Qualia has been voted amongst the world's best resorts. Here's why
It's no surprise that this luxury resort on Hamilton Island has won more than 50 national and international awards since 2008. So our suggestion - get there.
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Whatever expectations you have about the luxury resort qualia, on the northernmost point of Hamilton Island in Queensland’s picturesque Whitsundays, put them aside.
The experience is anything but predictable – nature guarantees it.
Breakfast in the Long Pavilion restaurant, for example, isn’t just about creative, flavoursome food (try the “bitter greens” combination of poached eggs, kale, cabbage and hummus) because nearby in the glistening Coral Sea, a mother whale and her calf are frolicking nonchalantly.
The Whitsundays, a group of 74 continental islands off the state’s tropical coast, serves up endless spontaneous encounters with marine and other wildlife, and qualia, on the eastern edge of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, is perfectly positioned to get you up close and personal.
Snorkel off the private Pebble Beach and marvel at schools of brilliantly colourful fish. Despite the damage to the reef after Cyclone Debbie in March 2017, there is still much to admire. Hike the trails, which span varying degrees of difficulty, and spot kangaroos, koalas, pheasants and green tree snakes. Or do as friends of ours did, and take a dip in Catseye Bay, outside the resort gates and on the busiest part of the island, and find yourself, wonderfully and incredulously, swimming above loggerhead turtles.
Really, though, there is no need to leave qualia and there is every incentive to stay. From early morning yoga classes to sunset cocktails by the pool, the experience is first class.
Arriving at the resort, via a guest shuttle from the airport, a welcome glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne sets the tone. The sprawling entry, all warm timber, sandstone and open breezeways, creates an instant sense of tranquillity and the sunken lounge, where check-in quietly takes place, presents those shimmering aqua sea views without interruption. A lap pool, surrounded by natural vegetation and curated gardens, adds to the chilled ambience.
The five-star resort is owned by the Oatley wine family and was conceived by its late patriarch Bob Oatley, who wanted to highlight the region’s natural beauty and chose its name, which means “a collection of deeper sensory experiences”. Sixty individually designed pavilions flow through to private decks and infinity pools overlooking the water, and architect Chris Beckingham’s thoughtful incorporation of native timbers and stone brings the outdoors in.
There are luxurious treatments at the onsite spa, delicious dining at both Long Pavilion and Pebble Bay, a comfortable library if you feel inclined to curl up with a good book, and a boutique carrying high-end labels such as Camilla, Bulgari, Prada and Versace.
Day trips and activities can be booked – Whitehaven beach, by helicopter, remains an unforgettable experience for other friends who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a hamper of champagne, cheese and other goodies, enjoyed entirely by themselves on the 7km stretch of pristine white sand.
They also took a quick ferry ride across to Dent Island, with whales following them all the way, and played 18 holes on a 71-par golf course regarded as one of the most challenging in the world.
Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, it presented all manner of obstacles, from strong winds to thick bushland, and given the breathtaking views, a birdie and an air swing didn’t matter a jot.
Getting around qualia, which is strictly children free, is easy with a complimentary buggy (don’t forget your driver’s licence) and a VIP chauffeur service comes in handy if you decide on cocktails at picturesque One Tree Hill or a leisurely lunch or dinner at Coca Chu, where the cuisine takes it cues from the street stalls of Southeast Asia (try the crispy pigs ears with peanuts, pickled chilli and ginger, and the chicken and coconut salad with lemongrass and nahm jim).
As with all luxury resorts, the experience relies heavily on the efficiency and demeanour of the staff, and at qualia the smiles are wide and the helpfulness genuine.
As for the accommodation, it is understated and elegant at once. Our Leeward pavilion had a king bed (or two singles), large spa bath, Aesop toiletries and a fully stocked mini bar plus a complimentary cheese platter and bottle of Charles Heidsieck, because as any champagne buff well knows, you can never have too much of a good thing.
Our views were over the sea and island hills struggling to become green again after the cyclone’s wrath, and we awoke to birds chirping, pleasant breezes and the heady aroma of eucalypt.
A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, qualia has won more than 50 national and international awards since 2008 and it’s easy to see why.
We left feeling like we were floating on a cloud, our senses heightened to the beauty around us and our minds blissfully stress free.
See more:
Whitsundays & Hamilton island - FAQs
6 best southern Great Barrier Reef islands to visit
Affordable way to see Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
20 best short breaks in Queensland
qualia Resort, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays. PH: 1300 780 959 or (07) 4948 9222
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