Whitsundays, AustraliaHayman Island
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef by IHG
Secluded reef hideaway
Hayman Island Whitsundays, Australia
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
IHGSecluded reef hideaway
Arrive by catamaran across the Coral Sea to a private island hideaway wrapped in tropical gardens and vast saltwater lagoons.
“Water is a central theme here; you’ll arrive by private boat to this sprawling property where your room overlooks the largest pool…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A massive saltwater lagoon pool, private reef dive expeditions, and scenic helicopter flights over the Whitsundays.
Notable
Seamless island logistics with private catamaran transfers, chauffeured golf carts, and dedicated villa hosts.
Notable
Hayman Spa pairs Subtle Energies bodywork with an extensive athletic complex featuring floodlit tennis and squash.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Australasia and the South Pacific
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Its distinctive terraced wings still wrap around a vast lagoon-style pool, separated by mere yards from the beach and the picturesque south-facing bay.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched at the northern edge of the Whitsundays, the island sits steps from the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef.
The rooms
Pool Wing suites offer direct swim-out access, while standalone beachfront villas feature private open-air plunge pools and ocean views.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Timber boardwalks cross the multi-tiered saltwater lagoon, leading out toward a central pavilion on the bay.
The spa and gym
Spa suites feature circular soaking tubs for Subtle Energies therapies, and the gym lines cardio machines against glass walls.
Restaurant
Pacific
The oceanfront dining room hosts morning breakfasts and modern Australian brasserie dinners looking out across the Coral Sea.
At the table
Guests gather for poolside Mexican dishes at Aqua and classic cocktails inside 1950s-inspired lounge Bar Fifty.
How it began
Aviation pioneer Reginald Ansett established the island's original resort in 1950, complete with its famous Hollywood-style swimming pool.
Good to know
Stay here
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef by IHG
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.