Amzar File

Sensual seclusion on the Great Barrier Reef


Aerial of Resort and Island, Hayman

HALCYON waters, pristine white sand, balmy sea breeze and nobody in close sight.
Add a trail of footprints ' yours and your partner's, that is.

Strolling down a vast expanse of beach in ultimate seclusion can be consummated reality rather than wishing thinking on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

After all, the world's greatest coral reef spans a whopping 348,700 square kilometres in area, with over 600 islands, 25 of which have resorts on them.

Though all are located along the same stretch of the Queensland coastline, each island offers trippers a varied experience - Magnetic Island, for example, is often recommended by the budget conscious, and for family fun many quote Daydream Island for its comprehensive kids' programme.

For those seeking romantic exclusivity, however, Hayman Island and Hamilton Island more than fit the bill.

Part of a group of 74 islands collectively known as the Whitsundays, both not only offer azure waters, spectacular beaches, and diverse flora and fauna, but plentiful opportunities to find seclusion and scenery in these settings - through self-hikes, picnics, or private dining options.

The entire Great Barrier Reef boasts a 25 to 30 degrees Celsius all-year-round climate, giving you flexibility to plan your trip throughout the year.

Visit according to your "season" of love - for a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or just to get away from the drudgery of urban life.

Hamilton Island
As the interview location for the "Best Job in the World" contest, and the future home of six months for the chosen candidate, Hamilton Island has been receiving considerable attention of late. The place's nestled location amongst the idyllic Whitsunday Islands, its famed Whitehaven Beach, and tropical weather likened to the Mauritius makes it an obvious showcase for Tourism Queensland in their campaign.


Hamilton Island, Queensland

But you shouldn't have to worry about thousands flocking to Hamilton Island - there is plenty of island for everyone to enjoy their private getaway.

Some 70 per cent of the place is designated as a National Park, which is easily traversed on walking trails that lead to peaks and lookouts, remote beaches, and natural bushland.

Trails open daily from 6.30am to 5.30pm, so pack a picnic, grab a map and set out with your other half to find a place to call your own, for a few hours.

Resorts can pack you a picnic with a 24-hour notice, and an ample selection of takeaway outlets specialising in gourmet sandwiches, fish and chips, and pastries offers cost-friendly alternatives.

Hamilton is the closest resort island to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which features six kilometres of pristine silica sand and aqua blue waters - one of BBC's "places to see before you die".

Whitehaven is easily accessible via cruise or yacht, and an incomparable backdrop for some stunning photographs.

For couples who want to experience romance out at sea, a sunset kayak trip to the Whitsunday Islands - with a one-hour leisurely paddle and bottle of champagne - is a perfect way to close the day.


Hamilton Island, Queensland

Sightings of turtles, dolpins, and other colourful marine creatures are not uncommon during these kayak outings.

Wish to spend the night on the reef itself? Fantasea's Reefworld - just a stone's throw away from Hamilton Island - offers a "Room for two" on its specially designed infrastructure situated out at sea.

When night falls, stargaze in absolute tranquillity on the top or marvel at the vibrant marine life in the viewing gallery below.

It's just you, your other half, and a million other reef fishes and creatures.

Getting there:

Daily direct flights to Hamilton Island are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

Accommodation:
Hamilton Island offers a wide range of options, from 3-star island-style garden bungalows, 4-star hotel rooms, to luxurious 5-star waterfront rooms. A wide range of 3- to 5-star self-catering properties are also spread throughout the island.

Hayman Island

Luxury and nature blend in seamlessly at the Whitsundays Group most northerly island, amalgamating into an island getaway unlike any other.

A 212-room resort is located on the southerly shore, fronted by a sweeping sandy beach and surrounded by some 14 hectares of tropical gardens.

Villas, penthouses, suites, and appointed rooms are ingeniously designed to be integrated into the natural surroundings, through sandstone walkways that surreptitiously weave in and out of manicured gardens and shady ponds.

Just a stone's throw away from the resort is a rugged bushland which can be explored on foot, with rich rewards of seeing the island's colony of Proserpine Rock Wallabies, native Australian birds, and fascinating fauna.

Unlike luxury resorts where scenic views come at an added expense, nobody misses out in this aspect on Hayman Island. Every form of accommodation features private terraces or balconies that offer breathtaking views of pools, lagoons, beach, gardens or the stunning Coral Sea.

The resort takes a "nothing is built higher than four stories" approach to ensure your outlook is unspoilt.

The balcony or terrace is, inevitably, also the perfect tranquil setting for a sunset candlelit dinner, which the resort can easily set up.

Wine and dine in absolute privacy, with spectacular views matched only by the contemporary Australian cuisine conjured up by renowned executive chef Glenn Bacon and his team.


Pool and beach, Hayman

Hayman Island's all-year round warm weather - with just a light jacket or sweater required during the evenings of winter days - ensures that the outdoors is always there to bask in, after you leave the hideaway of your room.

For ultimate seclusion, guests can choose to reside in the resort's aptly-titled Retreat Wing, which is set back from the beach in tropical gardens, amongst magnificent native tree and plant varieties.

For those seeking to wake up to the sounds of the sea, the beach villas are built up-close to the pristine sands, and employ woven rattan and natural finishings for a complete islander back-to-nature experience.

Each villa comes with a plunge infinity pool, letting you enjoy the view of the sapphire blue sea without the saltiness of seawater.

Like Hamilton Island, Hayman is close by to the beauty of the Whitsundays and the activities surrounding it.

Fishing, diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking and trips to Reefworld and the acclaimed Whitehaven beach can be easily arranged.

But with the seclusion and beauty offered at the resort, you'll be hard-pressed to find a good reason to leave.

Getting there:
Regular flights are available from most Australian capital cities to Hayman Island via the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. Flights connect with Hayman's luxury launches, seaplanes or helicopters.



Photos courtesy of Tourism Queensland.

For more information visit www.australia.com.

-asiaone-