One & Only Hayman Resort : Day One

Hayman Island.

Luxury. Indulgent. Breathtaking.

This year I was fortunate enough to visit quite possibly one of the most beautiful Islands in the world…Big call I know…But I remain firm…Hayman Island is a premier resort located amongst the Whitsunday Islands, offering unrivalled luxury.

To put it mildly…it’s pretty freaking perfect!

From the minute you land, the full luxury, rock star treatment begins. The handsome crew from Hayman Island Luxury Launch Crew meet you at the airport, then with the utmost discretion lead you into a cool air-conditioned room to refresh and sip a glass of bubbly. Whilst you relax, they collect and load your luggage onto the Island’s very own luxury super yacht. Once aboard, more bubbles, canapés and the crew present you with a welcome pack, your room key and you’re all checked in. It feels indulgent because it is!

A one-hour luxury launch transfer is an experience itself, departing the Great Barrier Reef Airport and gliding through the water to and from your island paradise, the perfect way to start this vacation…costs vary, but expect to pay $200 return p/p. If you choose to arrive on Hayman by helicopter or private sea plane from the airport, the cost jumps again to approximately $1000 p/p…

Hayman staff greet you at the jetty upon arrival, one staff member per couple, and escort you by buggy to your resort room. It is quite the cavalcade, and once again reiterates the very personal and luxurious experience that the One & Only hotel brand is world renowned for.

A massive renovation of Hayman Island commenced in 2013 and officially relaunched as One & Only Hayman Island in 2014. You very quickly see where the $300 million plus was spent, and it hasn’t been in vain. Hayman Island has received numerous international awards and recognitions. ‘Conde Nast Traveler’ has named Hayman Island as one of the ‘Top 3 Hotels and Resorts Worldwide’, and Forbes Magazine went one step further, declaring it ‘The World’s Best Beach Resort’. Hayman Island is the only Australian island to be accepted as a member of the prestigious organisation ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’.

So its a big deal for this resort that originally opened in 1950 with a few beach shacks and a modest swimming pool. In 1980, a new vision for Hayman when Ansett Chairman, and my old boss!, Sir Peter Abeles, set out to create a truly magnificent luxury resort, establishing Australia’s highest standards and unsurpassed service. Hayman closed in 1985 and a $300 million rebuild project commenced. In 1987 the Pool Wing opens and we are introduced to the iconic Hayman salt water pool, that winds its way through the West Wing of the resort. (It is the size of 7 olympic size pools)

Over the next 2 decades it is bought and sold to various hotel groups and millions and million are spent in upgrading and expansion of the resort. And wow…..it was worth every cent.

So… back to us…and accomodation…we decided to stay in a beach view suite. The accomodation levels are varied and as the resort only accommodates a small number of guests, the once 300 rooms …now 150 larger rooms are spacious and you never feel crowded. Once again..this helps the luxury vibe. Very little noise. Or people.

The pool access rooms are smaller, but the ground level has direct access to the magnificent swimming lagoon. A private deck, sun beds and a ladder to the pool…you may never leave your room!