Qualia - A favourite weekend getaway
With direct flights to Hamilton Island, a weekend at Qualia is a wonderfully easy way to escape for a few indulgent days.
There is something different about arriving at Hamilton Island and heading straight to the Qualia desk. You are no longer part of the crowd arriving in the Whitsundays. Instead, you are instantly treated like a VIP. You don’t even have to wait and collect your luggage - Qualia does this for you. You are whisked into a waiting, comfortably air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Van, and on your way, while the other passengers from your flight are still working out where to go.
The driver will give you a commentary of the island as you make your way towards the exclusive resort. This is really just an FYI, because trust me, you aren’t going to want to leave.
The big “Jurassic Park” style gates open, then close behind you….. you have entered paradise.
Arriving at reception is just as special. With staff waiting to welcome you, and a glass of champagne to accompany you into the lounge, there is no check-in desk here. Instead the staff come to you to complete the formalities while you take in the most amazing view over the Whitsundays.
You are then handed the keys to your buggy, and you follow your host to your villa. Each villa is very private, and they all boast amazing views.
They are thoughtfully designed, with the luxury found in the natural finishes and understated details. Aesop products add another touch of unobtrusive refinement.
Your luggage has already arrived, so really, the only thing left to do is enjoy the complimentary champagne and cheese platter on your balcony.
We spent our days lounging by the pool. It is never crowded, and the added bonus of no children makes for a very relaxing experience. The pool is beautiful and perfectly warmed to 30 degrees. Everything is supplied, from fluffy beach towels, and sunscreen to water. There is a bar nearby, and cocktails around the pool are almost compulsory!!
A light lunch is available, and nothing beats a Niçoise salad or fish tacos - accompanied with truffle fries, of course.
There are plenty odf ways to explore the Whitsundays. Qualia has its own helipad and jetty, so wether you want to visit the outer reef or Whitehaven Beach, or play a game of golf on Dent Island, it can be arranged by the staff. We’ve done all of that before, so when we come to Qualia now, it is purely for relaxation and indulgence.
With that in mind, we always book into Spa Qualia for a massage.
The food scene is exquisite. From magical sunset dinners at Pebble Beach to breakfast in the Pavilion, it is all first class - and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
The Pebble Beach Dining experience is something special. With lots of surprises along the way, the food is an art form. It almost looks too pretty to eat, but the flavours are sensational - it truly is a dinner you won’t forget.
The Pavilion also offers á la carte dining for dinner, and again, the meals are amazing.
You do have the option to dine elsewhere on Hamiltion Island, with the added bonus of complimentary transfers to and from Qualia. And if you just want a night in, you can order room service and enjoy a pasta or burger on your balcony with that amazing view.
Good to know
Qualia is adults only. It does not cater for anyone under 16 years of age.
The restaurants are a big part of the Qualia experience, so I highly recommend booking them in advance.
Spa Qualia does book out. Reservations can be made 3 months in advance.
The dress code is smart casual.
There is a boutique at Qualia, but if you’ve forgetten something - or just feel like a little retail therapy - the Hamilton Island Marina precinct is only a short buggy ride away.
There are several bushwalking tracks on Hamilton Island. We usually walk to Passage Peak before breakfast - the view is fabulous, and we feel slightly better about indulging in one of the amazing breakfasts afterwards!
There is also a gym, and they now offer in-room pilates, although you do need to sign up to an app.
When its time to leave, there is a Qualia lounge at Hamilton Island airport. It offers drinks, but no food - not that you are likely to be hungry. After security you can access the lounge with a key that your driver has given you.
We have stayed at Qualia several times now, - and somehow it never loses its appeal. Perhaps it is the setting, the service, the food - or simply the feeling that from the moment those gates close behind you, there really is nowhere else you need to be. For us, it remains one of our favourite places for a few days of complete indulgence.