Caviar, cocktails by the pool and private pavilions: Welcome to Qualia
It’s the Queensland holiday spot of the rich and famous, now we go inside this luxury island resort, complete with caviar, private pavilions and cocktails, to see what it’s really like.
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A striking, asymmetric raft of burnished driftwood is placed on the table cradling a tiny cube of raw, 8+ wagyu – delicately wrapped around a tuna mousse and oyster emulsion then garnished with two orbs of vitreous salmon caviar.
“This is your amuse-bouche tonight,” says charming and knowledgeable waiter, Will, at Qualia Resort’s acclaimed Pebble Beach restaurant on Hamilton Island.
In fine dining, an amuse-bouche (the French term meaning to amuse the mouth) is served at the beginning of a meal as a gift from the kitchen – a tiny bite packed with flavour and designed to showcase the chef’s skill and act as an introduction to what’s to come.
And what’s to come is one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Australia.
Chefs Mark Jensen and Ryan Locke harness the finest of local ingredients as well as culinary spoils from across the country to take guests of the stunning Whitsundays’ property on a gastronomic adventure they won’t forget.
Recommended to me by two restaurateur friends, the degustation dinner can be paired with matching wines – a must – and elevated even further with a gourmand option, which adds in luxuries such as Ossetra caviar or fresh wasabi from Tasmania.
It’s course after course of wonder and surprise and a true highlight of your stay no matter if you’re a devout foodie or not.
But if in fact you are, Qualia is the resort for you. In addition to Pebble Beach Restaurant, perched on the waters’ edge making for a truly spectacular spot at sunset, there’s the more casual Long Pavilion.
To the left of the main foyer, the restaurant serves up a fantastic two-course breakfast and an impressive a la carte menu at night, with dishes running from scallop ceviche with finger lime or kangaroo tartare, to a beyond-generous hot seafood platter.
Then there are the additional foodie extras guests can sign up for like a Talk and Taste experience, where the resort’s sommelier and chef will run participants through how to pair sake and sashimi, champagne and oysters, or wine and cheese.
But if you’d prefer a liquid diet while you’re on vacation, Qualia has that covered too.
The resort was founded by the late award-winning winemaker Robert Oatley, and is now run by his son Sandy, who also takes care of the Margaret River-based Robert Oatley Wines. Unsurprising then, the resort’s cellar is a standout, with plenty of the family’s own wines and Australian favourites sitting alongside some of the world’s finest, including premium bottles of Barolo and Burgundy.
Cocktails on the lounge or by the pool also bear the same level of care and sophistication, with a variety of artisan Australian spirits employed to create complex blends.
And speaking of the pool, it’s where you will want to base yourself during your stay.
There are two on the property – a long, infinity-edge lap pool bordering the foyer and main bar, and another more private option by the beach surrounded by cabanas and sun chairs.
The latter option offers simply breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
It’s hard to leave – especially when the water temperature is warm enough to walk straight in.
But there is plenty to get holiday-makers up and about, starting with the complimentary water activities. Guests can try catamaraning, sea kayaking, snorkelling and the fun but challenging pedal boards.
A basic gym sits above the water sports equipment hut, but for a real workout, drive your golf buggy (included with every room) outside the resort and go for a hike.
There are more than 20km of scenic walks and private beaches across Hamilton Island to explore, with trails guaranteed to increase the heart rate as you navigate hilly and rocky terrain. Passage Peak is a highlight for its unparalleled views, but you’ll need a good level of fitness and some sturdy shoes to make it up and back safely.
For adventure without the workout there are paid activities such as jet ski tours, helicopter or sea plane trips to Whitehaven Beach, sunset cruises or the ultra-exclusive Heart Reef experience.
Keen golfers can try one of the most difficult courses in Australia on Dent Island, where players are said to lose about five balls a hole among the undulating landscape. Or for those feeling stressed, there’s Spa Qualia, offering massages, facials, body treatments and more.
At night, embrace the food coma in your private pavilion, with each designed to offer its own unique view of the island.
Spacious and luxurious, the rooms boast a bath tub big enough for two, large shower, lounge area, mini bar, and a generous deck with table, chairs and sun loungers for watching the tide roll in. But it’s the cloud-like bed that will make your dreams come true, with a lavish pillow menu.
Qualia resort has long been the escape of choice of the rich and famous, with the friendly but discreet staff ensuring all guests feel like a VIP. But the real VIP at the resort is the view.
The writer was a guest of Tourism and Events Queensland
BOOK IT NOW
Qualia
20 Whitsunday Blvd, Hamilton Island
1300 780 959
qualia.com.au
From $1400 per night twin share including breakfast (minimum two-night stay)
Pebble Beach Degustation Dinner from $175 per person
Getting there: Fly to Hamilton Island Airport or water or helicopter transfer from Airlie Beach
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