Acquiring the popular Australian tourist destination Hamilton Island in 2003, Bob Oatley together with his family, have committed over $300 million to improve the Island's infrastructure and facilities, transforming it into the world-class and award-winning tourist destination it is today.
ACCOMMODATION:
The Oatley's vision has seen the development of the award-winning, luxury five-star resort – qualia {kwah-lee-ah}; a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury nestled intimately on the edge of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.Testament to its names' Latin origins, 'a collection of deeper sensory experiences', qualia occupies Hamilton Island's sun-drenched northern-most tip. Oozing with understated luxury and quintessential Australian charm, the 60 luxurious pavilions set sensitively amongst native Eucalypts are an indulgent space in which to unwind, with either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool.
The success of qualia has been globally recognised with the resort receiving a host of international awards including 'The Best Resort in the World' in the Condé Nast 2012 Traveler Readers' Choice Awards and more recently, the 'Best Australian Resort' title in the 2014 Luxury Travel Magazine Awards and three 2014 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards.
Matthew Taverner, qualia's General Manager, said: "The Oatley family's vision for qualia has been to create a luxury haven – melding the sheer beauty of its Great Barrier Reef location with a distinct style and standard of service that is uniquely Australian. We take enormous pleasure in receiving each and every award. These accolades are testament to us continuing to raise the standard for Australian luxury accommodation and hold true to this unique vision," said Matthew.
With qualia well established, the Oatley family sought to continue expanding the destination's accommodation offering. Designed by celebrated Australian architect Walter Barda, the exclusive Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas opened in 2009 providing yet another string to Hamilton Island's luxury bow.
Located adjacent to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and alongside the Hamilton Island Marina, the luxury waterfront, Yacht Club Villas are ideal for groups of up to eight guests. The generously proportioned four bed-roomed, four bath-roomed villas look out over the picturesque Dent Passage, Hamilton Island Marina and surrounding Whitsunday islands.
With its absolute beachfront location, the adults only Beach Club Resort offers the ultimate romantic island holiday experience. Surrounded by landscaped gardens on Catseye Beach, the 57 luxuriously appointed rooms
have a stylish and relaxed beach house vibe, tailor-made for relaxing. All rooms at the Beach Club Hotel have a private courtyard or balcony looking onto palm-fringed Catseye Beach and the Coral Sea. Beach Club ticks all the boxes on the 'dream island holiday' checklist, with exclusive guest facilities including a lounge, bar and pool.
Located only a short stroll from Catseye Beach and ideal for families, the popular Reef View Hotel features 364 extremely spacious, well-appointed rooms all with private balconies overlooking either landscaped gardens or the breathtaking Coral Sea. The views of the Whitsunday Passage from the hotel's Coral Sea View rooms, not to mention the 18 luxuriously appointed suites on the upper-most floors, are among the best in the world. Additional Reef View Hotel facilities include a 35-metre swimming pool, the Reef Lounge bar, and in-house Pool Terrace Restaurant serving buffet breakfast, light lunches and à la carte dinner menu.
The Palm Bungalows comprise of 49 freestanding island bungalows situated in a tropical garden setting, each with its own balcony, hammock and outdoor furniture. Centrally located, the Palm Bungalows are only a short walk from the main resort pool overlooking the ocean, complete with a swim-up bar and complimentary use of non-motorised water sports. Rooms are spacious and specifically designed for couples or small families. Bright and airy, each bungalow features a king-size bed, single divan, air conditioning and modern bathroom with premium fittings and decor. Guests also have access to an expandable kitchenette with microwave, bar-fridge and tea and coffee making facilities for in-room entertaining and relaxation. The free-standing bungalows are sleek yet simple and accommodate up to a maximum of three adults (with a complimentary rollaway bed) or two adults and two children (under 12 years) sharing the divan.
Families and independent holidaymakers wanting a real home from home on Hamilton Island can also rent an apartment, unit or luxury Holiday Home through Hamilton Island Holiday Homes & Properties. The choice of properties is extensive, including three-star apartments and units, informal family-friendly houses and five-star luxury accommodation options. The Holiday Homes are scattered right across Hamilton Island, from the marina to the beach and the island's tranquil northern tip. Getting around to the island's pools, restaurants, shops and General Store is fun and easy, with complimentary use of a four-seater buggy included during the guest's stay.
HAMILTON ISLAND YACHT CLUB:
Developed as a continuation of Bob Oatley's vision to create a building of world-class significance on the island, the Yacht Club exemplifies the Oatley family's passion for sailing. Dubbed the 'Opera House of Queensland', the Hamilton Island Yacht Club offers first-class dining and leisure facilities for its guests. Designed by renowned Australian architect, Walter Barda, alongside famed yachtsman and CEO of Team Australia, Iain Murray, the iconic architectural design of the Yacht Club, housed under a billowing sail-shaped copper roof, has seen it become a well known landmark in the immensely beautiful Whitsundays.Hamilton Island Yacht Club has been confirmed as the Challenger of Record for the 35th America's Cup in 2017. Hamilton Island Yacht Club's Australian team will represent all challengers in dealings with the defender Oracle Team USA of Golden Gate Yacht Club, San Francisco.
