If there is one island in Australia that has something for everyone it is definitely HAMILTON ISLAND.

Over the years I have been there several times, during all different seasons, for both work and pleasure, and stayed in ALL of the different styles of accommodation. So, I can honestly say that I am an expert on this destination and I want to share that expertise with you.

The island is split into two sides by a hill – The Resort Side and Marina Side. With several restaurants, on both the resort side and marina side, plus a few shops, boutiques and cafes at the Marina you are spoilt for choice. I have included a map of Hamilton Island so you can see what I am talking about.

Hamilton Island is the only Australian island that has so many choices for accommodation, to suit every budget and whether you want hotel-style or self-catering apartments – below is a rundown.

Qualia

From the moment you are met at the airport and driven to the resort, you feel special. Arriving at the large timber front gate of Qualia, you feel like you are entering Jurassic Park!

For a luxury memorable experience, in a secluded pristine location overlooking the Coral Sea, Qualia is stunning!

With a very Australian feel to it, it is welcoming and relaxed. The accommodation is spotted around the lush tropical gardens which are beautifully kept – there are two types of ‘pavilions’ – basically with or without a private plunge pool. All feel very private and offer a nice deck with views of either the gardens or Whitsundays. Plus for those travelling with more than two people you can book the Beach House which is two bedrooms and has a full-size pool and private garden area.

The two restaurants, resort pool, private beach for watersports, and gorgeous spa facilities are for Qualia guests only which adds to the exclusivity. If you are celebrating something special I cannot recommend this highly enough.

The Beach Club

On the resort side, this adults only option is located right on Catseye Beach. With a beautiful beachside infinity pool (exclusive to Beach Club guests only), this is like a boutique hotel with its own lounge bar and small restaurant. This is a fabulous if you love the beach and want to feel like a VIP but at a lower price point than Qualia.

Hamilton Island & Whitsunday Apartments & Holiday Homes

Fabulous for families and groups of friends, or if you prefer the extra space and option of being able to cook for yourself. With a general store on the island, you have the convenience of cooking meals as you want but also have the option to use the resort facilities and restaurants. Apartments and Villas vary greatly in style, from 1-5 bedrooms, with and without pools, resort and marina side locations and a wide range of budgets.

Reef View Hotel

Offering great value-for-money and massive hotel style rooms the Reef View Hotel is a favourite for many. With a few different room types and suites, this is very popular with families because you can have between 2 – 6 people in some rooms and either a garden view room (located on the lower floors) or a sea-view (on the higher floors) and this is very centrally located. If you don’t want a high-rise resort you would be better off with a different style of accommodation.

Palm Bungalows

These are well located on the lush green lawns just behind the resort pool area and are a short walk to the restaurants and Catseye Beach. For those on a limited budget, or for those that prefer to spend their money on other experiences, these are a great option. You still have access to full resort facilities and the rooms are compact but include private bathrooms, plus a small veranda to sit out the front and listen to the birds chirping.

I have tried every single one of the restaurants, there are so many activities to do including golf, or indulging in a beautiful spa treatment. And, of course, exploring the beautiful scenery of the island itself (with wonderful hikes and stunning views), plus the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and the wonderful Great Barrier Reef can all be done from “Hammo” so you need to make sure you allow enough time!

So, as you can see, lots to think about when selecting Hamilton Island as a holiday destination. I am sure that we can INSPIRE, DESIGN and ENRICH your Hamilton Island experience