InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
The northernmost Whitsunday island, rebuilt twice after cyclones, with the reef beyond it.
Hayman is the northernmost of the Whitsunday islands off Queensland, reached by helicopter or by the resort's own luxury launch from Hamilton Island. The island is 400 hectares of national park with the resort occupying a small part of its southern end; the rest is protected bushland with walking trails. Whitehaven Beach and the outer Great Barrier Reef are within reach by boat and air.
Around 166 rooms, suites and villas make up the resort, the largest in this collection's Australian entries. The property has been rebuilt twice after cyclones — most recently after Debbie in 2017 — and reopened under InterContinental with a saltwater pool that has been the island's signature since the 1950s. It works as a family resort, a wedding island and a reef base at the same time.
Rebuilt to a cyclone standard. Two reconstructions in a cyclone belt mean the current buildings are engineered for the weather in a way older Whitsunday properties are not.
A resort at one end, national park at the other. Most of Hayman is protected bushland, which gives a 166-room resort walking country that its footprint would not otherwise justify.
Who it is not for
Hayman is wrong for guests seeking a private island in the strict sense — this is a large resort with day traffic to the reef and neighbouring islands in sight. It is wrong for travellers wanting the reef at the door, since the outer reef is a boat trip. And it is wrong for those who want quiet at 166 keys. Those wanting the northern reef should look at Lizard Island or Orpheus.
Sources
- ihg.com — around 166 rooms, suites and villas, Hayman Island, Whitsundays
- Room count, island area and rebuild dates unverified. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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