Orpheus Island resort review, Queensland: Weekend away

THE LOCATION

Mention the parallels to Fantasy Island, and Orpheus Island Hideaway manager Ranaul Crabb steps in: "Welcome to paradise," he says. "It's funny, we actually used to have a seaplane." He's neither as tall as Mr Roarke, nor as short as Tattoo, and now all the guests are transported via helicopter. But there's a warmth in the welcome. And like the TV series of the '70s and '80s, staff know each guest by name, some of their background, their likes and dislikes. It helps ensure the service is tailored and personalised.

THE SPACE

The island stretches across 11 kilometres of coastline, and most of it is declared national park. That means minimal fishing, therefore a guaranteed varsity of fringing reef and marine life, including turtles, rays, small reef sharks (not the people-eating variety) and fish; lots of fish in turquoise waters illustrious with the Great Barrier Reef. But there's only so much salt air and water city slickers can take, whether they've been sailing on the catamaran, paddle-boarding, snorkelling the reef, diving, or taking in the sights on one of the guest dinghies (yep, for the boaties in the crowd, they're souped-up tinnies). That's where the resort infinity pool comes in. At capacity, the island hosts about 30 guests, which ensures some exclusivity around use of the facilities. There's a games room with arguably the best view from any pool table around, and an on-site spa.

THE KIT

It almost seems inappropriate to call the enclave on which the resort is built "Hazard Bay". While recent cyclonic winds tore up other island resorts in North and Far North Queensland, the westerly Orpheus outlook meant it was sheltered by the mountains behind it. Four rooms have undergone a refurbishment, each capturing a delicate balance between high-end chic decor and a beachside lifestyle. One large-screen television faces the lounge, another the adjacent bedroom. Bi-fold doors open to an outdoor living space, perfect in the mornings as the sun rises onto high tide. Black and white pictures around the resort document the history of the island, which has been a resort for 30 years, but a stopover for fisher-folk for much longer. Albeit private, the bathroom also has the open spaces with an outdoor bathtub, and a double shower with two rain shower heads. To be indoors or out? Such are the dilemmas of island life.

STEPPING OUT

There are two key experiences on the island which are all part of the package. One involves self-exploration, the other a touch of romance. During the day, jump into one of the souped-up tinnies and find a secluded bay. Chef Aree will have lunch pre-packed. The island is known for its sea garden of giant clams, and there's a reef research centre on the island.

The other is "dining with the tides". Just two couples are set up with a silver service degustation experience on the Hazard Bay jetty. Aree and his team of chefs are again at their finest. Each night they design a new menu with between four and six courses. They include squid and jamon with artichoke barigoule and pan-roasted mahi mahi with crushed potato, bok choy, scallion and spiced coconut cream.