11 Aug Hayman Island – fun in the sun

For the perfect family or friends ‘fun in the sun’ destination or romantic interlude, Hayman Island ticks all the boxes.

Heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Hayman Island is situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef as part of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. It is accessed by cruiser or helicopter via Airlie Beach on the mainland or nearby Hamilton Island, so your journey to this idyllic escape starts in style!  What you need to know about the islands on the Great Barrier Reef is that not all of them are actually ‘on the reef’ – Hayman being one of them. However, the cacophony of coral and colourful marine life is easily reached by boat as part of a snorkelling or cruising adventure.

Luxury accommodation for family, friends and romantics

There is a range of accommodation to suit all needs, from family-friendly apartments to luxury beach pavilions and uber hilltop beach houses. We opted for a standard apartment overlooking the Coral Sea, and it exceeded my expectations. I generally judge a hotel room by the quality of the view and amenities, so the vista over the beach and azure water, with Byredo toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and comfy slippers ticked all my holiday boxes. However, a beachfront villa with plunge pool and private beach is definitely on my list for the next visit! A word of warning – the main lagoon pool isn’t heated, so if you are visiting in Winter, although the air temperatures are a very mild low to mid 20 degrees Celsius, you will be spending your time in the heated pool alongside Bam Bam restaurant or in the very enticing and accessible Coral Sea.

Island-time activities

So what do you do on Hayman Island? Well, apart from lazing on a lounger by the pool or on the beach, you can flex a few muscles by hiring a kayak, going on a snorkelling adventure, hiking, or visiting the gym. Or, you could work on the ‘body beautiful’ by indulging in a signature facial or massage at the onsite spa. There is a Planet Trekkers Kids Club for 4-12 year olds and fish feeding and nature walks for lovers of flora and fauna. We decided to completely immerse ourselves in island-time by hiring a beach cabana for the day, inclusive of food and drinks, served at the press of a button by the friendly and obliging staff. What’s not to love?

Food, food and more food

Food is high on my holiday agenda, so I was keen to experience the five dining experiences at Hayman – covering casual cafes and bars to Asian and Italian-inspired cuisine. Amici restaurant was definitely the stand-out, as flagged by Davide – our Italian ‘welcome’ host. You can also request private candlelit dining on the beach or picnic hampers delivered to secluded locations. Basically whatever your heart desires!

Weddings and honeymoons in paradise

Getting married on a tropical island would have to be the ultimate experience, and Hayman Island can oblige with everything from a barefoot beach ceremony to a luxe private superyacht and everything in between. They even have a collaboration with Vera Wang for your dreamy wedding dress, and a vast array of honeymoon options for your post-wedding celebrations and relaxation.

What does it cost?

We have to admit, Hayman Island isn’t cheap. At $500 a night for bed and breakfast, it isn’t your everyday holiday destination. When you add in transfers and dinners, that daily cost can double.  The ultimate test of a destination is whether you would return again, and I think for me, the answer is yes. In the middle of a particularly cold Winter, being able to bask in the sunshine on a tropical island, easily accessible from most Australian capital cities, gets a tick from me. The staff were friendly, the sun shone and it felt like the perfect balance between easy relaxation and exclusive luxury. And, if I was getting married or enticing my friends and family to join me for a special milestone celebration, I don’t think anyone would be complaining!

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