Since opening in October 2007, qualia (www.qualia.com.au), a world class luxury resort on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, has had much to celebrate. The property has been showered with praise, awards and accolades, it regularly hosts high profile events and celebrities, and has firmly established itself at one of Australia’s most luxurious, ‘must visit’ properties.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES: qualia was awarded “Best New Tourism Development” at the 2008 Whitsunday Tourism Awards; in May 2008 qualia was not only featured on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller magazine (UK) but was listed in the title’s “Definitive Guide To The Hottest New Hotels in the World” - the only Australian property to make the list of 65 luxury hotels; Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine named qualia “Best New Accommodation”, whilst the US title Travel and Leisure magazine featured qualia in its “It List” of 30 best new hotels around the globe.

CELEBRITY GUESTS: whilst professional discretion prevents the disclosure of all celebrity names, guests have included actress Mischa Barton and designer Donna Karan.

EVENTS: qualia has hosted two exclusive Collette Dinnigan fashion shows as part of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Dinnigan’s creations are regularly seen on the fashion pages of UK magazines as celebrities increasingly wear her dresses on the red carpet. In November 2008 and October 2009 the Australian Ballet performed in front of 100 invited guests in an exclusive outdoor setting.

BACKGROUND: Located only two to three hours flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities (Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne), qualia offers guests a choice of 60 pavilions: 27 Windward pavilions, each four times the size of an average hotel room with private plunge pool on an expansive deck, and 33 west facing Leeward pavilions. For guests desiring more space the Beach House comes with its own full size swimming pool, extensive entertaining area and a separate guest pavilion.

Resort facilities include a helipad for guests wishing to arrive directly and independently, a gym complete with state-of-the-art equipment, two swimming pools, an impressively stocked library and a fashion boutique featuring labels like Kenzo and Just Cavalli.

ACTIVITIES: Options are numerous and varied, ranging from the leisurely to the active and including:

• Trapeze riding on the 36ft catamaran “Adrenalin Rush”
• Jet ski touring
• “Island Helicopter Rush” – a door free scenic flight
• Sailing on a 16ft Hobie cat accompanied by an experienced sailor if required
• Guided or non-guided kayaking in single or double kayaks
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Game fishing for marlin, sailfish, barracuda, giant trevally, mahi mahi and tuna
• Scenic seaplane flights
• Picnics on the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach
• Guided walks to learn more about the flora and fauna of the islands
• Wine appreciation tours
• Behind-the-scenes tour of qualia taking in the kitchens and wine cellars, and ending with a cocktail demonstration and tasting session
• Sunset cruises
• Golf on the 18-hole championship course
• Target and racquet sports
• Exercise classes
• Waterskiing, parasailing and a raft of private charter options

SPA QUALIA focuses on total wellbeing and pampering using its two signature Australian products are Sodashi and Li’tya. Guests can indulge in a luxurious and authentic Australian journey through contemporary, yet traditional and indigenous spa treatments and rituals. The spa features four single treatment rooms, two rooms for couples, Roman baths, a Swiss shower, steam room and a yoga and meditation pavilion.

FINE DINING: Stunning Coral Sea views coupled with excellent food and wine have become synonymous with a qualia experience. The degustation menus, a la carte dinners and seafood barbecues all take full advantage of Queensland’s finest local produce and are served in qualia’s two restaurants - the casual “Pebble Beach” and the more formal “Long Pavilion”. Bespoke dining options (on the beach, in pavilion or in private dining rooms) are also available.

PRICES & PACKAGES: qualia’s pavilions are priced from AUS$ 950 per night; AUS$1,450 per night for those with a private plunge pool. The Beach House costs A$3,000 per night. Prices include some meals and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorised water sports, the use of a private electric two-seater golf buggy and 24-hour chauffeur service around Hamilton Island.

A WORD OF EXPLANATION: qualia, pronounced “kwahleea”, is deliberately spelt with a lower case 'q' reflecting the relaxed, understated nature of the property. A member of Small Luxury Hotels, qualia welcomes guests 18 years and over.