Stepping onto Hayman Island was like ticking off a box I’d been hanging onto since my backpacking days. Fifteen years ago, as a traveller visiting Airlie Beach from my hometown in Ireland, I’d looked across the water at this jewel of the Whitsundays, wishing I had the funds to stay on the private island. Now, after a quick flight from Sydney to Hamilton and a luxury yacht transfer, I was finally here, soaking in the moment I’d promised myself. So did it live up to the hype?
The best regional job in the country?
Our journey began with a champagne-filled yacht ride, complete with canapés from Bee, our hostess from Thailand, who was living what she called the “backpacker’s dream job.”
On her second visa stint, Bee had swapped out farm work for pouring bubbly on a yacht, ferrying travellers through paradise. As we sailed past Whitehaven Beach, with its powder-white sand, Bee pointed out Hook Island, home to the Ngaro people who inhabited these islands 9,000 years ago. Hearing about the “canoe people” who once navigated these waters was a reminder that the Whitsundays are more than just a tropical postcard (or an Instagrammer’s paradise).
As the yacht pulled into Hayman’s marina, the resort staff welcomed us with waves and warm smiles, like a scene straight from HBO’s “White Lotus” – albeit with less murder mystery – just the five-star hospitality.
After Cyclone Debbie hit in 2017, Hayman went through a major $135 million facelift, reopening under the InterContinental banner in 2019. The aesthetic strikes a perfect balance between 1950s glamour and modern luxury.
Clean lines. Crisp whites. Sweeping views.
The moment your feet touch that iconic white sand, it feels like time slows down.
The stresses of city life melt away, an 8am commute into Sydney CBD is replaced by the sound of waves and the whisper of palm trees—a nice reminder that you’re somewhere truly special.
We stayed in a beachfront pavilion, a secluded suite with floor-to-ceiling views of the Coral Sea. Wallabies hopped around our garden at dawn, and a fever of stingrays glided through the shallows outside our room – another surreal reminder of Hayman’s connection to nature.
Beyond the beachfront pavilions, guests can opt for lagoon rooms surrounded by gardens or pool suites closer to the resort’s main areas. But the pavilion’s connection to the beach made it hard to beat, especially for anyone looking to wake up to ocean views and a bit of quiet.
A Revamped Hayman
Sure, the location does give the impression this is every bit an Instagrammer’s dream venue but the resort’s resilience is part of its charm.
It isn’t just about plush furnishings or high-end dining; it’s a place that’s been devastated by severe weather events. Following Cyclone Debbie, Hayman’s restoration under IHG Hotels & Resorts added a new layer of sophistication while staying true to its roots.
The centrepiece of the resort is a sprawling pool – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere I’m told – where mid-century glamour meets modern-day relaxation. Everything here feels effortless, with just the right dose of polish without tipping into over-the-top luxury.
A haven for luxe-seekers
Hayman’s appeal lies in its tranquillity. For couples, families, and anyone craving a slower pace, it’s the kind of place where you don’t just unwind; you unplug entirely. Even with the resort nearing full capacity, it felt as though we had the island to ourselves, surrounded only by the rustle of palm trees and the occasional clink of glassware from other guests.
Despite being just a short trip from the frantic Sydney CBD that we call our office, this feels worlds away from the daily rush, and that calm is something you can’t fake – it’s baked into the island.
Our two-day itinerary on Hayman was a mix of pure relaxation and a touch of adventure.
We started with a private picnic on a nearby island, the kind of scene that’s tailor-made for romantic clichés – endless blue water, sandy shores, and a fully stocked picnic basket. Later, we hit the kayaks, paddling along the coastline, catching glimpses of Hayman’s incredible wildlife and colourful coral just below the surface.
The dining at Hayman added another layer to the experience.
Bam Bam offered Asian-inspired plates perfect for lunch with a view, while Pacific served up fine dining that was as artfully presented as it was delicious. And as guests in a beachfront pavilion, we had access to the resort’s My Concierge service, who would do anything from book a beachside dinner to arranging scenic routes for kayaking.
Venturing out into the Whitsundays after a couple of days at Hayman, we found that the island’s surroundings were just as captivating as the resort itself. From sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the ocean to the secluded beaches that feel untouched, the Whitsundays have a way of grounding you. Paddling through these waters, it’s easy to lose yourself in the natural beauty that stretches in every direction.
As the sun began to set, the moonlit dining spots provided the perfect backdrop to unwind. Hayman’s combination of wild beauty and refined luxury makes it an island that doesn’t try too hard – it just is. For all its high-end touches, the resort maintains a connection to nature that makes each sunset, each ocean breeze, feel like the main attraction.
So, after a 15-year wait, did it live up to the hype? Let’s just say it was worth every minute.
