Your guide to the ultimate luxurious getaway in Airlie Beach

It’s time to take another look at the luxury offerings in the gateway to The Whitsundays, Airlie Beach.

The Whitsundays are one of Australia’s most incredible natural wonders. The bright white sand swirling around the turquoise blue water is the idyllic stuff of postcards. The gateway to this tropical paradise? The new wave of Airlie Beach luxury accommodation and dining experiences.

While in the past Airlie Beach may have conjured up images of backpackers, these days it couldn’t be more different. Catering to the discerning traveller who enjoys incredible ocean vistas with a side of luxury, it’s time to explore the decadent penthouses, fine dining and elevated experiences changing the face of this beautiful town.

Take another look at Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Getting there

The closest airport to Airlie Beach is Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, just a 30-minute drive away. A private transfer service, shuttle buses and hire cars are available to travel the distance to and from Airlie Beach.

For those arriving by boat, five-anchor accredited (think stars, but for boats) Abell Point Marina provides a welcome vessel service to help captains navigate the docking process.

Where to stay

After a day of sun, sand and swimming, nothing is better than coming back to luxury accommodation. Make the most of ocean views by heading right to the penthouse.

The Sebel Whitsundays

Book into a two-level spa penthouse on the bright and breezy top floor of The Sebel Whitsundays. Decorated in cool neutral tones and pops of blue to mimic the natural environment, choose from three or four bedrooms (the latter also provides five bathrooms). Both options boast a formal lobby (including a guest powder room), a spacious living area and a private laundry. Luxuriate in your personal spa, or enjoy sundowner drinks on the balcony.

Luxuriate in your personal spa.

Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat

Find adults-only relaxation nestled in Pioneer Bay with at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat. Take over the entire top floor of the retreat when booking the three-bedroom penthouse. While it may be difficult to leave the six-person Jacuzzi and sweeping views on the private balcony, those who do venture out will find a spacious hotel pool and friendly staff ready with suggestions to explore the surrounding area.

Enjoy this adults-only retreat.

Marina Shores

When it claims absolute waterfront positioning, Marina Shores means that it almost feels possible to dive from the balcony into the sparkling ocean below. Find two- or four-bedroom split-level spa penthouses with uninterrupted views over the Whitsundays islands. Stay in and make use of the full kitchen, lounge, dining room and laundry, or step outside onto the popular bicentennial boardwalk to see the sights.

Soak up uninterrupted views over the Whitsunday Islands.

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays

Stay in true style at the full-service Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays boutique hotel in the heart of Airlie Beach. With luxurious décor featuring fresh tones, clean lines and French-inspired finishings, every last detail has been chosen thoughtfully. Enjoy L’Occitane bathroom amenities, Bose sound systems, Nespresso coffee machines, Reidel glassware and Eames chairs.

Find every need accounted for.

Where to dine

The epicurean scene of Airlie Beach has also blossomed into a luxurious experience for the tastebuds, with a focus on ocean-to-table offerings.

The Deck Restaurant

Start the day with a trip to The Deck Restaurant, located onsite at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays. While open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, locals will tell you this open, summery locale is the best place in town for coffee and the first meal of the day.

Start your day at The Deck Restaurant.

Fat Frog Beach Cafe

To really immerse yourself with the locals, head to the popular Fat Frog Beach Cafe. This quirky Airlie Beach offering on the beachfront provides everything one could want from a locally owned and loved hang: incredibly friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere, bright furnishings and delicious breakfast, lunch and coffee (they’ve even named the coffee machines).

Eat with the locals. (Image: TEQ)

La Tabella

Later in the day, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at La Tabella. Specialising in the Italian indulgence of a long lunch or communal dinner, discover changing specials and a menu that utilises locally sourced seafood, pasta and gnocchi that’s made in-house and even features herbs picked from the restaurant’s very own garden. Pair your meal with Australian, New Zealand and Italian drops featured on their extensive wine list.

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.

Sorrento Restaurant and Bar

Continue the Italian adventure on the waterfront at the award-winning Sorrento Restaurant and Bar, located in the Coral Sea Marina precinct. With a menu that focuses on local and seasonal produce, both adults and kids will be satisfied with their choices. The traditional wood-fired pizzas on offer are hard to turn down.

Dine with water views.

Fish D’vine

Seafood connoisseurs can’t go past the offerings at Fish D’Vine. Feast on freshly caught Barramundi, mud crabs and seafood platters, all while sitting on the large open deck across the road from the water. With a dedicated rum bar attached to the restaurant, be sure to follow the meal with after-dinner drinks (the mojitos are especially dangerous).

Feast on freshly caught Barramundi. (Image: TEQ)

Things to do

With The Whitsundays as your playground, the number of experiences to keep you busy in Airlie Beach are numerous, but you can’t leave without a day on the open ocean.

Elevate your experience with a private charter by Ocean Dynamics. With four luxury vessels on offer – from a 60-foot motoryacht to a zippy motorboat – visitors can enjoy an itinerary catered to their interests. Spend the day at Whitehaven Beach, dive the Great Barrier Reef or pull out the SUP boards to explore Hayman Island.

Explore on a SUP board. (Image: TEQ)

If there’s anywhere in the world to sail, it’s The Whitsundays. Head out for a day of barefoot luxury sailing with Lady Enid. Join a small-group tour or charter a private experience to enjoy decadent snacks and drinks on board while exploring the best of the surrounding islands and beaches.

For a totally different point of view, take to the sky with a helicopter tour. Find a range of operators offering flights from 10-minute joyrides – like the Airlie Beach Blast tour by Airlie Beach Helicopters  –  to several-hour packages including lunch and stops at numerous points of interest – like the popular six-hour long GSL Marine Fly & Cruise package.

Get a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter. (Image: TEQ)

Start booking your next luxury Airlie Beach getaway at athotelgroup.com.