Qualia resort

On the last day of our weekend trip to the Whitsundays we decided to crash Styling You‘s romantic 10th wedding anniversary with a night staying in one of Australia’s top resorts, Qualia. Given that we had been given 2 nights away we thought that we would fork out the cash for a once in a lifetime, child free night. I mean having friends with you is actually more fun than just some romantic one on one time isn’t it? Rob and I thought so at least!

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As soon as we arrived back on Hamilton Island you know that you are going to be looked after. Private transfers from wherever on the island you arrive – airport, boat, PRIVATE PLANE OR HELLICOPTER – in a nice silver van with handsome men with lovely black and white checked shirts on. The drive to the resort took about 5 minutes from the main marina to the northern top of the Island. You just know that it’s a slick operation when you can hear the driver continuously communicating with the resort on the way to let you know where you are. The gates opened to the resort and we drove done beautifully tropical garden lined roads until we arrived at reception and of course of cold glasses of french champagne were waiting, and to be personally met by our check in concierge. Instantly you know that yes, this is going to be ALRIGHT.

The welcome all takes place in the Long Pavillion which is the main guest area of the hotel – there is a lobby bar, plenty of places to sit and enjoy the AMAZING view and it’s also where the main restaurant is. Were were whisked to a beautiful table to sit and enjoy the champagne while our check in came to us – no lining up in queues to check in – very pleasant indeed!

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After check in our rooms were not quite ready yet so we went down to the main pool called Pebble Beach Club where we had a quick lunch before heading back to reception to pick up our own golf buggy that we had for use during our stay. We were guided to our rooms and talked through how the technology and rooms worked. Rob and I were staying in a Leeward Pavillion which were the cheaper and smaller rooms available (without the pool). The room was gorgeous though with beautiful views out to the water through the gums and was huge in size. The bottle of French waiting on ice for us in our room was a lovely touch.

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It wasn’t long after that when I was jumping in the buggy to go and pick up Nikki to head off to the spa for a treatment. We were treated to a massage and facial for an hour in the beautiful spa, one of the signature features of the property. People not staying at the resort can still book in for treatments at the spa.

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After the spa we floated back to our rooms to um, watch some TV, before meeting back at Nikki’s room for some sunset drinks before dinner back in the Long Pavillion. Nikki was staying in one of the North facing Windward Pavillion’s which was truly breathtaking. THIS is the kind of accommodation you would expect from the string of awards Qualia has won (just in 2014 alone: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, 2014 Gold List, Luxury Travel Magazine Best Australian Resort – Winner). Each pavilion comes with its own private plunge pool and the most AMAZING room. Best I’ve ever seen in Australia – with beautiful views to boot.

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After drinks we went up to dinner to really crash the romance of their stay. We ate at 8 so decided against the degustation and instead went with a couple of share plates. While the company and wine was perfection, I must say that the food was a little underwhelming given the expectation it had.

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The next morning we were back up there for breakfast looking out at THAT view – the food and coffee was spot on and the service again, proving to be some of the best I have been lucky enough to enjoy.

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I’m not sure if Nikki was happy or not, but we then went and hung out in their pavilion to use that pool, and soak up some very rare sunshine on a Monday morning.

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Check out was at 11am but we were able to hit the main pool and grab some lunch before meeting back at reception for our transfer back to the airport.

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Every part of the stay was as I had hoped it to be. I have been stalking this resort for many a year online and more recently on their instagram account, just to, you know, punish myself in the depths of winter. The cost is expensive, there’s no doubt about that, and it doesn’t include any food or booze (although unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee) but is it worth it? You bet! The service was spot on. The attention to detail, the design of the place, the service all made it the truly special place it is. The fact that you can fly to Hamilton Island in just 2 hours and be in Qualia 5 minutes later means that you could get a truly relexing experience even if you just had a few days there.

For me, my pick would be 3 nights in a Windward Pavillion. You could literally stay in your room the entire time and if staying for longer and cabin fever struck there is the main pool for REALLY good people watching, or you can take your buggy out and see the sights of Hamilton Island.

You can find out more about Qualia on their website here.

Have you ever stayed at Qualia before?
Got anything to add or share?

We paid for all expenses and accommodation while we were there. Qualia gave us the champagne and spa treatment as an extra special treat – thank you!

