Remember the One&Only Hayman Island? It’s now an InterContinental hotel that’s taking reservations for stays starting July 1. The hotel, which closed for a huge refurbishment that touched nearly every aspect of the property, has added a three-suite Beach House, five restaurants and bars and a spa. Rooms and suites were also updated.
Located on a 988-acre private island, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort looks very well-suited for adventure-seekers. We’re told the resort plans to offer bird walks and jet ski or kayak adventures to nearby private island escapes to swim with green sea turtles. Also on tap are seaplane rides to take in the views of the Great Barrier Reef (sign us up!). We suggest a guided hike to Blue Pearl Bay; after a moderate incline hike, guests will have views of the Coral Sea before heading down to beach where you can take a dip in the secret cove for a snorkel sesh.
Rooms will span from luxurious suites and beachfront villas to lagoon and poolside rooms. The crème de la crème is the newly built Beach House, offering three suites, each with its own private pool. A new collection of private residences will be available to rent; set on the hilltops of the island overlooking the bay, the residences will have full access to all the resort has to offer.
What we love: Among those five innovative dining experiences is an Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas. There’s also a poolside eatery, a pan-Asian restaurant, lobby bar and a signature restaurant.
What we love more: The new luxury spa has 13 treatment rooms. There’s also a new resort boutique, a kids’ club and fitness center.
For weddings, Hayman Island has an on-island chapel and word is they’ll provide customized, bespoke experiences.
Access: Fly into Sydney Airport to connect to Hamilton Island Airport. Guests are then whisked away by luxury vessel, helicopter or seaplane to the hotel. Advisors may contact Adam Leonard (adam.leonard@ihg.com), director of sales, to set up VIP experiences.
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