Sometimes icons truly live up to their reputation… and Hayman Island is a perfect example.
Long considered the jewel in the crown of the Whitsundays, a sublime collection of islands, dotted across the warm waters off the coast of Queensland, Hayman was arguably Australia’s first internationally recognised luxury resort. But after Category 4 cyclone ravaged the Whitsunday Islands five years ago, the island and surrounds needed to undergo extensive repairs and renovations.
After two years of renovations totalling $135 million, and now under the wing of the InterContinental Hotels Group, Hayman reopened its pristine private paradise and ushered in a new era of luxury.
Your luxury Hayman experience begins from the moment your flight arrives on Hamilton Island. Guests can expect to be whisked away on-board the resort’s private luxury catamaran to the 400ha private island.
Once the catamaran docks, “limousine” buggies are at the ready to ferry guests to the resort. The rooms, most of which have views out to the iconic Hayman pool (some with direct access), have had a contemporary face lift, all pleasing shades of blue and creamy beige with lots of blonde wood and natural textures.
Once you’re settled in, you might want to discover the myriad dining options. The resort’s signature bar and restaurant Pacific offers a buffet breakfast in the morning and à la carte dining in the evening. AQUA is a pool-side menu of seafood dishes, tropical fruit juices, fresh salad bowls and classic cocktails.
The casual Italian eatery Amici Trattoria features wood-fired pizzas, pasta and an extensive Italian-influenced wine list. For a touch of pool-side glamour, try Bam Bam, pan-Asian cuisine with an Australian slant, with zesty cocktails by the infinity pool. Set in the resort’s lobby, Bar Fifty is a 1950s-inspired cocktail bar.
But of course, there’s more to Hayman than the food—the resort offers a range of experiences including island tours, diving, snorkelling and paddle boarding, while helicopters and seaplanes offer an experience from above. Yoga sessions and sunset hikes are also options. You can wind down after all this activity in the Hayman Spa with a full range of treatments available. Across the resort, the staff are warm and genuine—each one tasked with ensuring that your stay is every bit what you’d hoped for. You’re guaranteed to leave refreshed, relaxed, and totally spoiled.