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You can imagine how giddy I was when I found out I’d be escaping to Australia’s most famous private island resort. InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef sits on a 294-hectare island right in the heart of The Whitsundays, reachable only via private charter, luxury boat or a helicopter ride from Hamilton Island Airport. The moment you touch down, you’re fully cut off from the real world – in the best kind of way.
This ultra-luxe resort is everything your dreams are made of – and trust me, it delivers. During my stay, I swam in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pool, took advantage of complimentary morning beach activities and melted away my stress with a deep tissue massage before eating my way through the resort’s top-tier restaurants. But if you want to do absolutely nothing? Say no more. You’re on island time now.
What are the rooms like at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
After suffering damage from Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the resort underwent a major $135 million redevelopment before reopening as the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef in 2019. Now, more than seven decades since it launched, the high-end property is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings – each boasting incredible views of the rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suite I’m staying in, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool from a private beach-facing balcony.
As I stepped into my room, the lights slowly brightened while the blinds automatically glided open – talk about a VIP welcome. A flood of natural light exposed the sleek, open-plan interiors, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a serene coastal-toned lounge area, a plush master bedroom, and a generously sized ensuite with a deep soaking bathtub and walk-in wardrobe. It was effortlessly luxe, and I can only imagine the next-level indulgence of the island’s exclusive beachfront villas or the four premium hillside residences.
What are the best places to eat/drink at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
When it comes to dining here, the island is quite literally your oyster – and if you’re craving the real thing, there are plenty on the menu for lunch or dinner, too.
Gourmet breakfast buffet at the resort’s signature waterfront restaurant, Pacific, is included in all stays, featuring tropical fruits, fresh pastries, premium charcuterie and all the hot classics. For lunch and dinner, the resort offers five distinct restaurants and bars, meaning I could jump from pan-Asian plates by the infinity pool at Bam Bam one night to woodfired pizzas under twinkling fairy lights at Amici the next. For even more wow factor, the resort organises secluded beach picnics, starlit dinners, poolside cabana lunches and exclusive chef’s table experiences. Whatever your vibe, one thing’s certain – Mai Tais and Piña Coladas at the pool bar, Aqua, are a must.
What is Hayman Spa like?
When on island time, you might as well splurge on a little self-care. The Hayman Spa is exactly the kind of wellness sanctuary you’d expect from a luxury private resort, with a heavy emphasis on holistic wellness, Ayurvedic principles, natural botanicals, and essential oils. Standout treatments from the spa menu include the full-body Hayman Signature Massage, the 24K gold age-defying facial with LED, and the detoxifying body wraps and scrubs. There’s also a Spa Oasis wet area that you can book exclusively, complete with a room temperature plunge pool, steam room and sauna.
What is the pool like at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
Spanning seven Olympic-sized pools, the main Hayman pool is the largest swimming pool in the Southern Hemisphere. It holds a mammoth 6.5 million litres of water and features both a saltwater pool and a surrounding freshwater section – complete with a bar in the middle, of course.
If you prefer your dips with a side of postcard-perfect scenery, there’s also a second pool at Bam Bam restaurant. It’s beautifully heated and features an infinity edge overlooking the sparkling Coral Sea.
Is there a gym at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
Open 24/7, the gym here is fully decked out with high-end Technogym equipment, a spacious free weights zone and plenty of cardio machines. Pilates fans will be happy to find two reformer machines ready for self-guided workouts, while a dedicated group fitness zone hosts wellness classes like sunrise yoga and guided meditation.
For those who prefer their cardio with a side of healthy competition, there’s a massive Recreation Centre located just behind the main resort building. It features a tennis court, indoor squash courts, and facilities for basketball, soccer, bocce and croquet.
What can you do at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
Every morning, you can make the most of complimentary watersports, including paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Trust me, it's worth waking up early for!
For something more relaxed, take a serene rainforest walk around the headland or hike to Blue Pearl Bay for some snorkelling. And if you really want to live it up, you can book private helicopter rides over Heart Reef, yacht charters to Whitehaven Beach and jet ski tours around the neighbouring islands.
Address: Whitsunday Islands, Hayman Island, QLD
Price per night: From $599 per night for a room/suite, or from $4,099 for the exclusive Hayman Residences
Book now: Here