What it is

An island wonderland on the Great Barrier Reef with waterfront “pavilion” villa rooms, divine locavore dining menus, and a holistic spa—all on a white sand beach.

What it isn't

Free-range. You’ll want to plan all activities, spa treatments, and even meals in advance of your trip: each time slot is highly coveted, for good reason.

What we think

Proof that Qualia is not your ordinary Australian resort? You can book a charter on their gleaming 55-foot motor yacht, the Palm Beach, for private whirls around these pristine turquoise waters. But even if you skip the indulgence, you’ll feel pampered to the max: every single stay option here is exquisite and ultra private (each “pavilion” being set directly on the ocean.) We love the southwest facing, 968-square-foot Leeward Pavilions for their eucalyptus-shaded sundecks and the Windward Pavilions for their egg-shaped soaking tubs and infinity plunge pools set overlooking the archipelago of Whitsunday Islands. Either way, you’ll find included luxuries ranging from 24-hour chauffeur service across Hamilton Island to unfettered use of their flotilla of non-motorized watercraft. Oh, did we mention that all guests can borrow a golf cart for whirling about the property in style?

You're here because

You need a break from little ones, and the resort does not allow kids under 16.

The Moment

You’ve felt so refreshed by your morning dips in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef that you thought you’d never feel more invigorated. Until, that is, your full body exfoliation, rubdown, and marine mineral facial at the spa. Bliss.

Restaurants & Bars

Long Pavilion - Locally sourced, Modern Australian, Fine Dining, Tasting menu available

Pebble Beach - Locally Sourced, Modern Australian, casual, seaside setting

Long Pavilion Bar

Pebble Beach Bar

Location

The north tip of Hamilton Island, tucked within Great Barrier Reef Marine Park—a.k.a. The bucket list destination that’s a snorkeling mecca for its 350 kinds of coral and 1,500 tropical fish species.