Qualia

Prepare to be impressed at the Whitsunday Islands, home to some of the world's most beautiful resorts. This magical location off the coast of Queensland offers everything from luxurious suites to self-catering accommodations. Whether you’re looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef or simply want to relax on pristine beaches, you'll find something special to suit. Ranging from private island escapes with breathtaking sea views to family-friendly retreats with multiple dining options, the top resorts in the Whitsunday Islands will deliver. 

For a group getaway

Palm Bay Resort

  • Looking for the perfect place to celebrate with friends? At Palm Bay Resort on Long Island, the 25 stylish suites and self-catering villas offer space for up to 60 guests - ideal for a group retreat. There's also a lively restaurant, direct beach access, plus water sports and hiking trails. 

For an adults-only escape

Qualia

  • Beach Club is an adults-only favourite on Hamilton Island. Expect sea-facing rooms with Scandi-style pale wood furnishings, a spa, infinity pool and a modern Australian restaurant. The perfect intimate retreat for couples looking to get away from it all.
  • Elysian Retreat offers 10 gorgeous villas on three tranquil hectares of Long Island. Enjoy a mineral pool, Ayurvedic spa and organic, home-grown cuisine. With beds facing the ocean and some of the villas having plunge pools, it's the ultimate in relaxation.
  • Take in the breathtaking views at Qualia, another adults-only delight on 30 acres of grounds near Hamilton Island's northern tip. This beautifully relaxing resort offers elegant, understated interiors, plus a gorgeous spa, swimming pools and gourmet cuisine.

For family fun

Hayman Island Resort

  • Hayman Island Resort is a fabulous luxury resort on a tiny private island with a kids' club, multi-bedroom suites with private pools and activities galore. With five bars and restaurants, a serene spa and a gorgeous beach, there's something for everyone here. 
  • Dreaming of the perfect family holiday in an amazing location? Daydream Island Resort and Spa says it all in its name. Families will love the spacious suites, fun-filled kids' club and outdoor cinema nights with a giant screen. There are also three outdoor spas and a choice of restaurants.

Still not sure? 

Top 6 Resorts in the Whitsunday Islands

Hayman Island Resort

Whitsunday Islands (Australia)

This tiny private Whitsunday island is a tropical oasis of pristine white beaches & turquoise waters. The island's only resort offers luxurious rooms & suites with balconies or breathtaking sea views. Boasting 5 bars & restaurants, a serene spa & gorgeous beach, this is the ultimate place to unwind.

  • Kayaking - Travel around Blue Pearl Bay, Langford Island and Bali Hai by kayak, hopping into crsytal clear waters for magical snorkelling
  • Families - A fabulous luxury resort with a kids' club, multi-bedroom suites with private pools & activities galore
  • Beach Life - Beachfront bliss for romantics or families on beautiful Hayman Island in the Whitsundays
  • Watersports - Guided jet ski adventures, kayaking tours and sailing trips will delight keen explorers
from £390 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Qualia

Whitsunday Islands (Australia)

A sophisticated resort with 60 stunning pavilions on 30 acres of grounds near Hamilton Island's northern tip. Elegant, understated interiors frame ocean views, with sink-into tubs, polished wooden floors & private pools. A sumptuous spa and gourmet dining complete the experience. An adult-only gem.

  • Golf - Hamilton Island Golf Club, on neighbouring Dent Island, was designed by Peter Thomson and will delight keen golfers
  • Total relaxation - A beautifully relaxing resort, complete with a gorgeous spa, swimming pools & sea views for a blissful escape
  • Honeymoons - A fabulous resort for luxury honeymoons with expansive sea-facing pavilions, gourmet fare & a serene spa
  • Sailing - Brilliant for keen sailors, who can organise private charters through the Whitsundays
from £560 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Palm Bay Resort

Whitsunday Islands (Australia)

With a mesmerising location on Long Island in the heart of the Whitsundays, this resort offers luxurious self-catering accommodation in 25 suites & villas. Airy, white & blue interiors face the sea. There's also a lively restaurant, direct beach access & water sports as well as hiking trails.

  • Great walks - A Rainforest National Park, Long Island is criss-crossed with forested trails, perfect for keen bird watchers and adventurers
  • Groups - The 25 suites and villas offer space for up to 60 guests - perfect for a group retreat or celebration with friends
  • Active Holiday - A lively beach resort with outdoorsy activities including snorkelling, diving, swimming, canoeing & hiking
  • Diving - Dive in the clear waters of the islands, where myriad fish and marine life zip between the coral
from £130 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Daydream Island Resort and Spa

Whitsunday Islands ( Australia)

The very name of the island invites total relaxation, which is exactly what this big resort offers. Deluxe contemporary suites, three outdoor spas & a choice of restaurants encourage guests to unwind. A lively outdoor cinema, kids' club, team games & water sports galore are brilliant for all ages.

  • Hotel Entertainment - Gather on classic deckchairs with the whole family for great movies on the 44ft outdoor cinema screen, complete with snacks
  • Other Activities - Trivia nights, Amazing Race team challenges and sports competitions aplenty are great fun for all ages
  • Active Holiday - A fabulous activity-focused resort with games & competitions, water sports & a mini-golf course
  • Families - Families will love the spacious suites, fun-filled kids' club and outdoor cinema nights
from £140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Elysian Retreat

Whitsunday Islands (Queensland)

A gorgeous 10-villa retreat on 3 tranquil hectares of Long Island in the magical Whitsundays. Thatched villas with cosy double beds face the ocean; some have plunge pools. All share a mineral pool, Ayurvedic spa & organic, home-grown cuisine. The first solar-powered hotel on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Honeymoons - A beautiful honeymoon hideaway with ten chic villas, plus a spa and gorgeous gourmet cuisine
  • Sailing - Sail around the Whitsunday Islands on the retreat's rare Australian classic yacht Lady Enid
  • Eco break - The first solar-powered resort in the Great Barrier Reef, with a strong green ethos
  • Spa - Enjoy fabulous whole body skin therapies, massage, facials and reflexology at Jaya, the retreat's ayurvedic spa
from £692 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Beach Club

Whitsunday Islands (Hamilton Island)

A chic contemporary Beach Club, offering swish sea-facing guest rooms with Scandi-style pale wood furnishings, crisp white linens & deep blue accents. Amenities include a spa, infinity pool & modern Australian restaurant with cracking cocktail list. An adults-only favourite on Hamilton Island.

  • Beach Life - A buzzy beachfront hotel with dazzling views over the Coral Sea from white & blue bedrooms, plus an infinity pool & watersports
  • Romantic Break - An adults-only escape for romantics eager to soak up sea views, stroll along the beach or unwind at the superb spa
  • Sailing - Charter a yacht or catamaran from the nearby marina for sailing trips around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays
  • Restaurant - Savour modern Australian cuisine at the Beach Club restaurant, which also promises gorgeous views
from £454 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Jan Gooderham

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