Our journey to Hayman was about to commence. We had arrived at Great Barrier Reef Airport and were met by a friendly team from Hayman who arranged for our luggage to be taken from our aircraft.

We were shown to the sleekest white launch which awaited us for our crossing of the Whitsunday Passage to Hayman, one of The Leading Hotels of the World and a destination we had read much about and learned of in great reports from our family and friends who had visited.

	Arrive in style

The stunning white cruiser, Sun Goddess, was our mode of transport – and what a fabulous time this was going to be. Endowed with bubbly and refreshments and our registration completed we settled down for this one-hour cruise to Hayman.  Our visit coincided with whale watching season, when these majestic creatures, seek the solitude of the warm northern waters of Australia to give birth, and during our crossing, we were so privileged to have a mother showing off her new baby calf to all on our vessel – as we kept our distance from this memorable display of nature at its magical best.

Lagoon Suite

The resort management and staff greeted us on arrival and, following a short journey on a fleet of buggy trains, we were personally escorted to our magnificent Lagoon Suite – the appointments, the amazing island bath, the view over the lily lagoon and gardens – breathtaking.

It was late in the afternoon so we enjoyed a relaxing walk, familiarizing ourselves with the marvellous activities on offer and our beautiful surrounds. The gardens are so magnificent and there is an abundance of fascinating bird, animal and fish life which reside on Hayman. And why wouldn’t you!

	Dining at Azure

On our first evening we enjoyed a superb meal at the resort’s Oriental restaurant – including a lovely island cocktail - set in stunning gardens with an ornamental Tea House. On other nights we were to attend The Chef’s Table – which is one Hayman’s Signature Experiences - indulging in a 6-course banquet hosted by Executive Chef, Glenn Bacon in the resort’s main kitchen with superb wines from the La Fontaine cellar, and a fabulous seafood evening in Azure – also our wonderful beachfront breakfast venue. We spent an enjoyable final night singing and dancing to the live band at La Trattoria, which serves excellent Italian pizzas, pastas, veal dishes and other great fare.

We ventured out on a full-day cruise to a pontoon in the outer reef where we snorkeled and viewed the great underworld marine life from a glass bottom boat. This is a fantastic way to experience the reef and all in the comfort of this vessel, called a wave piercer, which includes a special section for Hayman guests and food and beverages available as part of the trip. Some of our friends headed out on a seaplane trip to Whitehaven Beach, the famous Australian beach which we will visit when we return to Hayman. And we may even learn to dive next time.

Hayman from above

On Hayman we played tennis, hit out at the golf driving range, took a fascinating island walk with butterflies in abundance, relaxed with a soothing massage from Spa Hayman in one of the garden cabanas and wound down by the famous Hayman Pool and on the beach – where windsurfing, catamaran sailing and paddle-skiing are on offer compliments of Hayman. We also ordered a sumptuous picnic hamper and took one of Hayman’s dinghies around to Blue Pearl Bay on the other side of the island, where we swam with turtles, which was delightful.

Apart from the stunning island surrounds and world-class experiences on offer, the staff who work in the resort and call this island home, are fantastic. Hayman is special and deserves all the incredible accolades which come its way.

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