Qualia, Hamilton Island: jewel of the Whitsundays

Every view is glorious at this luxury resort in the Whitsundays. And if you don’t want to walk anywhere, take a golf buggy.

Qualia: how’s that for a view? Pictures: Sharyn Cairns

Not all views are equal. From the aircraft as you land at Hamilton Island the vistas provide a glorious introduction to the Whitsundays, the water azure, the terrain green and undulating. On the short drive from the terminal to the island’s northernmost tip it’s all picture-postcard perfect, from the palm trees dotting the landscape to the water glimpses at every turn. And then you arrive at Qualia.

By the pool

You enter the island’s upmarket resort in your private, airconditioned transfer via a set of private gates reminiscent of Jurassic Park, past a series of stone-fronted pavilions and through painstakingly tended stretches of tropical gardens. When you finally arrive at the long pavilion that acts as the property’s hub, you may well gasp with delight.

The scene as you enter the open-sided lobby is spectacular: a vast wall of windows invariably fully opened but for inclement weather, offering striking views across an infinity-edge pool and out to the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Framed by an oversized gum tree, it’s stunning and uniquely Australian.

There are plenty more contenders for best picture: the shaded outlook from a poolside cabana, over the main pool and beyond the small private beach to another stretch of water; the gentle progress of a catamaran spied from your breakfast table in the long pavilion where every chair is turned outward; the glorious pink of a tropical sunset seen from your spacious, secluded balcony. Even the view from the small gym, where some of the equipment has been kindly placed outside on a covered balcony, is glorious.

One of the rooms

Everywhere you go on the hilly property – complimentary golf buggies are a fun and easy way to traverse the area for those less inclined to walk – there are points of beauty, and not just outside. Each of the 60-odd private pavilions is spacious and beautifully appointed with expansive areas for lounging indoors and out, comfortable beds and enormous bathrooms. Mini bars are generously stocked and include copious amounts of complimentary soft drinks; ice makers are a thoughtful addition.

Inside the resort

Meals can be served in your own pavilion, but it’s hard to pass up breakfast with a view in the long pavilion. Our dinner is less successful, and not just because of the lack of outlook after dark. High prices are no surprise on an island and Qualia bills its offerings as fine dining, but an eye fillet, finished theatrically table-side where it is seared on charcoal, falls short of what you’d expect for $68; ours was fine but not perfectly tender. Likewise, a comparatively simple entrée of sliced heirloom tomatoes with fried capers and a tomato gel is $32. Service is cheerful but we found the wait to be seated, and then for courses to be served, disconcerting. On the other hand, a wagyu cheese burger with smoked onion jam, produced in the hotel’s other restaurant, Pebble Beach, and served in the lounge one rainy afternoon was simple and delicious.

Oyster dish in the restaurant

While there’s plenty to enjoy outside (use of sea kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment is included), indulgent treatments are to be had at the luxury day spa. The resort also offers some signature events that are ideal on inclement days. “Talk and Taste” experiences that pair food and drink include champagne and oysters, and wine and cheese. Our one-hour sake and sashimi experience, held in the lobby-level airconditioned cellar, was lively, personal and informative. And the local snapper, kingfish and tuna was outstanding.

• Perfect for: Couples (guests must be 16-plus).

• Must do: Qualia’s thrice-weekly sunset cruise provides guests with a much more intimate view of the island’s surrounds, enhanced by a glass of champagne.

• Dining: Breakfast (including fresh juices, a variety of hot dishes and excellent coffee) and à la carte dinner are served in the long pavilion. A buggy ride away, Pebble Beach serves lunch and dinner, with poolside dining an option.

• Getting there: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

• Bottom line: Leeward pavilions from $2980 (two nights); Windward pavilions with private plunge pool from $4520 (two nights). Rates include breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, airport transfers, use of electric buggy, island chauffeur service and non-motorised watercraft. Dinner packages are available.

qualia.com.au