7 reasons you should escape to Hayman Island in the Whitsundays
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By Danielle Reckless
Take paradise, add warm tropical waters to dive into, endless coral reefs to explore, adventure at every turn, and luxury digs to sink into at the end of each day. There might be 74 islands in The Whitsundays, but there’s one you need to put at the top of your list: Hayman.
An island escape that goes to the infinity pool and beyond, nowhere offers quite as many opportunities for indulgence, adventure and restorative peace. Need more convincing?
1. The Great Barrier Reef is your backyard
Photo by @intercontinentalhaymanisland
Nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsundays, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort unlocks the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Land here and you’re just moments away from some of the best dive and snorkelling spots in Queensland, thanks to the Ocean Dynamics team that runs day tours out of the resort. Whether you’ve got dozens of adventures on your dive belt or descending below as a newbie, there’s a dive trip to suit. Maori wrasse, manta rays – and even public art – is waiting to be discovered in these waters.
Even on land you might spot some special reef inhabitants. From November to February each year, breeding turtles make their way here to nest on the beaches – keep an eye out for babies scurrying to the sea on a January evening, or look out for their tracks on your morning beach stroll.
2. Hop on a scooter, underwater
Photo by @intercontinentalhaymanisland
The water is warm, and this island is teeming with activities to entice you to jump in. But if you want to dial the thrills to ten, you need to try the underwater scooter. A fun, fast and heart-racing way to explore the reef, the scooters can propel you to depths of 2.5metres to be surrounded by marine life.
If you’d like something a little more above the water, there’s tours of glistening Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, guided jetski adventures, semi-submersible boat tours, SUP, sea kayak excursions, fishing, and luxurious private boat charters.
3. Picnic on a private beach
Raise your glass to a gourmet picnic on your own secluded beach hideaway. Located on 400 hectares, Hayman Island has plenty of secret beaches and quiet coves up her sleeve. So if you’re looking to share a special moment with your significant other, jump on the speedboat and get ready to feast with a spread prepared by the resort’s executive chef.
Watch the sun dwindle behind the horizon and swap your sunnies for stargazing; you’ll see a lot without the city light glow.
4. Restore your heart, body and mind
Photo by @intercontinentalhaymanisland
There’s no better time to embark on a wellness and relaxation journey than when you’re already halfway there on holidays. Sink into a massage treatment, facial or clay wrap at Hayman Spa and you’ll quickly embrace the ethos of sodashi that underpins their services: wholeness, purity and radiance.
Outside of the salon, continue your wellness journey with sunrise yoga classes, meditation and clean eating, or seek solace with a morning stroll on the nature trail that wraps around the island.
5. Feast on fresh Queensland flavours
Photo by @intercontinentalhaymanisland
There’s no shortage of places to indulge your tastebuds on Hayman. Even more abundant? The very best views of one of the planet’s most beautiful places.
Start with Pacific’s gourmet breakfast, served daily with a side of Coral Sea views. Then there’s AQUA, the poolside bar with a cocktail list bursting with tropical fruits from the island, fresh salad bowls, and seafood share plates. Settle in for lunch at pan-Asian Bam Bam, but leave room for mouth-watering pizza, pasta and Italian wines at Amici.
You can also dial up the romance or create memorable moments with Hayman Island’s private dining experiences. Indulge in Under the Stars dining in an exclusive pool-side cabana, or take a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, culinary masterclass and five-course degustation in the Chef’s Table Dinner Experience.
6. Kick back in the VIP Beach House
With 168 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas spread across three distinct wings of the resort – beach, pool and lagoon – you’ll never tire of the view, no matter where you gaze at it from.
But if you’re after an extra special abode, upgrade to the three-bedroom beach house and you’ll be living the rockstar life. Each bedroom comes with its own ensuite and private pool, while the house has another beachfront infinity pool, making it perfect for family and group stays.
No matter where you rest your head, you can rest easy with Hayman Island’s sustainable touches, from supplied reef safe sunscreen and reusable water bottles to their single use plastics ban and state-of-the-art energy saving technology.
7. Feed growing minds
Photo by @intercontinentalhaymanisland
You’ll never hear I’m bored once you check in here. While there’s a range of child-minding, kids’ club and private babysitting services available for parents who want a little ‘me time’ to relax and reconnect, its Hayman’s Planet Trekkers program that won fans in visitors big and small.
Designed for kids aged 4-12 years, Planet Trekkers’ huge activities program offers mind-bending lessons on the reef, coral planting, and fish feeding. Meet local wildlife on a guided beach and nature walks, learn meditation techniques during kids’ yoga, and get creative with cooking classes, arts and crafts.
And if this sounds like fun for the whole family, check the daily activities program and sign up together.
Get to know The Whitsundays region
