Qualia Resort

Arriving at the gates of this modern luxury resort has the feel of stumbling upon a tropical estate -- there are high stone walls and huge wooden gates that open only for guests, leaving visitors with no doubt about the resort’s exclusivity. The property is secluded, private, and romantic -- and all the boxes are easily checked for a truly special experience. Surrounded by 30 acres of lush tropical gardens and jungle (plus the occasional wallaby). Interiors in common areas are a hint of what's to come in rooms, with plenty of luxe hardwood, natural stone, stylish furniture with eye-catching textiles, and a breezy ambience. Much of the resort is open to the gorgeous surrounding landscape, and the pools offer a stylish place to relax with views of the turquoise Coral Sea. The resort is geared towards couples wanting a luxury break, and no guests under the age of 16 are permitted.

Set in tropical turquoise waters, the Whitsunday Islands are sprinkled in the Coral Sea just off the Queensland coast. Qualia sits on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, which is the most accessible of the islands and is popular with those who like to sail. Many guests choose never to leave the resort during their stay, but those who want to get out and explore will find a small town center with restaurants and bars about five minutes away by electric buggy. One of the most popular spots for an alfresco drink is Marina Daze, an open-air bar under the canopy of a mock ship’s mast and sails, on a grassy area by the waterfront. Those who want to travel further afield will find Catseye Beach and the Hamilton Island Yacht Club a five-minute car drive away. The hotel is an eight-minute drive from Hamilton Island Airport. The ferry from Airlie Beach on the mainland reaches Hamilton Island in 30 minutes -- the trip is made up to twelve times per day.

The chic, modern rooms at the Qualia Resort have wooden decor and stunning views of the sea from enormous windows. There's eye-catching abstract art on the mostly white walls, polished wood floors, and contemporary furniture with bright textiles or handsome marble accents. There are 60 rooms available -- 26 north-facing Windward Pavilions, 33 southwest-facing Leeward Pavilions, plus one Beach House. Each is large, with the smallest starting at 90 square meters (968 square feet). They all offer free Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV, iPod dock, a minibar, and a deck with sea views. The Windward Pavilions are the larger of the two, and have the addition of a private plunge pool. Bathrooms are huge, extravagant affairs as well, with separate shower and freestanding baths, plus designer toiletries -- there's even water views from the tubs in many rooms. The Beach House is a super-private, self-contained pavilion with a master bedroom, kitchenette, a spacious living area with a dining table for 10, a separate guesthouse, and its own 12-meter infinity pool. All rooms have striking terraces and balconies with sleek contemporary furniture and sea views.

The hotel is set on 30 peaceful acres of immaculately landscaped grounds. A two seater golf buggy is provided to every room for getting around the resort. There are two infinity pools, both offering incredible sea views. The lap pool runs along the length of the Long Pavilion restaurant, while the enormous square-shaped Pebble Beach pool is flanked by a row of cabanas and a large lawn. The hotel provides free bottled water and sunscreen at the pools. Beach lovers will be happy here as well, as the resort has its own private stretch of sand. Kayaks are available as are small catamarans, and there are other laid back activities on offer too such as boules, badminton, and free yoga classes. Excursions to Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel sights can be arranged.The Long Pavilion is the resort’s fine-dining destination, serving Modern Australian cuisine at candlelit tables draped in crisp white linen. Pebble Beach is more casual and has a balcony set over the water. Drinks can be taken in the sunken lounge of the Long Pavilion, or in a raised area that overlooks the resort’s lap pool. There’s an extensive cocktail menu and wine list. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. Qualia has two rate levels -- Classic, which just includes breakfast, or Gourmet, which includes breakfast and dinner at one of the hotel’s two restaurants. The hotel also has a boutique selling clothes and jewelry, a fitness center, library, event space, computer stations, luxurious spa with six treatment rooms, and free Wi-Fi.