48 hours at qualia; the best resort in the world

Feeling a world away has never been this easy to reach.

Access to qualia is simple, with a short, direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. There’s also direct boat transfers from Port of Airlie on the mainland. Once you touchdown, you’ll be chauffeured in VIP style to the resort, where a glass of champagne awaits.

You’ll be met with an open, distinctive Australian style resort that blends seamlessly with its environment – as well as welcoming, friendly staff to remind you that you’re in Queensland.

Forget standard hotel rooms. Here, there are 60 individual pavilions, each with views of the Coral Sea and the surrounding landscape that will make you pinch yourself – plus either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool to relax in.

2pm: explore or unwind

If you can leave your private infinity pool, there’s an infinite amount of adventure at your doorstep.

Included in all qualia accommodation is use of non-motorised watercrafts like kayaks and SUPs, snorkelling equipment, beach drop-offs and use of a two seater golf buggy, so you can explore the rest of the island at your own pace.

Prefer a slower start? Sink into your weekend and unwind with a restorative spa treatment. 

From yoga and massage to body brushing and wrapping, qualia’s approach to spa treatment draws on Indigenous Australian influences. Each therapy is designed to connect your mind, body and spirit, and harmonise it with the essence of the coastal environment using 100% natural products.

Indulge in a signature treatment, such as stone massage using warm stones called Bularri Yarrul (one of Queensland's best Indigenous spa offerings). Getting away from it all has never felt so good.

5pm: all aboard

As the sun sets, set sail on an intimate cruise through the Whitsundays. You’ll be travelling in style aboard qualia’s luxury charter cruiser, MV Pebble Beach. With a warm breeze in your hair and chilled champagne in your hand, devour chef-prepared canapes while taking in the views.

If you’d rather choose your own adventure, you can take advantage of the two 16ft Hobie catamarans available for guest use, and explore the nearby islands. 

7pm: wine and dine

The food offering at qualia has a reputation the size of the resort itself, known as one of Queensland’s best restaurants. Signature restaurant Pebble Beach will be a dining experience you’ll remember long after you scrape the last morsel of dessert from your plate. And the food here looks so good you might nearly forget to look up and take in the view while you dine.

The flavor-focused menu features ethically sourced, sustainable seasonal produce from farmers and artisans around the country, hand-selected by the chef himself. And the herbs? They’re plucked from the garden in the grounds of qualia, and brought straight to your plate. 

Day 2

8am: rise and sunshine

Wake up to sunrise over the Coral Sea, from the comfort of your plush bed and you’ll want to move in permanently.

But with an exciting day ahead, rise and take your time to savour breakfast in the Long Pavilion. You might see whales breaching in the waters below while you fuel up for the day.

10am: find the heart of the reef 

If your perfect day means never leaving the views and privacy of your pavilion, then sink into your bathtub and get ready to not lift a finger.

But if you want to experience a uniquely special part of The Whitsundays, let the qualia team coordinate a day out you’ll be talking about for years to come. This resort is surrounded by the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef, none more enchanting than Heart Reef. See it from above on a scenic helicopter flight that’ll soar you over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, before touching down on the Heart Island Pontoon for a secluded afternoon on the reef.

Or give your sea legs a workout and spend the day aboard their luxury charter cruiser. You can explore the Whitsundays at your own pace, stop in for a swim at the best beach in Australia and pull anchor in deserted coves to dive in and see what marine life lies beneath.

6pm: bites on the beach

Let the team spoil you on your final evening with a private dinner right on the beach. Sip wine as the sun sets, with your toes in the sand and exquisite seafood on your plate.

Day 3

8am: soak in the views