorative spa and wellness centre and more.
2. InterContinental Hayman Island
Highlights: privacy, plenty of food options, complimentary refillable water bottles.
The InterContinental Hayman Island has 182 guest rooms, suites and villas all artfully interspersed between spectacular swimming pools, panoramic ocean views, and tropical rainforest gardens. Atop a hill, there are also four private Hayman residences available for those who prefer something more secluded. Choose where to eat from the resort’s signature restaurant and bar, Pacific, their Mediterranean influenced tapas and pizzas spot, Amici, their pool-side bar, Aqua, or their zesty Pan-Asian restaurant Bam Bam.
3. Hotel Beach Club
Highlights: adults-only, complimentary sports equipment, complimentary À la carte breakfast daily.
Another spot not fit for the family vacation, but a fab spot for a couples or friends trip. Beach Club sits right on Catseye Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea. Indulge in some secluded beach-side dining, take a dip in their heated infinity pool, pamper yourself at the on-site spas – Spa Wumurdaylin or Island Hair and Beauty – and make the most of complimentary access to catamarans, paddle boards, kayaks, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment. You can also use of the island’s gym, spa, sauna and tennis courts, if the mood strikes.
4. Elysian Retreat
Highlights: eco-friendly, adults-only, all-inclusive, magnesium pool, water activities.
Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat is the Whitsunday Islands’ first 100% solar powered resort. Nestled into one of the island’s secluded private coves, guests are surrounded by national park rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in 10 free-standing villas. With only 20 guests at a time, you’ll experience premium and personalised service for your stay from the moment you step off your helicopter or boat transfer.
Elysian is all-inclusive, which means guests enjoy three gourmet meals daily, with an unlimited selection of drinks, and pre-dinner canapés served by a firepit. You’ll also get to experience the health benefits of their magnesium pool, or take to the high seas with their range of non-powered water activities.
5. Reefsleep
Highlights: unique stay, snorkel and scuba diving, sleep under the stars, complimentary drinks.
For the more adventurous among us, the Reefsleep boat is a spectacular and unique overnight tour that allows guests to sleep under the stars while out on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience the sunrise and sunset, and enjoy complimentary drinks. Guided snorkelling and scuba diving activities are aplenty – and certified divers are welcome. For those less water-sports inclined, there’s also an underwater observatory you can enjoy the sea-life from.
6. Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef
Highlights: family friendly, unique stay, snorkel and scuba diving.
Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef offers a quintessential tropical escape. Surrounded by secluded beaches and lush rainforest, the island is home to a where days are spent swimming, snorkelling, dining waterside and just generally unwinding. At its heart is the Living Reef — a unique open-air aquarium that gives guests an up-close look at the vibrant marine life that calls the Great Barrier Reef home.
7. Coral Sea Marina Resort
Highlights: waterfront positioning, family-friendly, plenty of activities on offer.
Perfectly positioned on the waterfront in Airlie Beach, Coral Sea Marina Resort is an ideal base for a holiday spent exploring the Whitsundays. Overlooking the Coral Sea and adjacent to the region’s award-winning marina, the resort pairs laid-back coastal luxury with sweeping ocean views. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool, indulging in spa treatments, or setting off on sailing adventures to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. It’s an ideal stay for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
