Beach babes, it’s time for a honeymoon! Have you got your heart set on saying I do then setting off on a tropical getaway? Lucky for you, Australia has plenty of islands to choose from, but if you’re after a classic, Hamilton Island has a honeymoon for every type of traveller.
Why Hamilton Island
If you’ve got the Great Barrier Reef on your bucket list, get ready to tick it off. Hamilton Island is a great jumping off point for exploring the Whitsundays, with its own airport and regular direct flights from several Australian capital cities (please check the latest flight schedules/travel requirements as changes have been made due to COVID-19). There are plenty of snorkelling tours or diving expeditions out on the reef, although many guests don’t even leave the white sandy island shores, instead making the most of the world class beaches on your doorstep. One beach that’s worth venturing off the island for is Whitehaven Beach. The stunning 7km stretch of sand is on nearby Whitsunday Island, get there by boat, seaplane or helicopter.
Where to stay
Whether you’re keen to settle in for a week with a sensible budget or splash out on a seriously epic weekend, unlike other islands in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island has plenty of different options for where you rest your head. Here’s a few ideas on how you can honeymoon:
Entry level
Whether you spent your pennies on the big day, or are saving them for the next grand adventure (hello house deposit!), there’s no shame in an economically astute honeymoon. And yes, you can do that at Hamilton Island. This certainly isn’t camping or motel living, it’s still an island getaway, and that does add to the price tag, but a popular choice for travellers trying to keep costs down is the Reef View Hotel. Looking down onto Catseye Beach, the hotel is all about laid back beach getaways. Make the most of the catamarans, kayaks, SUP and snorkelling equipment in the ocean or retreat to the 34m pool.
Mid range
The name says it all when you book in to stay at the Beach Club. This boutique hotel sits right on Catseye Beach and nails beach chic. It’s all about rattan and ocean views at these one bedroom rooms with private terraces looking out to the Coral Sea. The Beach Club is adults only, so if that’s high on the priority list, remember much of Hamilton Island is family friendly! Beach Club guests have a la carte breakfast included each day and get access to the same non-motorised water sports equipment as those staying at the Reef View Hotel.
Rockstar
One word. Qualia. Okay a few more words. Private villa. Infinity plunge pools. Fine dining. Long considered the place to celebrate special occasions, Qualia’s pavilions are the stuff of serious honeymoon daydreams. Spend your days pool hopping between your pool if you’re staying in one of the Windward Pavilions and the property’s two infinity pools drinking cocktails, and of course there’s the rest of the island to explore, if you care to leave. It wouldn’t be remiss of you not to. Especially with the private beach, the beach club and the day spa to keep you occupied. Did I mention included in your stay is your own golf buggy to zip around in?
Tempted to jet off to tropical paradise yet? I know I am.
All images via Hamilton Island
Ms Floral Says: I think most of us could do with a honeymoon or holiday like this right about now! Thanks Lisa for sharing the beauty of Hamilton Island, and its range of accommodation. Something for everyone!
About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.
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