Seventy-five years after welcoming its first guests, Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef remains a byword for barefoot luxury. The glamorous Hayman Pool, which lays claim as the largest in Australia, has been a central feature of the property since it opened in 1950 and continues to dazzle on Instagram feeds. Now known as the Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, it offers direct access to some of nature’s most breathtaking sights, from vivid coral gardens to Whitehaven Beach, making it a honeypot for honeymooners and the luxury jet set.
The resort’s dreamy white structure stands between lush rainforest slopes and the sparkling turquoise waters of the most northerly Whitsunday Islands. Think days spent lounging by the opulent pool, exploring neighbouring isles by boat, snorkelling and scuba adventures, and tranquil treatments at the world-class spa. Plus, Hayman Island is easily accessed via direct flights to nearby Hamilton Island, followed by luxury boat transfers or scenic helicopter flights.
The Whitsundays jewel remains at the forefront of modern resort luxury while retaining its original charm following a $135 million facelift in 2019, which included the addition of a beachfront infinity pool and private pavilions.
This year, Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is celebrating its 75th anniversary with culinary collaborations, sunset concerts and reef-fringed revelry. From rooms on offer for $525 per night to exclusive bar takeovers and exciting culinary collaborations, the private island hideaway is the place to be this winter.Â
Coming up on the culinary front, Firedoor’s Lennox Hastie is bringing his fiery flair to the tropics for a one-off seaside feast on Thursday, 17 July. The globally renowned chef will serve a five-course dinner with an unparalleled view of the Great Barrier Reef. Just 20 guests will enjoy Hastie’s flame-kissed signatures paired with rare whiskies from The Balvenie at this exclusive beach banquet.
Earlier in the month, Hentley Farm will trade Barossa Valley hills for Hayman’s pristine shores with a three-day program of tastings, rainforest dinners and wine-led experiences, highlighting the winery’s award-winning drops in a wholly different setting.
Then in August, the tempo will lift with iconic ’80s rock band Icehouse set to perform two open-air concerts on the sand, serenading guests with classics like ‘Great Southern Land’ as the Coral Sea shimmers at sunset.
In addition to the events, Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is also renewing its sustainable efforts to help preserve the island and reef through its partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and continued funding for coral plantings.Â
As it celebrates its diamond anniversary, Hayman proves that true icons never lose their lustre, entering a new era with renewed purpose and celebratory spirit. A septuagenarian has never looked so good.
To see all the upcoming events as part of Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s 75th anniversary celebrations — and to book — visit the Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef website.Â
