Australia’s most iconic private island resort is celebrating 75 years of island magic. If a Hayman Island escape has been at the top of your Whitsundays wish list, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge – ideally from the deck of your own poolside suite. Words by Edwina Hart.
“It’s like White Lotus, but the Whitsundays,” a linen-clad hotel guest squeals as we glide across the turquoise waters on a luxury catamaran from Hamilton Island Airport to our exclusive Hayman Island hideaway. She gestures her flute of sparkling wine toward the shore, where three polo-shirted staff wave in perfect unison from the palm-fringed pier of the Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef.
Our arrival bears a striking resemblance to a Mike White mise en scène (minus the drama). We’re swiftly ushered into the stretch limousine equivalent of a golf buggy, driven through a canopy of lush tropical greenery, and welcomed at the ocean-facing lobby with a fresh coconut in hand.
Checking in
We’re handed iPads as we lounge on the upper deck, completing check-in details between sips of chilled bubbly during the hour-long boat transfer. Just this morning, I boarded a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney, and by lunchtime, I’m barefoot in paradise — no passport required.
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The resort
Dubbed the “crown jewel” of Queensland island resorts, Hayman Island is nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday archipelago, on the edge of Australia’s most precious natural wonder — the Great Barrier Reef.
The island boasts a rich 75-year history of Australian holidaymaking: from humble beach shack beginnings to the halcyon days of 1950s (candy cane-striped umbrellas and lunchtime BBQs) to today’s chic, white modern iteration. A $135 million makeover in 2019 reaffirmed its status among Australia’s high-end escapes, treasured by everyone from young families to loved-up honeymooners.
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The InterContinental Hayman is the only hotel on the 294-hectare island — larger than the entire country of Monaco — offering unrivalled seclusion reserved solely for guests. Beyond the buffet breakfast where holidaymakers congregate over croissants, guests disperse across the grounds, leaving you feeling like you have the island to yourself. It takes an entire day to get my bearings exploring the expansive Hayman pool, the adult’s only Coconut Beach, the lagoon and heated infinity pool – ideal for a piña colada.
The rooms
Spread across four distinct enclaves of the sprawling property — Pool, Lagoon, Pavilion, and Beach — 182 guest rooms, suites, and pavilions are thoughtfully woven into the island’s natural beauty. Dreamy beachfront villas lure honeymooners; ultra-luxe hillside residences draw high-profile guests. White curtains flutter gently in the warm breeze as I enter my one-bedroom pool-view
suite.
Sunlight streams into a coastal-chic space of crisp whites, ocean blues, and warm timber and stone finishes. Room highlights include: the cloud-soft four-poster bed, standalone bathtub, twin vanities with Byredo amenities, and walk-in wardrobe.
My double balcony is perched above the famed Hayman pool (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere). Next time I visit, I plan to splurge on the pool-access suite, which has the same layout, but you can take a dip straight from your private deck.
The restaurants
Dining on Hayman Island is a sensory journey, with six distinct venues offering something for every mood. Our days begin with ocean-front Pacific’s decadent buffet breakfast — made-to-order eggs, pancakes, chia pots, yoghurt bowls, tropical fruits, and endless pastries — all enjoyed with the sound of gently lapping waves. Come back later in the day for cocktails and fresh seafood.
If you’re after poolside snacks, swim on over to the aptly named AQUA, set in the middle of Hayman pool. My go-to lunch order fast becomes fish tacos and a margarita brought directly to my sun lounger, which I guard between bites as the cheeky cockatoos have discovered the joys of pool-side dining too. Meanwhile, Bam Bam plates up tasty Pan-Asian fare with a modern Australian twist – the tuna tartare with house made kimchi, avocado and lotus oil is a must-try.
Leaning into the holiday indulgence, we opt for the wine tasting at Bar 50 led by the on-island sommelier before dinner at the Italian eatery. Expect a feast of Mediterranean flavours at Amici, with sharable dishes from wood-fired pizza to light and fresh dishes such as local reef fish with mixed tomato and olive salad and grilled lemon. I concede to another glass of Barossa Valley rosé – why count drinks when your suite is a stroll away on a beautiful, balmy evening?
For a truly unforgettable experience, starlit beach dinners can be arranged. On our last evening, we dine on freshly shucked Pacific oysters with shallot vinaigrette before being presented with a generous spread cooked over the parrilla grill, including charred rock lobster with pimento pepper and herb butter. Imagine dining on seafood and Champagne, sand between your toes, under a blanket of stars – its barefoot luxury at its finest.
Related recipe: Oysters with smoky bacon dressing
What’s hot
Hayman takes environmental stewardship seriously. Guests are gifted with a reusable bottle and are encouraged to stay hydrated using refill stations dotted around the property. Supplies of reef-safe sunscreen are provided, protecting paradise for future generations.
Activities
Every day feels like a weekend, we’re on island time. Strike a balance between pure relaxation and recreation, starting each morning with complimentary beachfront water sports: paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. Wellness offerings extend beyond the state-of-the-art fitness centre (yoga classes, stretches, meditation) to the Hayman Spa sauna. After my blissful 60-minute signature massage, the scent of frangipani body oil lingers for the rest of the day.
Making the most of nature’s own playground right on our doorstep, we endeavour to dive headfirst into island life. Revving things up with a jet ski adventure and then slowing down the pace by exploring Hayman on foot. Don’t miss the guided hike along the scenic trail to Blue Pearl Bay. We set off with snorkel set strapped to our backs, and it’s well worth the exertion for the castaway moment: as the heat starts to hit a pristine bay unfurls like a secret oasis below. We have the coral beach entirely to ourselves, except for the colourful fish and 3-metre reef shark gliding around the shallows.
The real highpoint is the bucket-list helicopter tour with a bird’s eye views of the world-famous Heart Reef. After a graceful landing on the floating helipad, we spend an afternoon snorkelling around coral gardens teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life. Our entourage peels off our flippers and wetsuits to relax on the sundeck of the Reefworld pontoon, and enthusiastically spot sea turtles from above. When the sun starts to set, we’re whisked back to the island for our farewell dinner under the stars. Like I said, White Lotus but make it Whitsundays.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Hamilton Island from most major Australian cities. Hayman Island is accessible by private yacht charter, luxury launch, or the Hayman helicopter.
Book
For more information visit haymanisland.intercontinental.com
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