Extensive damage caused by Cyclone Debbie in 2017 forced Hayman Island, a private-island resort in Australia, to close. While the property’s website at the time featured an optimistic message that it would return as “a rejuvenated luxury resort,” Hayman Island still needed a new hotel operator to step in and restore this gem to its former glory. Enter IHG.
Adding to its extensive portfolio in Australia, the company announced that it had reached agreement with the island’s owners to take over management of the property and rebrand it as InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Fulfilling its promise, IHG will reopen the doors to Hayman Island on July 1, revealing the extent of the significant investment to refurbish the 166-room private-island resort, located at the northernmost point in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands.
Guests can choose from three room styles: Classic, Executive and Suites. All Classic Rooms offer a king-size bed, separate bath and open-plan dressing room, as well as a view of the lagoon. The Executive Rooms are one-bedroom suites that look out over the pool, with some featuring direct swim-out access. Each three-bedroom Suite boasts its own private pool, deck with gardens and views of the beach.
As for dining, guests will find woodfire oven pizza and Italian dishes created by “theatrical chefs” at Amici Trattoria. Bam Bam features Pan Asian food with a “fresh Australian twist,” and Pacific, Hayman Island’s signature bar and restaurant, serves everything from a gourmet breakfast buffet to a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean.
Plus the resort’s location allows the chance to tick a few items off the bucket list in one trip. Book a snorkeling or diving excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or plan a day trip to see the secluded sandbars of Whitehaven Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.
The resort is currently promoting a variety of specials, including a 25 percent discount in honor of the reopening, and up to 30 percent off bookings made before August 5 for stays until September 30.
