Qualia Resort and Spa is an exclusive adult only resort on Hamilton Island, Queensland. Qualia pronounced (kwah-lee-ah) in Latin means "a collection of deeper sensory experiences".
Flying direct into the island after a short flight, you are whisked away by chauffeured vehicle without even having to collect your bags and about 5 minutes later you are sipping champagne in the captivating lobby. The interior design of the resort has a feeling of understated elegance that is quintessentially Australian. The extensive use of timber in the design has a feeling of being on a boat (the owners of the resort are avid sailors) melding beautifully into the natural environment, and there is aboriginal art dotted throughout the lobby and suites.
Its small size means it never feels crowded – even at full capacity there is always a pool lounger available at the resort’s impressive infinity pool and table at the restaurants. At a time of social distancing this feels like a very safe way of travelling. The resorts pavilions, dotted amongst the hillside overlooking the whitsundays ensure peace and quiet and privacy . Whether it be an anniversary, honeymoon or babymoon or just a trip to recharge, rest and reconnect, Qualia is one of the most magical (and close to home) places to spoil yourself.
The Qualia day spa is world class and is a must-visit. Guests can enjoy the steam room and vichy shower as complimentary and a range of paid treatments from massage to facials to wholistic therapies such as reflexology, Indian head massage and meditation. Signature experiences include couples bath suite packages and the alfresco showers dotted around the resort, nothing like an outdoor bathroom to wash the salt off on a hot day!
Choose from dining at the Long Pavillion up on the hill with sweeping views or Pebble Beach restaurant by the pool. For a special occasion, our tip is to try the degustation with matched wines. The daily alacarte breakfast is included in the room rate. Service is exceptional and it’s the little touches like champagne on arrival, complimentary ice cream by the pool and a turn down service with fresh hot tea and artisan chocolate waiting at your room at night that add to a sense of being pampered.
The resort is perfect for people who want to be active - watersports, boat trips, private beach picnics, boules, sailing, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, golf course, helicopter rides, hiking, yoga classes and a gym are all more than enough to keep busy. Or you can take it slow - just relax by the pool with a cocktail, mesmerised by that view or catch up on reading in the resorts extensive library.
Qualia guests stay at private pavilions which are very large in size with private balcony and large sitting area and double vanity bathroom with bath tub – perfect for a hot soak with bath salts. The windward villas are extra special with a private plunge pool however many guests say that they didn’t use the plunge pool much with the exceptional large infinity pools available to all guests. All rooms come with your own golf buggy to explore the island which is a fun novelty.
The resort has a very chilled vibe, this is not a loud music or dj/pool party style resort (you can of course have a private party back at your own pavilion, we did test the speakers out!)
To book your trip to qualia, contact Brent at Mr Wallace Travel for an exclusive deal.
