Here is everything you need to know about qualia:
 BACKGROUND: Located only two to three hours flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities (Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne), qualia offers guests two pavilion choices as well as the Beach House:
- West facing Leeward pavilions
- Windward pavilions, each four times the size of an average hotel room, have a private plunge pool on an expansive deck
- 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.
EVENTS: Hamilton Island hosts a series of high profile events throughout the year with qualia playing an integral part. Events include:
The Great Barrier Feast (www.hamiltonisland.com.au/feast/)- a series of culinary themed weekends held throughout the year showcasing Australia’s finest food and wine whilst hosted by a top Australian chef. In 2010 chefs included legendary Tetsuya Wakuda, Justin North of premiere Sydney restaurant Bécasse and Ben Shewry from Attica in Melbourne.
 The Australian Ballet regularly performs in front of 100 invited guests in an exclusive outdoor setting.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au) is Australia’s premier keelboat regatta and is the jewel in the Southern hemisphere’s social and sporting calendar. This is the place to be and to be seen. From furious offshore racing and fabulous super-yachts, to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, the crème de la crème turn out to experience the best the Whitsundays has to offer.
 Each year, top Australian designer Collette Dinnigan has held a fashion show to launch her latest creations. Dinnigan’s designs can regularly be seen on the fashion pages of UK magazines as celebrities increasingly wear her dresses on the red carpet.
ACTIVITIES: Options are numerous and varied, ranging from the leisurely to the active, including:
- Golf on the 18-hole championship course
- Game fishing for marlin, sailfish, barracuda, giant trevally, mahi mahi and tuna
- Scuba diving
- 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
- 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
- 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, Sodashi and Li’tya. Guests can indulge in a luxuriously authentic Australian journey through contemporary, 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.
qualia also boasts a Scottish Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell, originally from Glasgow. Classically trained, Waddell's cooking is motivated by modern influences including the "multicultural cuisine in Australia and this country's world class produce including cheeses that rival some of the best in Europe." He's passionate about the ‘nature cuisine' movement led by Noma restaurant in Denmark and believes in giving the greatest respect to nature in his cooking, always using local produce when possible and recognising the importance of flavour, texture and presentation. At qualia, Waddell's cuisine is inspired by the resort's stunning island vistas, creating menus that are light, fresh and healthy.
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 AUS$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.
NOTE TO EDITORS: 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.
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