This was published 1 year ago
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort: Iconic Queensland resort is still at the top of its game
tra2-deals Infinity pool Hayman Island
Long luring travellers with its iconic pool and palm-fringed shores lapped by cerulean seas, Hayman has upped the ante yet again to stay at the top of its game.
It's early morning when I turn over, hit the switch and watch as the shimmering Coral Sea framed by swaying palm trees comes into view. It looks almost too good to be true – like someone's applied a magic filter. I open and shut the automatic blinds several times, marvelling at the sea's heady shade of blue.
I'm staying in one of 12 luxe new adults-only beachfront pavilions steps from Hayman Bay, where tiny crabs scuttle and baby stingrays loll in the shallows. I practically roll out of my king-size bed into the warm (26 degrees) languid sea – pinching myself to be back on this iconic island at the northernmost tip of Queensland's Whitsunday Islands.
There are 12 luxe new adults-only beachfront pavilions steps from Hayman Bay.
A lot's changed in the three years since the unveiling of Hayman's $135 million makeover following a devastating Category 4 cyclone. For one thing these swish new pavilions didn't exist then.
Designed by Daarc Studio, the pavilions come with all the bells and whistles, including 24-hour concierge service, inroom dining and on demand buggy transfers - whisking guests to everything on offer across the 168-room resort. The thought of chauffeured buggy rides seems excessive until I decide to walk the 250 metres or so to breakfast. With humidity close to 100 per cent, I feel like I am melting (well, my makeup certainly is). Besides there's nothing more fun than tootling around the island's winding paths by buggy, feeling the balmy breeze on your face and waving at passing guests and staff.
Billed as the ultimate in barefoot luxury, the 45 square metre freestanding pavilions come with beds dressed in muted grey linen, a bath where you can gaze out at that incredible view, blue and white interiors, glass-encased balcony and enough buttons to drive the technically challenged to distraction. There's also the luxury of your own private heated plunge pool which I take a dip in but once (more just to say I did) – opting for those clear waters instead.
Designed by Daarc Studio, the pavilions come with all the bells and whistles.
The pavilions build on the island's incredible legacy, offer a strong connection to its covetable Great Barrier Reef address and aim to meet increased demand from high-end travellers looking for a secluded, adults-only offering.
They also bolster the island's other superlative accommodation options which include eight Beachfront Villas designed by the late architect Kerry Hill, the three-bedroom Hayman Beach House and four-bedroom Hayman Residences (two more have recently been added to Hayman's holiday rental inventory).
There are other changes too with the 72-year-old resort working hard to stay at the top of its game.
Billed as the ultimate in barefoot luxury, the 45 square metre freestanding pavilions come with beds dressed in muted grey linen, a bath where you can gaze out at that incredible view, blue and white interiors, glass-encased balcony and enough buttons to drive the technically challenged to distraction.
Sustainability, a key part of the 2019 redesign, continues to be a priority (guests receive water bottles to refill at filtered water stations and are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen) while new executive chef Paul Lewis (ex-Elements Byron Bay) has rolled up his sleeves and got to work on Hayman's already impressive food.
Drawing on his five-star resort background (including stints at the W Retreat and Spa Maldives and Le Meridien Bali) Lewis plans to elevate Hayman's culinary offerings with seasonal changing menus and destination-inspired dining including guest chefs and winemaker partnerships. A new meat smoking room (a speciality of the hatted chef) has been introduced while sustainable seafood, including local coral trout and mud crab, is on offer across the resort.
"There's no doubt Queensland's food culture is changing and evolving, mirroring what's happening in the southern states. We're also getting access to better produce and products, something that was previously more challenging in remote destinations like Hayman."
One balmy night we're lucky enough to sample Pacific's newly launched menu where Lewis spins native ingredients and local produce into dishes like market reef fish with kohlrabi, sea herbs, burnt lemon dressing and brown butter.
But for foodies the ultimate experience is the "Chef's Table" where diners are treated to a five-course degustation menu in the main kitchen (with its secret underground tunnels leading to Hayman's various food outlets). Presenting us with a mulberry leaf and duck boudin with aniseed myrtle, paired with an exceptional Tuscan wine, Lewis outlined his vision for Hayman.
"We want to be recognised as a culinary destination on par with Sydney and Melbourne," he says and having sampled his fare firsthand, it doesn't seem too lofty an ambition.
We stroll back to our room by moonlight, our cup full from exceptional meals, fresh coconuts by the pool and dips in that glorious sea. It feels like we've been away for weeks, not days. Hayman has a wonderful habit of doing that to you.
THE DETAILS
FLY
Most travellers staying on Hayman Island fly into Hamilton Island where staff greet guests and take their bags. Direct daily flights are offered to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A one-hour luxury catamaran transfer costs $210 an adult, $110 a child, one way.
STAY
Hayman has rooms, suites and villas spread across three wings: beach, pool and lagoon starting at $779 a night including breakfast. Book two or more nights in a beachfront pavilion and pay from $1757 a night including breakfast and concierge service (normally $2150 a night) until February 28, 2023. See haymanisland.intercontinental.com
MORE
Sheriden Rhodes was a guest of InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.