There is something very soothing about returning to a locale that you have become familiar with over 15 years, where you have watched your children grow up and splash around. But Hayman Island would be uplifting even for the first time, with its beautiful location and amazing beach…

It’s a private island that is only for hotel guests, and the whole island is a world unto itself - with several pools, giant lagoons, a marina, golf putting green and croquet lawn right on the calm Coral Sea. One of the nice points of difference is the breathtaking manicured grounds: the lawns go on forever, inviting you to stroll or sit.

People arrive by seaplane, boat or, like us helicopter. We flew in from completely isolated and empty Whitehaven Beach, landing at the Hayman heliport - and were welcomed back for the first time in 2 years like old friends. Hayman’s trump card is incredible service and it kicks off straight away with the exceptional staff and management team, starting with the General Manager Roger Wright, a great guy who is so warm, engaging and enthusiastic about actually mixing with his guests that he just puts a smile on my face!

SUITE DREAMS

There are 212 well-appointed hotel rooms, suites, penthouses and a stand-alone villa. Like most big companies, Hayman is constantly upgrading the accommodation.

The prices include buffet breakfast (which is what I quote) but there is an upgrade option for à la carte inclusion at about $AUS 150 extra.

Most rooms are stacked in geometric tiers with 3 very different outlooks - the Lily Lagoon, over the giant Hayman pool, and the beach. The latest fit out combines contemporary cream décor with warm stained wood, mushroom textiles and wicker furnishings.

Choosing a suite at Hayman can be confusing. If you are going to go for the POOL WING choose one on level 1 so you can have direct access into the swimming pool from your balcony - our kids loved jumping right in. $AUS 740

The LILY LAGOON wing has a nice feel because you also overlook lush gardens. There are amazing suites that are suitable for families because of the double balconies, big lounges (you know how small kids get underfoot and big kids sprawl) guest bathrooms (yippee) and walk in robes.

$AUS 1990

If you want killer views of the Coral Sea there are 1-3 bedroom PENTHOUSES on Level 4 which have butler services (which I have yet to experience). Rather than the breezy white beach house feel these feature opulent décor and themed rooms, so if you want to feel like an Oriental Pasha, Italian count or Greek oil magnate you can knock yourself out!

$AUS 2,800 - 3,900

Those who long to stroll through their open shutters right onto sand should take one of the 10 BEACH FRONT rooms in the Beachfront Wing. They aren’t big (32 sq metres) but the smooth terracotta tiles and absolute beachfront access will give you that more raw, outdoor experience and keep your focus on the gorgeous Coral Sea. This one is popular with honeymooners because of the romance of being slightly apart, embracing Hayman Beach and having your own private double spa.

$AUS 1350

MONEY TO BURN

The Premier property on Hayman is the stand-alone BEACH VILLA - which we were lucky enough to have as our own for the day. Gorgeous, high-ceilinged and more like a home, with separate dining, its glass, bi-fold doors open up to a massive terrace, lawn and stretch of white sand. It’s as if all you survey is yours alone, so it’s brilliantly designed.

Naturally it has all the hi-tech treats like a 42” plasma TV and state of the art Sound system; touches like an outdoor rockery shower really make all the difference.

$AUS 3,600

But sometimes, posh décor poolside can come up trumps - even over absolute beachfront. The opulent, 3-bedroom French style penthouse suite mentioned previously racks up an ooh la la - worthy $AUS 3,900!

POOL POSITION

The high point of the resort is the amazing, world-renowned Hayman pool that, at 7 X Olympic size, seems to stretch endlessly. There are walkways and a hexagon shaped terrace slap bang in the middle; its shallow waters are an absolute natural as a kids playground.

THEY said…

“The experience of a lifetime.” Nestled in a tropical environment of natural beauty, you’ll enjoy tranquility, adventure, indulgence and a lifestyle that is warm and genuine. And the international cuisine is ‘a world within the world.’

WE said…

Hayman do keep all of these promises. You can kick back amongst that iconic setting that symbolizes getting away: palm-fringed waters and white sands. But those who are confronted by tranquility - read my two robust teenage boys and later my happy-go-lucky younger daughter - will have plenty to do and grounds that have all kinds of nooks and crannies.

On the downside, Hayman is hanging by its shirttails as a world-class resort because it is getting a little threadbare (The last big, multi-million dollar enhancement programme was in 2000). The chunky, 80s style architecture is a dated design that is showing its age stylistically and literally, on the skin of the building. It’s not too built-up and there is still a very pleasant vibe around the resort, but there are plenty of design elements that need a modern makeover.

I also found the themed penthouses a little out of place in fresh, modern, tropical Australia. Why have a heavy European, Moroccan or Greek-designed room on Hayman Island? It just seems totally out of place. The mini lobby is devoid of character; the furniture has been hit with the daggy hotel stick - it needs to go.

At the same time I am particularly aware of design settings. And a lot of impeccably put together resorts want anyone under 16 air brushed out of their big picture entirely! So there are many people who love the trade-off of knowing their children have the run of the place. The kids themselves don’t care about the shape of the salt and pepper-shakers! And I take my hat off to their policy of incredible service, across the board. We’ll always have a soft spot for this island and loved our day in the shade of their exquisite gardens. Sheira’s pet saying is “they never say no at Hayman.”