Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
you won't take long to find your way through the open-air sandstone lanais,
cascading ponds, and tropical foliage to the fabulous hexagonal complex of
swimming pools by the sea. Despite the luxury, Hayman is relaxed. Dress is
beachwear by day, smart casual at night (but pack something elegant for dinner,
if you wish). An impressive lineup of activities is available, and it's probably fair
to say the staff at Hayman can organize almost anything you desire.
While Hayman is renowned for the antiques, artworks, and fine objets d'art
gracing its public areas, the accommodations are welcoming. Every room, suite,
villa, and penthouse has a balcony or terrace, bathrobes, and valet service (and
butler service in the penthouses). Pool Wing rooms with marble floors and bath-
rooms and tropically elegant furnishings have views over the pool, and also to
the sea from the third and fourth floors. Lagoon Wing rooms overlook a lagoon
and have sea views from the third floor. There are new Lagoon rooms, suites and
penthouses, and 16 new Retreat Rooms (each with private veranda, open patios,
and outdoor rinse showers), a Jacuzzi, and a contemporary beachfront restau-
rant. For even greater privacy, the Beach Villa, opened in late 2002, has a pri-
vate Balinese style courtyard, walled gardens, its own private infinity plunge
pool, and personalized concierge service.
Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, QLD 4801.
&
1800/075 175
in Australia, or call The Leading Hotels of the
World at
&
800/223-6800
in the U.S. and Canada, 0800/181 123 in the U.K., 1800/409 063 in Ireland, 0800/
44 1016 in New Zealand, or 02/9268 1888 (Sydney sales office), or 07/4940 1234 (the island). Fax 02/9268
1899 (Sydney sales office), or 07/4940 1567 (the island). www.hayman.com.au. 244 units. A$585-A$1,100
(US$380-US$715) double; A$1,900(US$1,235) suite; A$2,500-A$4,200 (US$1,625-US$2,730) penthouse;
A$2,800 (US$1,820) Beach Villa. A surcharge of 10% and 4-night minimum stay Dec 24-Jan 5. Children under
13 stay free in parent's room; A$140 (US$91) children 13 and over sharing parent's room; 50% of room rate
for children in adjoining room. Children 5-12 charged 50% for all dining costs. Ask about packages. AE, DC,
MC, V. Resort launch meets all flights at Hamilton Island Airport for the 55-min. transfer. Helicopter and sea-
plane transfers available. Hayman Island is 33km (20 miles) from Shute Harbour.
Amenities:
4 restaurants;
2 bars; 3 swimming pools (1 saltwater and 2 heated freshwater); beachside 9-hole golf putting green; 5
day/night tennis courts (with ball machine and coaching); extensive health club with massage and sauna;
outdoor Jacuzzi; watersports (including parasailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, and catamarans; dive center
offering dive day trips, courses, and gear rental); daily kids' club for children ages 5-14, and day care for
younger kids; game room; concierge; tour desk; business center and secretarial services; shopping arcade;
salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; dry cleaning; laundry service. In room: A/C, TV w/free and pay-per-view
movies, fax, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Peppers Palm Bay
A A$7 million (US$4.5 million) upgrade in 2001
transformed this Long Island hideaway. The Balinese-style beachfront bures (a
kind of hut common in Polynesia) have a new glamour to them, with new decks
and furnishings, and there are plans for a spa in the next few years. The resort's
small swimming pool has been extended and surrounded by timber decking,
and a small massage studio has opened in the former gym. This is a private and
romantic spot, with no phone, radio, television, or air-conditioning in the
rooms, but there's a hammock on your veranda. The large Club Crocodile Long
Island resort is a 20-minute walk across the hill to the other side of the island
and is completely hidden from Palm Bay, but guests at Palm Bay Hideaway can
use Club Crocodile's watersports facilities. Nonmotorized watersports such as
kayaks are available at Palm Bay.
Palm Bay, Long Island (16km/10 miles SE of Shute Harbour), Whitsunday Islands. (Postal address: P.M.B. 28,
Mackay, QLD 4741).
&
1800/095 025
in Australia, or 07/4946 9233. Fax 07/4946 9309. www.palmbay.
com.au. 21 units. A$380 (US$247) double cabins; A$570 (US$371) double bure; A$684 (US$444) 2-bedroom
bungalows. Children 3-14 A$80 (US$52); cribs A$40 (US$26). Rates include breakfast. Ask about packages. AE,
DC, MC, V. Fantasea Cruises (
&
1800/650 851
in Australia, or 07/4946 5111) provide launch transfers from
Hamilton Island airport, and water taxi transfers are available from Shute Harbour.
Amenities:
Restaurant and
