Hayman Island

Hayman Island Review

This magnificently solid resort is the grande dame of the Whitsundays, attracting high-flying guests seeking precious down time. Lavish decor, including the significant Hayman collection, Asian and Australian artifacts, European tapestries, Persian rugs and exquisite objets d'art set a quietly elegant tone in the lobby, restaurants, walkways and rooms. Lagoon, pool, garden, penthouse and beachfront suites are all large and beautifully appointed, with minibars, LCD flatscreen TVs with pay movies, cable channels and DVD players on request, Wi-Fi access, deep tubs, and balconies or decks overlooking the areas of the resort they're named for. For luxury, nothing tops the penthouse suites, decorated in distinct French, English, Moroccan, Asian, Mediterranean, and Queensland themes—except, perhaps, the breezy private beach house with its own infinity-edged plunge pool, media room, personal butler service, and full-frontal ocean views. The resort has all the upscale holiday essentials: a 24-hour indoor-outdoor gym; a tranquil day spa; a flotilla of boats ready to whisk guests to secluded beaches, islands, and the reef; a genteel lounge bar and library; a billiards room; and an arcade of upmarket boutiques. All that, and a well-tailored, smoothly run activities program that includes fitness classes, beach picnics, scenic flights, golf excursions, diving and sailing trips. Children here are virtually invisible, thanks to a crèche and organized kids' activities in two sessions daily. Expect to pay a premium for all this excellence—even small things like drinks cost that little bit more.