Emma Van Haandel

Qualia

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Qualia The iced tea on arrival - you may be tempted to go the champagne but trust me, the tea is amazing! Lemongrass, lime and ginger with just the right amount of kick.

The iced tea on arrival - you may be tempted to go the champagne but trust me, the tea is amazing! Lemongrass, lime and ginger with just the right amount of kick.

Qualia These are a fun touch and so much better than waiting for a tuk tuk like in Thailand. But,  watch out for the wildlife driving home after a few cocktails! The kangaroos, goannas and cane toads are not bothered by the buggies at all.

These are a fun touch and so much better than waiting for a tuk tuk like in Thailand. But, watch out for the wildlife driving home after a few cocktails! The kangaroos, goannas and cane toads are not bothered by the buggies at all.

Qualia The entrance to our private pavilion.

The entrance to our private pavilion.

Qualia The bed was super comfortable and the in-room amenities were very well thought out and mostly local... Aesop, Linden Leaves Bath Salts, TeaDrop Apricot Green Tea, Phillippa's spicy nuts (worth $20 price tag!), Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir (one of my personal favourite NZ Pinot's). Plus Antipodes water free of charge for the entire stay. And the in-room wireless was super fast!

The bed was super comfortable and the in-room amenities were very well thought out and mostly local... Aesop, Linden Leaves Bath Salts, TeaDrop Apricot Green Tea, Phillippa's spicy nuts (worth $20 price tag!), Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir (one of my personal favourite NZ Pinot's). Plus Antipodes water free of charge for the entire stay. And the in-room wireless was super fast!

Qualia Founded and based in Melbourne, Aesop has grown into an international skincare brand. Its plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients make the skin care products the best around, especially after a day in the sun and surf!

Founded and based in Melbourne, Aesop has grown into an international skincare brand. Its plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients make the skin care products the best around, especially after a day in the sun and surf!

Qualia Here I am on arrival soaking up the view from our “Leeward” south facing pavilion; these pavilions are less expensive than the north-facing “Windward” pavilions that have their own private plunge pool with Coral Sea and Whitsunday Island views.

Here I am on arrival soaking up the view from our “Leeward” south facing pavilion; these pavilions are less expensive than the north-facing “Windward” pavilions that have their own private plunge pool with Coral Sea and Whitsunday Island views.

Qualia The pavilion balcony - perfect place to enjoy breakfast!

The pavilion balcony - perfect place to enjoy breakfast!

Qualia Start your day in paradise with a healthy breakfast - local tropical fruit and a smoothie shot. Then go the eggs.

Start your day in paradise with a healthy breakfast - local tropical fruit and a smoothie shot. Then go the eggs.

Qualia If you are like me and prefer not to be in a gym, especially when on such a picturesque island, then running the VERY hilly streets is the perfect work out. But go early or late or it gets far too hot. Also take advantage of the free yoga at Qualia each morning at 8am.

If you are like me and prefer not to be in a gym, especially when on such a picturesque island, then running the VERY hilly streets is the perfect work out. But go early or late or it gets far too hot. Also take advantage of the free yoga at Qualia each morning at 8am.

Qualia Pebble Beach.

Pebble Beach.

Qualia The sand is mixed with coral rocks so you need to tip toe into the ocean or wear rubber shoes.

The sand is mixed with coral rocks so you need to tip toe into the ocean or wear rubber shoes.

Qualia This is life! The staff hand around complimentary ice-creams (Wovenpick Caramel is to die for) and iced tea. I never wanted to leave this spot.

This is life! The staff hand around complimentary ice-creams (Wovenpick Caramel is to die for) and iced tea. I never wanted to leave this spot.

Qualia Rancho relaxo….there are no kids allowed at the resort so that means that the poolside is extra calm and time seems to stretch forever.

Rancho relaxo….there are no kids allowed at the resort so that means that the poolside is extra calm and time seems to stretch forever.

Qualia Here or by the pool is the only place to eat lunch if you don't want to leave the resort (and when you do it just doesn't compare to the tranquility and authenticity of Qualia).

Here or by the pool is the only place to eat lunch if you don't want to leave the resort (and when you do it just doesn't compare to the tranquility and authenticity of Qualia).

Qualia The Oakley family (who own Qualia) are wine maker aficionados. The wine list rivals some of the best restaurants I have been to, something you don't expect from a remote island resort!

The Oakley family (who own Qualia) are wine maker aficionados. The wine list rivals some of the best restaurants I have been to, something you don't expect from a remote island resort!

Qualia Welcome to Qualia – secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.

Welcome to Qualia – secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.

Highs & Lows

  • Complimentary golf buggies - but watch out for the kangaroos, goannas and cane toads at night!

  • The iced tea on arrival - you may be tempted to go the champagne but trust me, the tea is amazing! Lemongrass, lime and ginger with just the right amount of kick.

  • Architecture of the Yacht Club - opened in 2009 by Chris Beckingham.

  • In-room amenities - Aesop, Linden Leaves Bath Salts, TeaDrop Apricot Green Tea, Phillippa's spicy nuts (worth $20 price tag!), Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir (one of my personal favourite NZ pinots), Antipodes free of charge for the entire stay, and the in room wireless is super fast!

  • The Swedish Movenpick ice creams offered to those by pool around 3pm for afternoon tea.

  • The long wait to check-in. Luckily the long pavilion check-in has lounge areas with amazing aspect of the Whitsunday surrounding islands.

  • The in room ice machines - they make noise all night.

  • Irukandji Jellyfish. Highly venomous jellyfish that occur during high summer months

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Mini Bar

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 41/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Resort

  • Vibe

    Luxury meets island meets bush meets beach.

  • Location

    At the top of Hamilton Island, a five minute golf buggy ride to the marina.

  • Rooms

    60 Private Pavilions

  • Music

    Low key & chilled, nothing recognizable.

  • Designed By

    Chris Beckingham

  • Health & Wellness

    Pool: yes and some villas have private pools (not ours). Gym: yes plus free yoga classes daily.

  • Restaurant

    Yes, one option per meal only.

  • Bar

    Yes

  • Children

    Children not allowed if under 18 years.

  • Price

    (Very) expensive island luxury.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach

whitehaven beach

Snorkeling

Snorkeling

great barrier reef

Qualia

Qualia

20 Whitsunday Blvd, Hamilton Island QLD 4803, Australia

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