InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef – Review
Situated on the south-western side of Hayman Island is the isle’s sole resort, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef – a place to lose track of the days and surrender to the drumbeat of island time.
With sustainability, wild beauty and world-class luxury as its cornerstones, the retreat is reaching new heights as an upscale destination with an environmentally friendly approach.
Located 25 kilometres from the coast of mainland Queensland, Hayman Island has a storied history. Several eccentric leaseholders have made their mark on the island, including school teacher and amateur scientist Monty Embury, who managed Hayman Island in the 1930s. Noting the abundant wildlife, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and thick eucalypt and hoop pine forests, Embury and his wife, Honora, saw an opportunity to host biologists and nature enthusiasts. Early guests – many of them women – trod lightly upon the land, sleeping in tents with BYO bed linen. They spent their days swimming, birdwatching and hiking, followed by lectures, dances and fancy-dress balls.
Hayman Island evolved from cattle grazing grounds to tents, fishing camps and even a film location (White Death, 1936). Then, in 1950, the Royal Hayman Hotel opened, complete with a candy-striped open-air train to transport guests to and from the jetty. Today, the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is considered one of Australia's most iconic island resorts.
After making the most of the resort’s extensive offerings and exceptional dining options, Hayman Island’s natural surroundings await. Guests can snorkel the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, hike the island’s perimeter to spot birdlife, swim in secluded coves and hop over to neighbouring islands. Don’t miss the guided Nocturnal Walk where you’ll have the chance to spot owls and endangered Proserpine rock wallabies, plus rays playing the shallows.
Book your stay at the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef via Qantas Hotels Luxury Hotels from 1 to 31 January to receive daily gourmet breakfast at the Pacific Restaurant, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, $200 in food and beverage credit, two cocktails per stay and return luxury launch transfers for two guests to and from Hamilton Island.
Where is the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef?
Situated on the Whitsundays’ northernmost island, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is a one-hour boat ride from the closest airport (on Hamilton Island), during which sparkling wine is served. For those seeking a swift yet scenic journey, the 15-minute helicopter transfer from nearby Hamilton Island delivers a birds’-eye view of the reef. Guests are greeted by waving staff who offer a brief history of the isle en route to the resort from the jetty.
Room types
Positioned amongst tropical rainforest, near sparkling pools and by the beach, the property’s 182 rooms, suites and villas are dotted throughout the resort’s various precincts (Pool, Lagoon, Pavilion and Beach). There are options for every type of traveller: the Family Lagoon Suite for those with little ones, luxurious three-bedroom suites for groups and “swim-out” poolside suites with day beds and spaces ideal for outdoor dining.
For breezy barefoot splendour, check into one of the adults-only Beachfront Pool Villas, which have direct beach access, plunge pools and indoor-outdoor spaces. If seclusion is what you’re after, the sanctuary-like Beachfront Pavilions are just a short stroll or buggy ride (available on-demand) from the resort’s main facilities.
One of Hayman’s most exclusive offerings, the Three Bedroom Hayman Beach House comes with floor-to-ceiling Whitsunday vistas and three pools. There are also four architecturally-designed Hayman Residences, each with a private plunge pool, chef’s kitchen and four large bedrooms. A pair of golf buggies for personal use ensures the commute from resort to Residence is effortless.
Restaurants and bars
Days begin with a gourmet breakfast and glittering views at Hayman’s signature restaurant and bar, Pacific. Grove Boutique and Cafe supplies mid-morning coffee and pastries for those with room for a little more.
From there, the choice is yours: Amici serves fresh Mediterranean-influenced fare, such as local seafood linguine with crispy fennel, and the poolside Aqua dishes up crowd-pleasing lobster rolls, nourishing salads and cocktails. Order the Pom Pom Paloma with lime, grapefruit, agave and soda water for a taste of summer in a glass.
At Bam Bam, a pan-Asian menu of dishes including hibachi-grilled reef fish with sambal and lime awaits, while low-key Bar50 offers a superb selection of beer, wine and spirits, plus hearty pasta, steaks and pizza.
Seeking a moment of quiet? Sit down to a four-course Perrier-Jouet Champagne dinner on Hayman Beach, take a picnic to a deserted island nearby or watch the sun set from an ocean-view cabana over oysters and grilled crayfish.
Guests staying at the Hayman Residences can arrange a “pantry pack” prior to arrival and meal prep to their heart’s content or have tailored dinner kits and hampers delivered directly from the kitchen. Not a fan of cooking while on holiday? A private chef will take over the pans.
Sustainability
Sustainability and conservation lie at the heart of the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s operations.
Single-use plastics are banned and a reusable water bottle issued on arrival can be refilled at filtered water stations dotted around the resort. In your room, Suite Control technology and automated blackout curtains help to minimise energy use.
The resort is self-sufficient in a variety of ways: it can generate its own power, desalinates water and treats wastewater on-site (the by-product is used for irrigation). Bottles are processed in a glass-to-sand crusher then used to maintain pathways. By composting food scraps, the resort reduced landfill by about 450 tonnes in 2024.
A recent initiative saw a portion of revenue going to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to support conservation efforts, including the planting of baby corals in depleted areas. Even the resort’s Planet Trekkers Kid’s Club is geared towards conservation and education, offering fish-feeding expeditions, nature walks and science experiments.
Travel for work
Wi-fi is both free and fast – that is, if you can tear your eyes away from the view long enough to concentrate on your laptop. And if you can convince your boss to host a team-building off-site on Hayman, the resort has a selection of event spaces to accommodate just this, including the Langford Room for conferences and the Thomas Hayman Boardroom.
Spa and gym
The gym’s exercise bike, treadmill, rowing machine and cross trainers are complemented by a dedicated barre and reformer Pilates studio. The spa’s array of offerings spans from bespoke massages to a frangipani body nectar wrap, best enjoyed either in air-conditioned comfort or in the signature Bamboo Loft for selected treatments and times of the year.
What you need to know
Guests have access to Hayman Concierge, a service that will help plan your itinerary before and during your visit, organise private dining experiences and facilitate special requests.
Best for: Couples, families and groups
Number of rooms: 182 rooms, suites and villas
Rates: From $499 per night
Wi-Fi: Free and fast
Address: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Queensland
Telephone: +61 7 4940 1234
Ready to book your stay at the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef? Be sure to book via Qantas Hotels Luxury Hotels from 1 to 31 January to receive daily gourmet breakfast at the Pacific Restaurant, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, $200 in food and beverage credit, two cocktails per stay and return luxury launch transfers for two guests to and from Hamilton Island.
