Sunday is probably my favourite day of the week. If I’m not travelling, it’s my self-care day to do all the things that make me happy – trail runs, ocean dips, lazy brunches and, of course, a cheeky arvo nap before the work week begins (something I kind of look forward to because I love my job). Hamilton Island’s newest boutique escape, The Sundays, has taken everything that I adore about Sundays and turned it into an everyday vibe.
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is easily one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2025 – and after staying there, I can confirm it’s worth the hype. The $35 million price tag is just a hint of what to expect at this boutique beach hotel by the team behind The Whitsundays’ most iconic luxury resort, Qualia. It’s the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island in more than 17 years and brings a fresh, family-friendly energy to the island. Foodies will be enticed by the Catseye Pool Club, the hotel’s waterside restaurant led by celebrated chef Josh Niland of Saint Peter. Here’s why you should pay The Sundays a visit.
Why stay at The Sundays?
A literal piece of paradise on an island paradise, The Sundays feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Yet, it’s actually just a few hours’ flight from Australia’s east coast (with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) or a breezy boat ride from Airlie Beach. All guests at The Sundays enjoy complimentary return transfers from the airport or marina, so you could be sipping cocktails by the beach within minutes of touching down.
The property itself is a coastal-luxe dream come true, featuring 59 tropical-inspired rooms, a private hotel pool with cabanas and sun loungers, an activity deck for sunrise yoga and moonlit movies, and a water’s edge restaurant and bar with sparkly views of Catseye Beach. Here, guests can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast and free sundaes from 2pm to 4pm daily (my favourite)! Plus, all guests have access to all the perks of the neighbouring Hamilton Island Resort Centre – think snorkelling gear, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, larger pools, a gym, a kids’ club and a brand-new playground.
What are the rooms like at The Sundays?
After a $35 million renovation, The Sundays features 59 stylish rooms split across three floors. All rooms overlook the sparkling Coral Sea and the hotel’s lush gardens, with a choice between private balconies or ground-floor terrace rooms. I stayed in one of the terrace rooms, featuring a plush king bed; a small kitchenette with a mini-bar, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine; a spacious ensuite with a relaxing rain shower and freestanding bathtub; and a private terrace with comfy seating.
I automatically felt a sense of calm upon entering my room. Soothing pastels frame the space, capturing the essence of Hamilton Island’s tropical gardens and bright blue waters. A striking custom artwork by First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg adds a pop of colour while weaving in stories from the Whitsundays region. Local designer Carrie Williams has thoughtfully styled the space with gentle curves, natural textures and comfy furniture that makes slipping into relaxation mode too effortless.
Designed with young families in mind, the interconnecting rooms are perfect for those with little ones in tow, comfortably sleeping up to six guests. The hotel also features eight accessible rooms with easy access to the tropical gardens and waterfront restaurant.
What is the Catseye Beach Club like?
Acclaimed chefs Josh and Julie Niland unveiled a stunning waterfront restaurant as part of the new luxury escape, featuring both indoor and alfresco seating, alongside a poolside bar. Unlike the Nilands’ other award-winning venues – including the award-winning Saint Peter in Sydney – the Catseye Pool Club isn’t a strictly seafood restaurant. While the renowned ‘fish butcher’ stays true to his trailblazing nose-to-tail approach to cooking, he’s expanded the menu to feature premium land-based proteins and fresh produce from the Queensland coast. The father of four has also designed dishes to cater for the whole family, celebrating the cherished Australian tradition of sharing meals by the sea.
Menu highlights include puffy pizza bread with a selection of antipasti and charcuterie; battered fried wild fish tacos with bush tomato salsa and fermented pineapple hot sauce; barbecue Bowen coral trout with finger lime butter sauce; roast Sommerlad chicken with chicken fat roast potatoes; and Tweed Heads Eastern rock lobster with tarragon mayonnaise.
Guests can end on a sweet note with nostalgic, housemade sundaes in flavours like Daintree chocolate, Cassowary Creek vanilla and Queensland strawberry – with soft cream, waffle and melted chocolate on top. To complete the experience, Saint Peter bar director Sam Cocks has curated a Queensland ingredient-focused cocktail menu.
What is breakfast at The Sundays like?
Mornings at Catseye Pool Club are just as tempting, with an exclusive breakfast menu that is complimentary for all hotel guests. You can wake up with fresh pastries and nourishing brekkie bowls while watching the sunrise over Catseye Beach. Grab-and-go options are also available for those with early tours, including seasonal bircher cups and classic bacon and egg rolls. While those who love a sleep in can have breakfast delivered straight to their room. We recommend the zucchini slice with tomato relish and greens, plus a warm blueberry muffin for good measure.
What is the service like at The Sundays?
From the moment you arrive, The Sundays takes care of your every need. You’ll be whisked from the airport or marina straight to the hotel reception for a seamless check-in. During your stay, the team is happy to help organise any tours or restaurant reservations, or book you in for complimentary sunrise yoga and moonlit movie nights on the activity deck.
What is the pool like at The Sundays?
Overlooking the shimmering seas of Catseye Beach, the beachfront edge pool offers a private oasis for hotel guests. You can start the day with a refreshing dip (the water is mild), settle into a private cabana or lounger, or sip on cocktails from the poolside bar.
All guests of The Sundays also score free access to the pools at Hamilton Island Resort Centre next door.
What’s the area like around The Sundays?
The Sundays sits pretty at the northern end of the palm-fringed Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island – the Southern Hemisphere’s largest integrated island resort. The hotel is just steps away from Hamilton Island Resort Centre, where guests have easy access to the main pools, playground, Clownfish Kids Club, tennis courts, mini-golf, bowling alley, gym, Spa wumurdaylin and a range of dining options. The Hamilton Island Marina and shopping precinct, featuring an IGA, are just a ten-minute walk or a five-minute buggy ride. From the marina, you can embark on tours to iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.
Why you should book a stay at The Sundays?
Whether you’re a newlywed couple, a young family or a pair of old timers, The Sundays is an achievable slice of island paradise. Complimentary transfers and daily gourmet breakfast are two huge drawcards for guests, along with free use of non-motorised watercraft, including catamarans, kayaks, snorkels and stand-up paddleboards – making it impossible to resist the lure of paradise!
Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, QLD
Price per night: From $891 per night
Closest transport link: It’s just a five-minute drive to both Hamilton Island Airport and Marina
Book now: https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/the-sundays.en-gb.html?aid=1300682
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