Hayman Island by Intercontinental re-opened after $135 million dollar refurbishment on 1st July 2019 due to cyclone Debbie destroying the island in 2017.
The Whitsunday island is located in northern Queensland not far from Airlie Beach on the mainland and only 1-hour transfer from Hamilton Island.
This is a perfect couple getaway to relax and have fun doing water activities.
There are a range of fun water or land experiences to enjoy, you definitely won’t be bored here either.
Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar all fly to Hamilton Island on a daily basis from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns Domestic and International airports.
The weather is sensational year round, although be wary, July on this visit was much cooler between 22 – 23 degrees.
Luxury Boat transfer
On arrival at Hamilton airport, you take your luggage and check-in at the Intercontinental Hayman Island check-in desk where you’ll be greeted and taken into a lounge area. Your luggage is swiftly taken on board and if you are lucky like us the wait is only a few minutes and you are escorted onboard the luxury cataraman. Not entirely sure why Hayman call the transfer a yacht when you’re clearly boarding a cataraman. Nevertheless, it’s still luxurious and comfortable. I suggest heading straight to the top deck for an open view, great for taking photos. You’re greeted with champagne and light canapes and the champagne is free-flowing. Unfortunately, no alcohol for me on this trip.
The 1-hour journey from Hamilton to Hayman Island goes quite fast.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/destinations/
Accommodation
Our Lagoon Ocean view room was exquisite with a king-size canopy bed outside patio with beach access.
The 581 square foot room has a walk-in wardroom adjacent to the large bathroom with 2 basins, a shower and a bath for two and a good size bar with a fridge.
The room is decorated in calming colours blue, white and beige. This is definitely one of my favourite rooms to date.
Loved sitting on our beachfront patio taking in our Whitsunday ocean view. Paying a lot more for a room always has its benefits.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/
Facilities
Pools –
- The heated saltwater Infinity pool is my favourite although is kid-friendly. The weather was hotter than I expected but was windy early mornings and mid-afternoons with the southerly winds which made diving in the pool difficult. Used my new pool lounge in this pool. Prime position for us was sitting in the cabana away from Bam Bam restaurant by the Infinity Pool. These cabanas are free of charge and kids do not frequent in this part of the pool.
- The Hayman pool is huge and divided into sections, not so inviting to us but I did enjoy it one hot afternoon. In the month of July, when you encounter those crazy trade winds through the day you will find yourself sunbathing, drinking and dining here unless you love diving in freezing cold water.
- Cabana hire on the beach or at Hayman Pool for 4 hours is $350.00 total and $500.00 total for a full day inclusive of drinks and beverage. I highly suggest hiring as the cost of hanging by the pool all day can come to $350.00 if you are drinking cocktails. Unlike me, for personal reasons, I was restricted to mocktails. Guava mule was my daily beverage.
Like all resorts, it’s hard to get a lounge chair you prefer if you arrive too late so plan your day well.
Fitness Gym – The best fully equipped gym I have seen in a hotel.
Includes: Treadmills, rowing machines a couple of punching bags and several of the standard gym machines.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/experiences-recreation/
Dining and Bars
Amici – A unique Italian restaurant divided into 4 rooms. We were seated by the woodfire oven once, I watched the chef making pizzas. We dined here every evening except our first night. The service is good and staff super friendly.
Recommendation: Darling Downs Rib eye steak, Spaghetti Arribiati, Porcini, Percino Arancini balls. Calamari and Seared Tuna steak.
Aqua – Located at the Hayman pool casual dining is from 12pm – 3pm for lunch and snacks only 3 pm – 5pm. Be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes for your order.
Food ranges from light snacks to burgers.
Snack recommendation: Guac n Salsa with Tortilla chips.
Bam Bam – Love the setting of this Asian inspired cuisine located at the Infinity pool. You will find a few of your Asian favourites and others I have not personally had like tamarind pork ribs.
Recommendation: Chicken wontons, Beef Salad and Chicken and cashew stir fry.
Pacific– Dined here on our first night, we were a tad disappointed as the food came across as pub style and the service is very poor. Only returned here once more for a drink and even this was not good. James’s expensive Dirty Martini was not filled to the top compared to the other restaurants and bars. This restaurant is unnecessarily expensive. Buffet breakfast is also served here.
Bar Fifty – Love this entertainment room with a bar. During a quiet period, you may not find this bar open daily, therefore, I suggest you enjoy it when you do see it open. The pool table was a highlight for us in the evenings. Always a great way to end the night.
Other entertainments are a golf simulator, naughts and crosses, chess and a large scrabble on the wall.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/dining-restaurant/
Island Experiences and Activities
Hiking – Unfortunately, I was not in the position to enjoy a hike over to the other side of the island that we heard from other Guests was a great experience. However, we did take the short trail up a flight of stairs to the Stella Maris Chapel lookout, not strenuous just a simple walk-up. The view is gorgeous from here.
Sunset – If you are not keen to hike to the other side of the island for the amazing sunset you see here then be sure to head over to the marina lookout. Do not sit on the mound as recommended by staff as the sprinklers set upon us. Bring a rug or towel and some wine and cheese, its such a magnificent sunset here, just like in Broome. Not something we get to experience in Sydney.
Blue Bay Pearl – Disappointed with our Kayak tour to Blue Pearl Bay as the famous bay you see in all the pictures was destroyed by Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Kayaking is always fun although I am restricted from strenuous activities at the moment so I was a lady of leisure whilst James did all the hard work.
We stopped at Blue Pearl Bay 2 where I spent 45 minutes sunbathing and taking pictures whilst James snorkelled with Tess our Marine Biologist tour guide. James mentioned better snorkelling experience at the Outer reefs than at Blue Bay. Tour cost $110.00 per person, too expensive and I do not recommend.
Langford Island – I absolutely loved spending 5.5 hours on this sand bar island. Hayman offers a 2 – 3 hour stay and you have the option of extending your time longer at no extra cost.
You will find it super hot out here even in July so make sure to take the beach umbrella and seats with you from the wharf office.
A picnic lunch would be ideal here too just watch out for the pesky birds who don’t miss a trick in the Whitsundays.
James said snorkelling is okay here, you see fish but nothing too exciting. Our highlight for the day was walking alongside turtles and one turtle seemed quite friendly.
Cost is $90.00 per person and is well worth spending and may even suggest doing it twice during your stay if you have a few days up your sleeve.
Sand Flats – A $15.00 per person fee is offered to do this beachfront tour, I would shy against it and walk along the sand flats yourself with booties on. Just be wary of the stingrays in the water, you will find many. I got a fright when one came straight for me.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/experiences-recreation/
Spa Salon
Make an appointment at the resort’s spa salon you will not regret it.
My 90 minute Island Crystal therapy massage was amazing with hot crystals massaged onto my body whilst several other hot crystals remained on my back. The massage left me feeling truly relaxed.
I treated James to a therapeutic deep tissue massage, I was pleasantly surprised to see how happy and luminous he looked. James appearance was a huge difference prior to where he looked tired from a week of drinking.
https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/spa-wellness/
Hayman Island was a bucket list destination since my 20’s. I waited for the perfect time to spend it with the one I love. Had the best time and even though the resort has a few things to work on in relation to food and service I would definitely return.
christinetravels 
Great holiday destination…I like the way you write. Just a little mistake on your opening ………you meant to say “year round” not here round, isn’t it? Very informative.Sounds like too expensive for me though. LoveMum
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Thanks Mum. yes very expensive but I think a destination where people should look out for deals like through Qantas and take advantage if they can. I’ll check out that sentence…thank you xx
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