This story is part of the July 14 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . Before embarking on a three-day, wind-down at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, I ask myself if a few days away can deliver enough rejuvenation.
The short answer is yes – but with the help of a designated travel planner. When time is of the essence, it makes sense to engage someone who organises schedules for a living. So, my Virtuoso guide booked flights, transfers, private yoga classes, spa treatments, a sunset cruise on the night of my arrival, reef snorkelling, and dinner reservations.
My flight from Sydney to Hamilton Island takes just under two-and-a-half hours and goes smoothly, and from there you catch a catamaran to Hayman Island that takes about an hour. You can get there more quickly by helicopter (15 minutes) or by taking the scenic version over the Great Barrier Reef (50 minutes). If you’re not averse to heights, this is the less-bumpier way to arrive.
The island was battered by Cyclone Debbie in 2017, but you’d hardly know there had been such devastation here. Credit: Sheriden Rhodes As I swoon over the crystal-blue waters of the Whitsundays, the city is but a distant memory. Before I know it, a hazy island appears in the distance, with staff waving as I land.
It momentarily feels like I’ve been tickled awake from a 1988 slumber. Everything feels a bit like the Cocktail movie. But before I hit the bar, first up is some freshly cracked coconut water for hydration, whic.