ACTIVITIES ON HAMILTON ISLAND:
Hamilton Island has more than 60 activities to choose from, with something to suit every interest and energy level. Guests can cruise to the Great Barrier Reef or nearby Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, set sail through the Whitsundays, play a round of golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Course, relax at a spa or by one of the many pools, explore over 20km of walking trails, or getting active with some non-motorised water sports.GREAT BARRIER REEF:
Thanks to its idyllic location on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and its close proximity to Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, heading out on the water to is always a popular pastime for guests to Hamilton Island.When it comes to getting to Whitehaven Beach, guests can either travel 30 minutes by high-speed catamaran, 15 minutes by scenic seaplane or helicopter flight or at leisure on a Sunsail Yacht Charter. The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is less than two hours away by boat of 30 minutes by air.
Glenn Bourke, Hamilton Island CEO said: "Although Whitehaven Beach, voted the 2014's best Australian beach by TripAdvisor, and Heart Reef have always been 'must do's for visitors to Hamilton Island, over the years we have seen an increasing demand to do so in absolute luxury. Many are choosing to soak up the destination from both the sky and sea with our exclusive Hamilton Island Reef Comber experience."
Guests are left speechless as they enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the dreamy Heart Reef, before landing by the Great Barrier Reef itself at Hardy Lagoon to enjoy an intimate glass bottom boat and snorkelling experience. It truly is an extraordinary bucket list experience and one everyone should tick off in their lifetime.
GOLF:
Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only 18 hole championship golf course in Australia to occupy its own island. Boasting some of the most spectacular views and settings of any golf course in the world, on debut Hamilton Island Golf Club was ranked #14 in Australia's Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses (2011), including ranking #3 in the country for Best Aesthetics.Designed by champion golfer, Peter Thomson of Thomson Perrett, the 6,120 metre, par 71 course sits on neighbouring Dent Island, just a five minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island. Opened in August 2009, Hamilton Island Golf Club was designed not only to test the golfing proficiency of resort guests, but also to challenge the world's professionals.
The crowning glory of the course is the stunning Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse, perfectly positioned to take in the stunning views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea. The Clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for a post-game cold beer, or for non-golfers to relax over a laid-back lunch.
FOOD + WINE:
Hamilton Island is one of Australia's premier food and wine destinations. From fine dining to a family friendly pizza on the deck or a candlelit dinner for two, Hamilton Island offers guests a high quality dining experience for every occasion.Hamilton Island's portfolio of sixteen restaurants includes the Modern South East Asian coca chu. coca chu is located overlooking Catseye Beach with stunning views of the Whitsunday islands. coca chu boasts a glassed-in show kitchen & dining area, outdoor poolside lounge bar, cocktail waiting lounge, bar, and balcony dining & lounge area.
The addition of coca chu further cements the Island's position as a gourmet food haven, joining its other exquisite establishments including Hamilton Island's signature restaurant, Bommie. Located in the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie was opened in 2009 and continues to delight guests with its a la carte modern Australian menu. A delicious dinner at Bommie is best preceded by sunset cocktails on the Bommie Deck, which overlooks the marina, Dent Passage and Whitsunday islands.
Hamilton Island's two other fine dining eateries are located within qualia, the Island's exclusive luxury resort, and are for qualia guests or by advance booking only. Executive chef Alastair Waddell sensationally delivers his culinary excellence in the ultimate in fine dining at the Long Pavilion, and the more casual relaxed Pebble Beach, located on the pebbled shores of The Coral Sea.
EVENTS ON HAMILTON ISLAND:
On the water or on the land, from sporting highlights to cultural performances, Hamilton Island hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the year.Stamford Financial Hilly Half Marathon: 4 May 2014 Hit the long-distance running trail and be cheered on by the crowds on the annual Stamford Financial Hilly Half Marathon. Held each May, the challenging Stamford Financial Hilly Half Marathon follows road, fire trails and walking tracks through Hamilton Island's undulating interior. Following a rugged 21-kilometre route uphill and down dale, the marathon puts individual and team relay competitors (3x7km) to the test.
Gatorade Clash of the Paddles: 12 – 15 June 2014 Run over four exciting days, the Gatorade Clash of the Paddles is one of the world's toughest outrigger canoe racing events where competitive outriggers are joined by athletes from another popular paddle discipline; Surf Ski. Capped off with an exciting off-water entertainment program, the Gatorade Clash of the Paddles is an 'oarsome' event for every type of paddler.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week: 16 August 2014 to 23 August 2014 Every August, Hamilton Island Race Week draws yachts from around the globe to the Whitsundays. In addition to the excitement of offshore racing, a vibrant program of social events is held on land to celebrate Australia's largest yachting regatta.
The Australian Ballet – pas de deux in paradise: 31 October 2014 to 02 November 2014 Go behind the scenes with The Australian Ballet, and attend an exclusive outdoor performance by this world-renowned dance company at qualia, Hamilton Island's luxury resort.
Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island: 28 – 30 November 2014 Hamilton Island's highly successful Great Barrier Feast includes a series of separate haute cuisine weekends, offering guests the exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in a 'behind the scenes' experience and learn directly from world-class chefs in a world-class setting.
For more events on Hamilton Island, visit: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/events
GETTING TO HAMILTON ISLAND:
As the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with its own commercial jet airport, access to Hamilton Island (airport code: HTI) is easy with short, direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns and good connections from other Australian cities. There are also quick 30-minute direct boat transfers from Shute Harbour on the mainland.For more information or to book your next Hamilton Island holiday, visit: www.hamiltonisland.com.au.
Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland and www.facebook.com/qualiaInstagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @qualiaresort. Mention us: #hamiltonisland and #qualia
Twitter: @hamiltonisland and @qualia
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