Deciding which room to book at qualia comes down to which view best suits you. While all rooms at the resort look out to the ocean, the open-plan Leeward Pavilions – fitted with a lounging area, king bed and expansive bathroom – are skewed towards the Whitsundays’ famed sunsets; ditto the new Sunset Pavilion. The larger Windward Pavilions, with private plunge pools, are for sunrise seekers, or you can sprawl out in the two-bedroom Beach House that comes with a private 12-metre infinity pool. If you can tear yourself away from your lofty pavilion – crafted from native timbers and Bowen bluestone – use your designated golf buggy to explore the resort’s 12 hectares and the rest of the island.

From qualia’s helipad, you can lift off to see the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders. Hover over Whitehaven Beach (where you can picnic on the white sand lapped by postcard-blue waters) then unwind at the Heart Island pontoon before snorkelling or cruising around Heart Reef via glass bottom boat. From there, head to the Reefworld pontoon, perched atop Hardy Reef and admire technicolour fish and coral from the underwater viewing chamber.

A visit to Spa qualia offers an ideal opportunity to truly embrace the tranquillity of the beautiful surroundings. The spa's experiences are specifically designed to induce deep relaxation and promote restful sleep.  Experience one of qualia’s exclusive signature treatments: the Driftaway Sensory Journey, the Whitsunday Escape or awaken the senses with a couples indulgence in the private qualia roman bath suite (where you can choose from Botanica, Cacao Indulgence or Vinotherapie).

Plan your next escape and discover qualia at www.qualia.com.au

Glide past some of the Whitsundays’ 74 emerald isles by chartering qualia’s 55-foot luxury cruiser, Palm Beach, which can accommodate up to 12 guests. You’ll cruise to Whitehaven Beach, Chalkies Beach, Hill Inlet or a destination of your choice (one location on a half-day charter, two during a full-day excursion). A tender can take you ashore or you can just dive straight off the boat to snorkel among reef fish and turtles. Request a picnic of fruit, cheese and charcuterie if you’re making a day of it.

By day, Pebble Beach is qualia’s private playground where you can launch a SUP or sea kayak. Come evening, it transforms into the resort’s signature dining experience. Take a seat-with-a-sea-view and indulge in a six-course tasting menu (perhaps with matching fine wines). The menu celebrates modern Australian cuisine, shining a light on local produce, caviar, kingfish and wagyu with qualia grown botanics are regulars on the menu. On other nights, share the seafood platter (seared scallops, reef fish, bug, barbecued prawns) in the Long Pavilion or stay in and have delicious meals delivered to your door.

Book in for a Talk and Taste session with qualia’s head sommelier Ben Cabangun in the Long Pavillion’s envy-inducing cellar. Here, you’ll sample topnotch including, old and new world wines from Australia and abroad in one-on-one or small group sessions that pair combinations of wine and cheese, sake and sashimi or champagne and oysters.

Be whisked away to your own private stretch of sand by qualia’s Pebble Beach activities team. You’ll be ferried to the best local spots with a beach umbrella, deckchairs, a phone, towels and the option of a picnic – complete with an ice-cold bucket of champagne. It’s the ultimate castaway-for-a-day experience

Plan your next escape and discover qualia at www.qualia.com.au

Take the 10-minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island Marina to Dent Island’s Hamilton Island Golf Club. Here, the crumpled landscape forms 18-holes for keen golfers to confront wild winds, dense scrub and a 14th hole nicknamed “The Valley of Death” designed by Australian golfing great Peter Thompson. Afterwards enjoy lunch – perhaps oysters and eye fillet – at the island’s lofty Clubhouse. A day on the greens can be organised by qualia’s concierge.

14 Things to Do on Hamilton Island