Comments

  1. Freakin’ amazing!

    On my bucket list, that’s fo’ sho’!

    x

  2. Ohhhhh Beth………. o my. I feel relaxed just reading this post!!!! Such a contrast to dusty cattle yards. Absolutely gorgeous. Right that is it, I am so there Jackie O – one day I WILL be there, I think I could slot right into a night or two at Quaaaaaaaaliaaaaa. Yes please. And if that takes a while, well I will just keep reading this blog post! Thank you for sharing your amazing stay with us, and thanks to Nikki for the use of her pool! ha ha ha.

  3. ffhousemouse says

    Me too, me too, me too! 20 years of wedded bliss in 2017. What a treat!

  4. Loved this Blog Beth, thanks for sharing your story 🙂
    I have always wanted to stay there but I have been to Hamilton Island before and stayed at The Beach Club, which was their No. 1 Accomm back in the day and I really loved it.

    I’ve stayed on Hayman and Lizard Island only this year in Janurary, but I think Qualia looks much better to be honest.

    But I can tell you that I have stayed at Longitude 131 at Ayers Rock and that my friend is the place to stay. All food and drinks are included as well as their own tours of The Rock. The minibar is free and when I say that the drinks are included, this means you can help yourself in the bar and even take the whole bottle of spirits back to your room!

    And the view….. holy moly TO DIE FOR! You lay back in the bed and press the button and the automatic blind slowly goes up to show you Ayers Rock in all her glory 🙂

    Here is the link:

    http://longitude131.com.au/

    Maybe this can be next years Anniversary Crash 😉

    Qualia is def up there as one of the places to stay very very soon…..

    • Oh Karen……I am so excited that you have shared a wonderful place to stay that is actually do-able for me – only a 13 hour drive instead of a 2 day drive!!!! I am off to check out this Longitute 131 – we have never been to Ayers Rock……Perhaps the #PBEvent should be at Qualia next year????!!!!!

      • Well Miss Chardy, brace yourself for the price!!!! My son was working at Yulara at the time and we received a wonderful staff discount! But the real world price is out of this world!!!! But my god what a lovely place to stay. They even come up to you at breakfast to discuss that nights meal and if you don’t eat it, they will prepare something else for you!!!

    • I have heard amazing things about this place….this and Great Southern Lodge on Kangaroo island and Saffire Bay in Tassie are next on my list!

  5. gorgeous tropical destination … always in need of that!
    great coverage of your trip beth … not at all jealous! it’s ok! … just come back from queensland with a thud of cold weather! … lol m:)X

  6. Yes Beth, my friend Dorey & I stayed on Hamilton for the June long weekend but not at Qualia. We made an appointment, yes an appointment to get in the front gates to view the gift shop OMG!!
    We caught the free bus up to the top of the hill and the bus driver had just finished telling the crowd – this is Qualia 6 stars and you won’t get in there unless you are rich!! Should have seen the look on all their faces when I asked him to stop the bus as we were getting out at Qualia. LOL
    I couldn’t convince Dorey to waltz down to the Long Pavillon and pretend we were staying there.
    Very beautiful gardens and the staff were extremely polite. Will go back when I’m rich darlingsssss.

  7. Kirsty Michalzik says

    Eeeekk. I may just book now for my wedding anniversary next September.
    So excited! It’ll be our 5th wedding anniversary and my husband and I have only got to spend ONE of our anniversaries together so far, due to his job.
    But next year he’ll be available. Even if it falls through, I’ll just take my sister lol.
    Can’t wait!

  8. Thanks for honest wrap of Qualia. I love all the other suggestions too, researching now…

  9. It seems to far away from my reality right now.. just gorgeous. Pretty cool that you were able to realise your dream stay.

  10. Sharon Sweeny says

    Qualia is out of our budget range but we spent 4 nights on Hamilton Island at Reefview (my understanding is that the whole island is basically owned by the same company). The level of service was outstanding, every single staff member was friendly, helpful and happy. We missed a shuttle bus to the wharf and a staff member noticed and had them send another one to make sure we made it in time for our Whitehaven cruise.

  11. OMG!!! Speechless and envious! Thanks for providing such gorgeous posts for your weekend away. I’m adding your whole weekends worth of events to my wish list! Amazing!! 😉

  12. Lisa Mckenzie says

    That is so beautiful ,thank you Beth I want to go Xx

  13. I cannot believe we got to stay an extra night. We did miss you last night as we indulged in a seafood platter on the deck. Great weekend and happily do it again x

  14. There you go again Beth…um, watching TV in beautiful hotels 🙂

    Gorgeous, I just can’t think of any other words x

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