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We’ve all heard of The Whitsundays, the tropical paradise in North Queensland.
If you’re planning on making a trip here, no doubt you’ve heard of Australia’s most iconic private island resort; Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort.
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 islands and lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and many of these islands feature luxury resorts and world-class accommodation, so it can be a hard task narrowing down which resort to stay in.
Since only 8 of those islands are inhabited, it narrows down the search a lot, but with the northernmost point of Australia’s Whitsunday’s being Hayman Island, you might be wondering if it’s worth venturing that far away for.
If you’re not sure what it’s like to stay at Australia’s premier luxury resort, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, here is our complete and honest review…
Getting to Hayman Island, Whitsundays
The experience of getting to Hayman Island is where the fun begins.
Once you have flown into the Hamilton Island Airport, which receives direct flights from all of Australia’s major capital cities, you can transfer to Hayman by luxury boat, private charter, or do what we did and arrive in STYLE by helicopter via a flyover of Whitehaven Beach.
You’ll love the views of Hayman Island as you fly in.
Within 30 minutes, you’ve landed, in paradise
About InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort is a luxurious tropical escape nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The resort features stunning beachfront pool villas that provide direct access to pristine sands and breathtaking ocean views, as well as a variety of residences available that cater to either a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
The resort is designed to host a limited number of guests in their 182 rooms, suites and villas, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
As well as the lovely accommodations on offer, you can also explore the natural beauty of Blue Pearl Bay, the bay in which the resort is sitting on, known for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters. You can go snorkeling or diving, visit Heart Reef, or just sunbathe on the beach.
Facilities
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort boasts an impressive array of facilities that offer a luxurious and memorable stay.
At the heart of the resort, is the oceanfront pool, flanked by Aqua Hayman’s Poolside Bar, where you can get refreshing cocktails and light bites while enjoying stunning views of the pool area.
Dining options are plentiful, with Pacific, the onsite dining room, serving an exquisite selection of dishes that highlight local flavors and fresh ingredients.
For coffee and snacks, head to Grove Boutique & Café.
Amici Trattoria adds to the culinary offerings with its Italian-inspired menu, while Bam Bam serves up delicious pan-Asian cuisine for lunch, perfect for a midday treat.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the resort also provides bespoke private dining experiences, where guests can savor their meals in a serene setting – perfect for a special occasion.
The accommodations at Hayman Island are equally impressive, featuring luxurious suites over four area – pool, lagoon, pavilion and beach. Choose between a simple hotel room, or the spacious four-storey, three-bedroom Hayman residence, which can accommodate 8 guests and has a lavish bathroom with an outdoor shower, a king bed, and options for single beds in additional rooms.
At the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, everyone gets attentive service – and with its stunning surroundings and exceptional amenities, it’s easy to see why the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort is a premier destination for those wanting to stay in paradise.
What We Loved About Staying at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island not only offers you pole position in getting to some of the best places on the Great Barrier Reef such as Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, it also offers a unique experience of tranquility, indulgence and natural beauty.
Once you set foot on Hayman, there is only one accommodation option to lay your head – Hayman Island Resort.
This award winning luxurious nature resort is situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped white sandy beach with magnificent views across the Coral Sea.
Here are some of the things we loved about our stay there…
The Hayman Island Resort Pool
I don’t know about you, but one of the first things I like to check out when arriving at a new place is the pool.
Photos of the iconic Hayman pool have featured in many Australian tourism campaigns.
It speaks island vibe and rejuvenation and makes you want to grab a towel, a sun lounge, a book, and a cocktail (or three) and sit under a palm tree.
2. Amazing Accommodation at the Hayman Island Resort
The resort features several options depending upon your budget and group size: superb guest rooms, suites, penthouses beach villas, a beach house, beach wing, and six luxurious penthouses.
All come with a private balcony or terrace.
We stayed in a guest room situated on Hayman Lagoon (swans included).
You could also sleep poolside and dive right in from your balcony!
Or, there is one other very special place for you to lay your head, the Coral Sea…
Yep, they call it a“Hayman Moment“, indulging in one of their signature ocean massages as part of their acclaimed Spa packages.
3. Do as little (or as much) as you like on Hayman Island
If you don’t want to just lay by the pool and read (top of my list) then head to one of the beaches on Hayman Island for sunbathing, swimming, diving snorkeling, sea kayaking, sailing, or, work up a sweat and hit the gymnasium, the tennis courts or the golf driving range.
You can wander the immaculate and lush tropical gardens.
Or, another of our favourite activities, take a stroll on the beach and dream your life away.
4. Dining at the InterContinental Hayman Island
There are four world class restaurants and bars on Hayman including Australian contemporary, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
I love a good breaky, and a great way to wake up to a new day is by indulging in the buffet breakfast at the beachfront restaurant, Azure, overlooking Hayman Beach.
Just watch out for the seagulls and cockatoos if you are out on the deck and leave your plate unattended.
5. The Chef’s Table, Hayman Island Resort
For a unique dining experience, we went backstage into the main kitchen for one of Hayman’s signature experiences, a six-course dinner complimented with fine wines and commentary from the staff.
And, as you do, finish it off with a visit to the ever popular Hayman Chocolate Room.
Is the Hayman Island resort kid-friendly?
We didn’t have little Kalyra and Savannah with us on this visit to Hayman, but what got us even more excited about this resort and a return visit was mention of the Hayman’s Kids Club program.
Catering to kids from 6 weeks to 12 years, your children could become junior chef’s, participate in art workshops, chase butterflies on the Hayman butterfly trail, AND visit the chocolate room.
Final Verdict: Would We Recommend It?
Our stay on Hayman Island in the Whitsunday archipelago was short but very sweet, but it was one of those iconic private island experiences we’ll never forget.
We will be back for the ultimate family island escape.
Our private charter helicopter flight was with Hamilton Island Air. They also offer a variety of scenic flights, particularly over Heart Reef and Hill Inlet / Whitehaven Beach.
Hayman does their own transfers with their private vessel the Sun Goddess, alternatively, you can also arrive via seaplane with Air Whitsunday.
More Tropical North Queensland Guides
Need more tips for visiting the Tropical North Queensland? Here are some other helpful guides…
- Amazing things to do in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
- Ultimate guide to driving the Savannah Way, Outback Queensland
- Go to Carnarvon Gorgee National Park if you want to see kangaroos
- 5 day itinerary for the Sandstone Wilderness
- Quick getaway to Great Keppel Island
- A Thrilling Tour of Whitehaven Beach
- Seeing a different side of the Whitsundays with a crocodile safari
- 24 Hours on Daydream Island
- Things to do in Townsville, QLD
- Why you should visit Agnes Waters and the Town of 1770
- 50 Stunning and adventurous things to do in Queensland
- Why haven’t I heard of Finch Hatton Gorge before
- Things to do at Cape Hillsborough, Mackay – kangaroos on the beach
- Eungella National Park, best places to see platypus in Australia
What about you? Are you looking for that luxury private Island Resort down under? Let us know in the comments.
