Our Recent Hamilton Island Getaway

Warning: Hamilton Island may cause excessive smiling, spontaneous buggy rides, and an uncontrollable urge to return… you’ve been warned!

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Hamilton Island multiple times, and our recent trip was just as stunning as the first. This time, we stayed at the Reef View Hotel, opting for a top-floor premium duplex suite that came with VIP airport transfers and a dedicated suite concierge.

You can check out my short instagram reel here and read on below.

From the moment I booked, I knew we were in for a treat. The team at Reef View Suites, led by Reef Suite Concierge Kimi, and Front Office Manager Elise (special shout out to Pemma also), went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. The personalised service, starting from the booking process, was exceptional. It’s refreshing to deal directly with locals who are passionate about their island home.

The Reef Suite benefits were thoughtful and considered! We were greeted at the airport by Kimi, who’d been in touch with us pre-departure, answering all our questions. In fact from the get-go, Jenny from reservations kept the Reef View Suite concierge team in the loop, which made the experience super personalised. It’s rare on arrival to a hotel or resort to meet the same team you’ve been dealing with, but Kimi and co. nailed it!

Kimi handed our baggage tags to the porter, and we were whisked off to the hotel hearing some local knowledge along the way, where we checked in straight to our room and were treated to a welcome bottle of sparkling wine. Kimi was amazing, you could tell she loves her job and the island. The team (including housekeeping) made our stay super comfy and personalised. Huge thanks to Kimi, Elise and Team, and cheers for the gorgeous Christmas hamper!

Hamilton Island has always had a special place in my heart, offering the perfect blend of facilities, dining options, and accommodations to suit various budgets and needs. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveler, there’s something for everyone.

During our visit, we learned that the Oatley family would be selling Hamilton Island to Blackstone. The Oatley family acquired the island post-founder Keith Williams, and they’ve done an incredible job of preserving its charm. I hope Blackstone continues this legacy, retaining the island’s private, family-owned vibe that’s made it so beloved.

We also hired a buggy for the duration of our stay, affectionately nicknamed Benny, and explored the island’s residential streets and One Tree Hill for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Benny also loved his trips to IGA and the local bottle shop to ensure the ‘essentials’ were well stocked in our suite.

The Hamilton Island Air experience – a helicopter trip to the heart of the reef and across Whitehaven Beach was absolute magic! I’d done the Whitehaven tour before, but seeing the reef from the air was a whole new level of wow – it was one of the most stunning sights we’d ever laid eyes on! We dodged a bit of rain just before our 2:50 pm slot, and our pilot was fantastic, sharing loads of information about the islands. The Hamilton Island Air staff are absolute professionals, and it’s clear they love living and working on the island, many of which have been there for years, which says it all!

Dining was a highlight, with favourites including the Pool Terrace, Beach Club, Romano’s, Coca Chu and the newly opened Sails restaurant. The Sails Sunbed Series was a luxurious treat, offering an elevated way to lounge by the water with attentive service and delicious food. Impeccable service and well worth the $250 minimum for the 5 hours. We enjoyed the mocktail package, and the attentive service and conversations with the team made it worth every cent. 

We loved breakfast at the Pool Terrace daily and also went back for a couple of dinners, and the Porchetta was a highlight for sure. At the Beach Club we enjoyed a 3-course menu, opting for the Chicken Rillete, lamb, and some selections from the vegetarian menu. Romano’s at the Marina was another highlight. On Christmas Day, we headed back to the Pool Terrace for the themed buffet dinner where the staff kept the festive vibes going strong. Coca Chu by the beach was also a stunner, with amazing food and views, and a great sea breeze. 

Other experiences included the Whitsundays dinner cruise, Christmas Eve beach carols and fireworks, and a visit to the Hamilton Island Golf Club House on Dent Island (their carrots are a must-try! and were even recommended by the Hamilton Island Friends Facebook Group, and our Qantas flight attendant). We also enjoyed relaxing at the pools, particularly the new Sails pool and the less busy Bougainvillea pool. Whilst I love being by the ocean, I’ve never been a fan of swimming in the sea, plus it is stinger season. 

I do love pools however when the water temperature is just perfect (the bath water kind) which it was across the Island. Sadly a young boy was flown to Mackay Base Hospital during our stay, so even if you see people swimming, please be aware the stringers are out there. The Hamilton Island Facebook Group is a wonderful way to get information before and during your trip. A well run Facebook Group with very few whingers, which from personal experience running Facebook Groups is very rare lol. 

Hamilton Island has something for everyone, from the 6 star Qualia, apartment options, Sundays to the Bungalows. Its accessibility to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef makes it an ideal destination for a unique holiday experience. Big thanks to the entire island team for making our 8-day stay so special.

Leaving Hamilton Island: still smiling, slightly sunburned, and already planning the next getaway.

“A Little Island Can Do Wonders” indeed.