I Like Hayman Island

The title seems a bit silly really, who wouldn’t like a few days visiting one of the best islands sitting off the east coast of Australia? Strangely, living in the Whitsundays, I come across many people who say they wouldn’t book a stay on Hayman island. Yet you have to listen very closely as to why they think the way they do.

Hayman Island isn’t for everyone. Main reason is that some people regard Hayman Island as being too expensive for their budgets. Okay, so it’s not the cheapest island in the Whitsundays, I must agree with that. Most people I have met who put the island down have never been a guest and probably never will, and that’s okay also. We all have our limitations, so sometimes we tell ourselves small lies like perhaps the food is too expensive, instead of saying straight out that we can’t afford to spend what we haven’t got. Yet when quality is mentioned there is not one person I have talked to that had a bad word to say about Hayman Island.

I consider it’s the little extras you receive on Hayman that makes the difference. It’s the personal greeting on arrival, no check in queques, (you are escorted directly to your accommodation by a personal guide), the 24 hour concierge service to makes sure all your needs are met and of course the quality surroundings of the island and first class service. Hayman guests are pampered from the time they step onto their island transfer option to the time they depart.

On Hayman there is always something to do, even on bad weather days. We recently stayed for 4 nights and the normally beautiful Whitsundays weather was quite horrible. Gale force wind and rain stopped those beach activities like kayaking and sailing and we posponed planned snorkeling at Blue Pearl Bay and Langford Island. We were still able to have a swim in the heated pool, the cooler weather was great for bush walking and Hayman’s fabulous botanic gardens were the ideal spot for some quiet reading and serious macro photography.

The quality of Hayman Island is what sets it apart from the rest. You don’t need to ask for the nightly turn down service, it is simply done and there is a little gift waiting on the bed for your return. (Chocolates melt everyones heart.) If your in your room when the staff comes around you still get your gift, even if you refuse the turn down service. It’s those little things that make you feel special. The chocolates just add to the overall experience.

The restaurants are all first class. Breakfast is at the Azure and kick starts a fabulous day, with a wide range of delicious fare and views of the Whitsundays that are second to none. Enjoy lunch by the pool bar and then dinner in one of the four superb restaurants. Why not try the “Chefs Table”, a culinary delight with a six-course dinner and carefully paired wines. Of course there is room service if you have had a strenuous day, swimming, sailing, hiking or snorkeling, or for those who enjoy a quiet meal. If romance is in the air, why not order a picnic basket and watch a golden sunset in a secluded corner of this beautiful island.

I enjoyed the experience of Hayman Island so much that I have definitely decided to go back again soon. I might wait until around September so the chances of good weather are greater, yet as no one can foretell the weather with accuracy, I’m willing to chance the season as the quality of the experience will always be first class.

I would recommend Hayman Island to all as an island where you are regarded as important, treated like royalty and pampered from arrival to departure. Everything is a first class experience and your enjoyment is Hayman’s main consideration.

Make sure you take a tour of the chocolate room, have a free glass of champagne at breakfast and above all, relax and enjoy the beautiful Whitsundays. It’s a special part of the world and Hayman Island is the real jewel in the crown.

(Images by Tanya Puntti SLR Photograhy Guide)