From family accommodation to five star luxury, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most popular and accessible holiday destinations. Set on the outskirts of the Great Barrier Reef and gateway to the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, there’s something for everyone here.
It’s worth taking the time to consider what type of holiday you want to have when booking a luxury hotel on Hamilton Island. You’ll want to choose a resort that matches your expectations and budget.
Qualia Resort
Set amongst the pristine Whitsundays on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia Resort is one of the best luxury hotels in Australia. It was voted World’s Best Resort in 2012, and its distinctly Australian style – from the cosy, laconic staff to the clean and minimal rooms – ensures it’s an experience to be remembered.
There’s an incredible feeling of serenity at this upscale hotel, and it’s the detail that makes it so special. The suites are spacious and comfortable, decorated with a light and airy palette that’s inspired by the landscape and infused with wood accents from local artisans. In addition to the large windows, guests can enjoy a view of the sea from their private deck.
The hotel’s 60 pavilions are located on a 12 hectare property, and they offer a unique sense of space and openness. Each has a personality all of its own, and the resort’s owners have designed each one with inspiration from native eucalypts and the Great Barrier Reef.
Each room is stocked with a collection of Aesop toiletries, flatscreen TVs and iPod docks. Some even have their own private plunge pools, making it an experience like no other.
Dining is a major highlight at this resort, with two restaurants: the Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach. The Long Pavilion offers modern Australian cuisine, while Pebble Beach is more formal with a fine-dining concept that embraces the diversity of the country’s ingredients.
The Long Pavilion is also a wonderful place for breakfast, where the buffet is packed with flavoursome local dishes, while a daily selection of fresh fish from the reef will be served. There’s also an extensive wine list at both restaurants, including single-malt scotch and port wines.
Qualia’s spa is another place where you can find relaxation, combining Sodashi and Li’Tya products to create an oasis of tranquillity and wellbeing. There’s a variety of treatments to choose from, and each one is crafted by a team of expert therapists.
The resort also boasts a number of other luxury amenities, including an infinity pool and a gym. The resort’s staff will also transport you to and from the airport by electric golf buggy, a great way to get around and take in the stunning views of the islands.
Beach Club
Located on the tranquil edge of Catseye Beach, Beach Club is an adults-only resort that’s perfect for couples or small groups. With 57 rooms that face directly onto the beach, this hotel has everything you need for an unbeatable vacation in paradise.
The resort offers a private restaurant and lounge, child-free ambiance, and personalised service to make your stay feel like an exclusive getaway. It also provides a free chauffeur service, 24-hour room service, and complimentary airport transfers.
Each room is beautifully decorated with a stylish decor and features a private balcony with stunning Coral Sea views. They’re air conditioned and include a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and an in-room dining area.
It also offers a range of activities, including a gym, spa, sauna and tennis court hire. Its deluxe treatments include body cocoon wraps, exfoliations and alternative therapies using indigenous products like Waterlily and LI’TYA.
There are also plenty of other great things to do on hamilton island, such as shopping, exploring wildlife or going karting. You can even tee off beside the great barrier reef at Hamilton Island Golf Club, one of the world’s premier courses.
For more information on Hamilton Island, check out this guide.
The luxury hotel has an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, a terrace for cocktails, and modern Australian cuisine at its Beach Club restaurant. There are also many other dining options within a short walking distance of the hotel.
Each of the rooms is tastefully decorated, with high-end furniture crafted from light colored wood. They’re complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the sea.
They also feature modern art, air conditioning, a minibar, safes, and Nespresso coffeemakers. All rooms are nonsmoking.
Its spacious, modern bathrooms are adorned with rain showers and freestanding baths. There are also a few suites that offer additional amenities, such as a spa bathtub and a private plunge pool. There’s also a 24-hour front desk and a business center. Guests can also use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to explore Whitsunday Island.
Reef View Hotel
Reef View Hotel offers stylish and comfortable Hamilton Island accommodation, surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens. It also boasts a great pool, free breakfast and in-room movies (on demand).
Rooms at this upscale property are spacious and contemporary, with many offering incredible sea views. Garden, Coral Sea and King Coral Sea views are available in a range of room types including the one-bedroom Terrace Suites.
Each of the 383 rooms at Reef View Hotel has a private balcony, air conditioning and a bathroom with a shower. They are equipped with a desk, a TV and a minibar.
These rooms are perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or family vacation on Hamilton Island. They feature a king-size bed and can accommodate a third person on a sofa bed.
Guests staying more than four nights get breakfast for free at the Pool Terrace restaurant, as well as complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Other facilities at this all-inclusive property include a fitness center and a tennis court.
Children up to the age of 12 stay and eat for free at Reef View Hotel, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Kids can make use of the Clownfish Club, a fun place for kids aged six weeks to 12 years that is under the supervision of qualified childhood leaders.
Other services at this luxury Hamilton Island resort include a tour desk, a business centre and 24-hour room service. Guests can also take advantage of a full-service spa, a sauna and dry sauna.
In addition, the hotel offers a variety of dining options for guests to enjoy. There’s the Pool Terrace restaurant serving up a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as a casual lounge with wicker seating in the lobby.
The staff is friendly and helpful. They can give you tips on what to do and where to go in Hamilton Island. There is also a handy shuttle bus to help you get around the island, and if you need something else, there’s a small supermarket in the vicinity. The decor in the guestrooms and the bar could do with a bit of a refresh, but otherwise this is a nice place to stay on Hamilton Island.
Yacht Club Villa
Located along the waterfront of Dent Passage and the nearby islands, Yacht Club Villas is one of the best luxury hotels on hamilton island. This exclusive accommodation option is set amidst lush tropical gardens and offers spectacular water views. The villas are three to four levels high and make the most of natural light and sea breezes. Designed for indulgence and space, each villa has four bedrooms with private bathrooms as well as a gourmet kitchen, separate laundry and an outdoor dining setting.
The property also includes a landscaped lagoon style pool, which is for the exclusive use of guests staying at the resort. The villas are situated in a secure gated community and entry is via a landscaped driveway.
With a direct access to the Hamilton Island Marina, this luxury resort is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area and the Great Barrier Reef. There are many tours and activities available, and the hotel features free Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
Rooms at the Reef View Hotel offer modern en suite bathrooms, flat screen televisions and private balconies. They also have iPod docking stations, air conditioning and a minibar.
These luxurious rooms feature elegant seaside decor and a choice of king or twin beds. The modern en suite bathrooms come with a bath, separate shower and bathrobes.
The beachfront hotel is a short walk from the Hamilton Island Marina and Catseye Beach. It also offers a spa, gym and a sauna.
There are 57 contemporary rooms at the Beach Club, each of which has its own private balcony or courtyard overlooking Catseye Beach. Providing a stunning vantage point from which to enjoy the beach or watch the sunset, these stylish rooms are perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
For families with children, the resort offers complimentary kids’ clubs and a kids’ playground. The resort also hosts various activities, such as movies under the stars and a campfire with marshmallow roasting.
This resort also offers a shuttle service that runs in the summer season. There are four championship golf courses in Barefoot Resort, and guests can take advantage of a range of other amenities, including an infinity edge pool.