| Sensual seclusion on the Great Barrier Reef | | | | When night falls, stargaze in absolute tranquillity on |
| | | | the top or marvel at the vibrant marine life in the |
| HALCYON waters, pristine white sand, balmy sea | | | | viewing gallery below. |
| breeze and nobody in close sight. | | | | It's just you, your other half, and a million other reef |
| Add a trail of footprints - yours and your partner's, | | | | fishes and creatures. |
| that is. | | | | Getting there:Daily direct flights to Hamilton Island are |
| Strolling down a vast expanse of beach in ultimate | | | | available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and |
| seclusion can be consummated reality rather than | | | | Cairns. |
| wishful thinking on the islands of the Great Barrier | | | | Accommodation:Hamilton Island offers a wide range |
| Reef, Australia. | | | | of options, from 3-star island-style garden bungalows, |
| After all, the world's greatest coral reef spans a | | | | 4-star hotel rooms, to luxurious 5-star waterfront |
| whopping 348,700 square kilometres in area, with | | | | rooms. A wide range of 3- to 5-star self-catering |
| over 600 islands, 25 of which have resorts on them. | | | | properties are also spread throughout the island. Do |
| Though all are located along the same stretch of the | | | | READ AND CLICK HERE for honest reviews and the |
| Queensland coastline, each island offers trippers a | | | | cheapest hotel rates in Hamilton Island. |
| varied experience - Magnetic Island, for example, is | | | | Hayman Island |
| often recommended by the budget conscious, and | | | | Luxury and nature blend in seamlessly at the |
| for family fun many quote Daydream Island for its | | | | Whitsundays Group most northerly island, |
| comprehensive kids' programme. | | | | amalgamating into an island getaway unlike any other. |
| For those seeking romantic exclusivity, however, | | | | A 212-room resort is located on the southerly shore, |
| Hayman Island and Hamilton Island more than fit the | | | | fronted by a sweeping sandy beach and surrounded |
| bill. | | | | by some 14 hectares of tropical gardens. |
| Part of a group of 74 islands collectively known as | | | | Pool and beach, Hayman |
| the Whitsundays, both not only offer azure waters, | | | | Villas, penthouses, suites, and appointed rooms are |
| spectacular beaches, and diverse flora and fauna, but | | | | ingeniously designed to be integrated into the natural |
| plentiful opportunities to find seclusion and scenery in | | | | surroundings, through sandstone walkways that |
| these settings - through self-hikes, picnics, or private | | | | surreptitiously weave in and out of manicured |
| dining options. | | | | gardens and shady ponds. |
| The entire Great Barrier Reef in Australia boasts a 25 | | | | Just a stone's throw away from the resort is a |
| to 30 degrees Celsius all-year-round climate, giving | | | | rugged bushland which can be explored on foot, with |
| you flexibility to plan your trip throughout the year. | | | | rich rewards of seeing the island's colony of |
| Visit according to your "season" of love - for a | | | | Proserpine Rock Wallabies, native Australian birds, and |
| honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or just to get | | | | fascinating fauna. |
| away from the drudgery of urban life. | | | | Unlike luxury resorts where scenic views come at an |
| Hamilton Island | | | | added expense, nobody misses out in this aspect on |
| As the interview location for the "Best Job in the | | | | Hayman Island. Every form of accommodation |
| World" contest, and the future home of six months | | | | features private terraces or balconies that offer |
| for the chosen candidate, Hamilton Island has been | | | | breathtaking views of pools, lagoons, beach, gardens |
| receiving considerable attention of late. | | | | or the stunning Coral Sea. |
| Hamilton Island, Queensland | | | | The resort takes a "nothing is built higher than four |
| The place's nestled location amongst the idyllic | | | | stories" approach to ensure your outlook is unspoilt. |
| Whitsunday Islands, its famed Whitehaven Beach, | | | | The balcony or terrace is, inevitably, also the perfect |
| and tropical weather likened to the Mauritius makes it | | | | tranquil setting for a sunset candlelit dinner, which the |
| an obvious showcase for Tourism Queensland in their | | | | resort can easily set up. |
| campaign. | | | | Wine and dine in absolute privacy, with spectacular |
| But you shouldn't have to worry about thousands | | | | views matched only by the contemporary Australian |
| flocking to Hamilton Island - there is plenty of island | | | | cuisine conjured up by renowned executive chef |
| for everyone to enjoy their private getaway. | | | | Glenn Bacon and his team. |
| Some 70 per cent of the place is designated as a | | | | Hayman Island's all-year round warm weather - with |
| National Park, which is easily traversed on walking | | | | just a light jacket or sweater required during the |
| trails that lead to peaks and lookouts, remote | | | | evenings of winter days - ensures that the outdoors |
| beaches, and natural bushland. | | | | is always there to bask in, after you leave the |
| Trails open daily from 6.30am to 5.30pm, so pack a | | | | hideaway of your room. |
| picnic, grab a map and set out with your other half | | | | For ultimate seclusion, guests can choose to reside in |
| to find a place to call your own, for a few hours. | | | | the resort's aptly-titled Retreat Wing, which is set |
| Resorts can pack you a picnic with a 24-hour notice, | | | | back from the beach in tropical gardens, amongst |
| and an ample selection of takeaway outlets | | | | magnificent native tree and plant varieties. |
| specialising in gourmet sandwiches, fish and chips, and | | | | For those seeking to wake up to the sounds of the |
| pastries offers cost-friendly alternatives. | | | | sea, the beach villas are built up-close to the pristine |
| Hamilton is the closest resort island to the renowned | | | | sands, and employ woven rattan and natural finishings |
| Whitehaven beach, which features six kilometres of | | | | for a complete islander back-to-nature experience. |
| pristine silica sand and aqua blue waters - one of | | | | Each villa comes with a plunge infinity pool, letting you |
| BBC's "places to see before you die". | | | | enjoy the view of the sapphire blue sea without the |
| Whitehaven is easily accessible via cruise or yacht, | | | | saltiness of seawater. |
| and an incomparable backdrop for some stunning | | | | Like Hamilton Island, Hayman is close by to the |
| photographs. | | | | beauty of the Whitsundays and the activities |
| For couples who want to experience romance out at | | | | surrounding it. |
| sea, a sunset kayak trip to the Whitsunday Islands - | | | | Fishing, diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking and trips to |
| with a one-hour leisurely paddle and bottle of | | | | Reefworld and the acclaimed Whitehaven beach can |
| champagne - is a perfect way to close the day. | | | | be easily arranged. |
| Hamilton Island, Queensland | | | | But with the seclusion and beauty offered at the |
| Sightings of turtles, dolpins, and other colourful marine | | | | resort, you'll be hard-pressed to find a good reason |
| creatures are not uncommon during these kayak | | | | to leave. |
| outings. | | | | Getting there:Regular flights are available from most |
| Wish to spend the night on the reef itself? | | | | Australian capital cities to Hayman Island via the |
| Fantasea's Reefworld - just a stone's throw away | | | | Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. Flights |
| from Hamilton Island - offers a "Room for two" on | | | | connect with Hayman's luxury launches, seaplanes or |
| its specially designed infrastructure situated out at | | | | helicopters. |
| sea. | | | | |