qualia - Hamilton Island

Located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island is qualia. This beautiful resort has been named Best Australian Island Resort by Australian Gourmet Traveller’s 2012 Travel Awards and it is easy to see why. 

Set amongst native Eucalypts, and with breathtaking views of the luminous Coral Sea and neighbouring Whitsunday islands, the 60 luxurious pavilions with a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool provide the perfect space for guests to unwind in.

 

Outlook - qualia Resort

 There is plenty of space to soak up the island atmosphere in your personal pavilion which has all been designed with ocean views. Before you know it you will be relaxed from your head to your toes. 

The resort features two tranquil infinity-edged pools, two bars and exclusive restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia.

Spa quale is an award winning spa that offers you a completely unique sensory experience. The spa features an extensive range of luxurious local and international treatments.  

As you are so close to the Great Barrier Reef you can spend a day exploring above or below the surface. For the keen golfers, you can get picked up by helicopter and taken to Hamilton Island Golf Club. Take a cruise to the beautiful white sands of Whitehaven Beach or the Whitsunday Islands. 

Whitehaven Beach

How to get there? Hamilton Island has its own commercial airport with flights arriving daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. When you get off the plane there will be VIP transport that will take you to your pavilion at qualia which is just minutes away.

Hamilton Island - Events in 2012

Hamilton Island will be hosting the Great Barrier Feast from 6 - 8 July 2012. This weekend will showcase the best of Australian haute cuisine with the chance to get up close and personal with the leading culinary and wine making experts. Guillaume Brahimi will swap his Sydney Opera House Kitchen for one with island views, when he joins the Great Barrier Feast event.

If you are not fussed about food, then check out the Gatorade Battle of the Paddles from 14 - 18 June 2012. The annual event offers competitions in four disciplines - Surf Ski, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Board Paddling and of course Outrigging.

Athletes will return to the island between 9 - 11 November for the Fujifilm Hamilton Island Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim. Consisting of a pictureque 750 metre swin in Catseye Bay, 20km cicle and 5km run through the Hamilton Island Marina Village the event has attracted some of the best Australian Olympic and Ironman athletes. 

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week occurs from 17 - 25 August this year, bringing one of the most superb sailing regattas in the world to the Whitsundays. The event mixes awe-inspiring sailing and glamourous on shore dinners and parties with over a thousand competitiors gathering on the island.

The magical Pas de Deux in Paradise by The Australian Ballet will return to qualia again this year for a weekend of remarkable performance, behind the scenes access and fine dining. To join this incredible event book your accommodation package with qualia for the 16 - 18 November 2012. 

To book your Hamilton Island getaway click here.  

5 Australian honeymoon ideas

Looking for a great honeymoon escape that suits you?

We have 5 great romantic holiday ideas that suit all tastes and budgets.

qualia, Hamilton Island

1. The Extravagant

qualia on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays offers a private, world class luxury retreat for couples. The resort is situated on the northern most tip of Hamilton Island overlooking the gorgeous Whitsunday islands. Every thought has been given to make your stay special, from VIP chauffeur service, private golf buggy hire and private individual pavilions you can’t help but relax at qualia. Take a dip in one of the properties two serene pools, enjoy find dining at the Long Pavilion restaurant, or spend the day at a private beach upon a near by island – there are plenty of activities both inside and outside the complex. qualia offers a 3 night romantic getaway with gourmet dinner on one evening, breakfast daily, VIP airport transfers, beach picnic with bottle of French champagne, sunset cruise on one evening and use of 2 seater golf buggy during your stay.  Flights are available to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Snorkelling at Heron Island

2. The Adventurous

Heron Island situated just a 30 minute helicopter ride from Gladstone and is set upon a Great Barrier Reef coral cay. Wildlife abounds, from turtles, whales and birdlife - all protected at this World Heritage Listed Marine National Park. You will need at least 4 nights to explore all the island has to offer, from guided reef walks to semi-sub cruises scuba diving, snorkelling and nature walks. At the end of your day relax with a pamper package from Aqua Soul Spa then enjoy dinner overlooking the setting sun. Heron Island offers a 4 night romantic escape with sparkling wine on arrival, all meals and 2 x 60 minute spa treatments per person.

Gold Coast

3. The Beach Lover

The Gold Coast is world famous for sun, sand and fun! Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast, at the northern most end of the coastline, offers a beachfront location surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and tropical gardens. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the three restaurants or visit one of the 5 theme parks within 20 minutes. For those wanting to stay close, pop across the road to Marina Mirage, an upmarket shopping complex offering 80 speciality shops and restaurants. Enjoy a 2 night romantic escape with bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, buffet breakfast daily and romantic dinner including a bottle of house wine at Terraces Restaurant on one evening.

Cypress Lakes Resort

4. The Wine Enthusiast

Hunter Valley, just a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, offers over 120 wineries including the crisp Hunter Semillon and the ripe Hunter Shiraz. The attractions don’t stop at vineyards – the village shops offer locally produced cheese, smokehouse goods, chocolates, coffee and olives. Take your special one on a hot-air balloon ride, shop for antiques or browse the local artworks from Pokolbin to Cessnock. Cypress Lakes Resort offer 2 night romantic getaways with bottle of wine, and chocolate dipped strawberries and cheese platter on arrival, full buffet breakfast daily and dinner on one evening. 

Cradle Mountain Chateau

5. The Mountaineer

Love the idea of a cosy cabin in the mountains, huddling by the fire? Cradle Mountain offers cool evenings and stunning scenery all year round. From majestic peaks and still lakes, covered in snow during the winter months, the landscape could not be more romantic. Enjoy Tasmanian produced cheeses, chocolate and freshly caught seafood at local restaurants and cafes. Discover rainforests and waterfalls on one of the 20 walks nearby, canoe, horse ride or take in the Wilderness Gallery, a photographic gallery featuring wilderness and landscape photography. Cradle Mountain Chateau offers 3 night romantic escapes with a bottle of Tasmanian wine and cheese platter on arrival, buffet breakfast daily, two course set dinner on one evening, beer tasting on another evening plus a 60 minute spa treatment per person.