InterContinental Hayman Island Resort: a new era in luxury

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays, iconic private island experiences and sacred moments of connection with family and friends at the new InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort welcomed a new era in luxury after launching on 1 July 2019. Heli-tours over Heart Reef, basking in infinity pools, snorkelling alongside green turtles, indulging in culinary artistry and soulful spa treatments are just the beginning at this idyllic, luxury island resort in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Nestled at the northernmost point of Australia’s Whitsunday archipelago on a two-kilometre crescent-shaped stretch of stunning white-sand beach, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort places you moments away from Langford Island, Bali Hai, Blue Pearl Bay and Hook Island, and gives you direct access to the reef’s icons thanks to exclusive partnerships with Ocean Dynamics and Helireef . Spend the day diving or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, or take a signature day tour to Whitehaven Beach where you can leave footprints on some of the world’s whitest sand.

The Ocean Dynamics suite of signature experiences includes Sea Scooter underwater tours, guided jet-ski adventures, a range of diving experiences, glass-bottom boat cruises around Hayman Island’s bays and more. A collection of luxury vessels are also available for sunset sails, island escapades and private charters. Alternatively, explore the Whitsunday Islands by air on a private helicopter tour with Helireef.

Helireef, Whitsundays — explore the Whitsunday Islands by air on a private helicopter tour with Helireef.

Redefining luxury

Envisioned by DBI Designs, DAARC and KY Design, the resort seamlessly blends sophisticated ocean-facing accommodation with lush garden sanctuaries, spectacular pools, panoramic seascapes and tropical gardens. Three distinct wings of guest rooms, suites and villas hug the island coastline, allowing guests to choose their own experience: the Lagoon wing offers garden vistas and lily-padded inlets; the Pool wing overlooks the iconic Hayman Pool with swim-out access available; and the Beach wing is home to eight exclusive beachfront villas and retreats, and the resort’s premium Three Bedroom Hayman Beach House .

Each of the 168 rooms are a perfect balance of intuitive design – including state-of-the-art energy-conserving suite control – and impeccable taste and furnishings. The premium suite collection is accented by the new Three Bedroom Hayman Beach House and two Hayman Residences designed by multi-award-winning architect Kerry Hill.

Hayman Residences, Hayman Island — The double-storey Hayman Residences are perched on the island’s picturesque hilltop, providing absolute privacy from the resort.

The Three Bedroom Hayman Beach House boasts modern design-led interiors with open-living including a private dining and living room, outdoor alfresco entertaining areas and private pool access in each stunning bedroom. The double-storey Hayman Residences don’t disappoint, either. Perched on the island’s picturesque hilltop, they provide absolute privacy from the resort without sacrificing access to the resort’s facilities.

Action-packed island experiences

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in each wing, including two iconic swimming pools, Hayman Beach and the adults’-only Coconut Beach. Improve your serve on the court with a lesson courtesy of the resort’s pro tennis coach, or check out the state-of-the art gym facilities and classes, dedicated water activities centre, fishing vessels or golf simulator. For a little pampering, visit Hayman Hair Salon or indulge in a bespoke Sodashi treatment in one of 11 treatments rooms before sinking into the Spa Oasis’s plunge pool and sauna.

Little ones can discover an island paradise of their own in the world-class InterContinental Planet Trekkers Kids Club. The Club’s daily program of activities is designed to connect little InterContinental travellers (between the ages of four and 12) to the beauty of the Whitsundays and their island location – think seashell painting, sandcastle-making and water bucket relays. On-island babysitting services are also available for parents indulging in a private dining experience, spa treatment or island escapade.

Distinct dining with a local flavour

You’ll find an eclectic mix of gastronomic experiences and local flavours on the island, including the resort’s signature restaurant and bar Pacific, as well as poolside bar Aqua, Amici Trattoria, Bam Bam and Grove Boutique & Cafe. The latter is Hayman’s all-new daytime eatery and mecca of luxury retail brands, souvenirs and holiday essentials that would be right at home in the Hamptons. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast with a view at Pacific’s ocean-facing dining room or indulge in its premium seafood buffet on Tuesday and Friday nights as the sun sets. Amici Trattoria is the island’s modern Italian option.

Bam Bam, Hayman Island — Bam Bam is just one of the gastronomic experiences you can have on the island.

The resort also offers a collection of private dining experiences, inviting guests to dine under the stars at Hayman Beach and Coconut Beach, in private cabanas or beachside hideaways on the island, or at nearby islands with a gourmet picnic in tow.

A commitment to sustainability

Safeguarding and protecting the island and its neighbouring reef ecosystems was an important part in the island’s refurbishment. From supplying guests with environmentally-friendly, reef-safe We Are Feel Good Inc. products, to offering complimentary, reusable water bottles to be refilled at filtered water stations around the resort, to a ban on single-use plastics, this commitment to the environment has evolved to become part of the guest experience. The resort has also invested in equipment that recycles glass bottles for use in the garden and committed to reducing paper waste with the introduction of in-room iPads in lieu of printed compendiums.

Discover the visceral beauty of InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and leave feeling transformed. For more information about the resort and to book, please contact our reservations team on +61 07 5501 9992 or Hayman.reservations@ihg.com . Alternatively, visit the website for more information.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Hayman Island: a new era in luxury