Description
Qualia is a unique expression of Australian luxury, a stylish resort situated on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. With views out to the Whitsundays, Qualia is a place of rare natural beauty, where fine textures and beautiful stone sit hand-in-hand with fragrant eucalyptus.
Qualia relaxes the mind and spoils the senses with its exquisitely appointed pavilions that are nestled in perfect harmony with the Island’s unique location. Set among the eucalyptus trees, each of the 60 one-bedroom 'Leeward' and 'Windward' Pavilions has been handcrafted from timber and stone and have a distinctive style with interiors inspired by nature and artworks adorning the walls. All pavilions have an outdoor deck with ocean views, some with private plunge pools and you have your own electric buggy in which to explore the island at your leisure. Qualia's Beach House is a private fully equipped villa with full size swimming pool and guest house, perfect for larger parties or those wanting the ultimate in pampered privacy.
The two restaurants within Qualia provide the ideal stage upon which the Executive Chef can stimulate the palate with fresh and innovative menus - the Long Pavilion offers fine dining with modern Australian cuisine in an elegant setting. Pebble Beach is located on the pebble shores of the Coral Sea and offers relaxed lunches with aromatic flavours of the South Pacific region. Both restaurants focus on local and national produce wherever possible and the emphasis is on healthy organic, simple and delicious dishes.
For a truly memorable experience step inside Spa Qualia, which offers an extensive range of luxurious treatments designed to capture the essence of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. The six treatment rooms are designed to catch the sea breezes and take in the views of the Whitsundays - the spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
As well as exploring the island in your personal buggy, explorations by sea can include use of the complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, hobie cats and snorkelling gear or you can take a cruise to enjoy diving, fishing, island hopping, beach picnics and idyllic sunsets over the Whitsundays.
Accommodation
Qualia's 33 Leeward Pavilions have a kitchenette, open plan lounge area and a private sundeck overlooking the island and Coral Sea. The 26 Windward Pavilions have the addition of a separate living area and plunge pool with postcard views over the Coral Sea and Whitsundays. For the ultimate indulgence stay at the Beach House with large private swimming pool, breathtaking views and guest house. All rooms have an electronic buggy for personal use, flat screen TVs, ipod docking stations and CD/DVDs.
Childcare
Children under 16 are not permitted at Qualia.
Facilities
There are two restaurants at Qualia, with fine dining at the Long Pavilion and a more relaxed, casual experience at Pebble Beach on the water's edge. Alternatively you can have wonderful in villa dining or explore some of the island's other restaurants in your golf buggy. Qualia has a serene spa with 6 treatment rooms and an outdoor yoga and meditation pavilion. There are also two infinity swimming pools with full bar service (one also has food service), fully equipped gym and peaceful library.
Activities
Qualia provides complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipments and hobie cats as well as electric buggies which you can take to explore the island further. There is also a 45 foot cruiser available for sunset cruises, fishing, snorkelling, diving and island trips. For the ultimate in pampered adventure, request to be dropped at a deserted beach for the day - beach mats, an umbrella, snorkelling gear and a gourmet picnic await. Just use the 2-way radio when you're ready for collection.
When to travel
As Hamilton Island is in the Whitsundays and not as far north as some islands on the Great Barrier Reef the weather is not quite so extreme. The best time to visit is still between April and October but it is still well worth a visit the rest of the year.
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Location and directions
Whitsundays, Australia
Situated on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Queensland. One of the Whitsunday group of 74 islands, Hamilton Island is located a little south of neighbouring Whitsunday Island.
How to get there
Hamilton Island is the only Whitsundays island with its own commercial airport. Direct flights land here daily from Australia’s major international gateway airports: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. The flight time is 2 to 3-hours.
Passenger ferries sail to Hamilton Island from Shute Harbour on the mainland. The ferry to Hamilton Island takes just 30-minutes, with scheduled services throughout the day.
