Qualia and Hamilton Island

When you talk to people about their time at the Great Barrier Reef you hear more often stories told about Hayman Island. My mom and I stayed on Hamilton Island though, and got to experience the worlds #1 resort (according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine), Qualia. The Qualia site explains the word by saying, “in Latin means "a collection of deeper sensory experiences". A byword for Hamilton Island luxury, qualia is situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island surrounded by all the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef. With a relaxed aspect and mesmerising calmness, time seems to stretch forever.” For more information and photos please click here.

Outside of spa treatments, Great Barrier Reef dives, beach days, and dining Hamilton Island offers a wide range of activities. My favorite thing about Hamilton Island is the outstanding views. I found two places that showed me the vast beauty of the island. The first is very easy to get to: the center of the island.  The entire island drives around on American golf carts and when you drive to the center of the island you will find yourself elevated with a 360 degree panorama view of the ocean and surrounding islands. The second place is Passage Peak, a 1700-meter hike to the top of the islands peak. This is a moderate hike that includes a lot of stairs but the burn is your legs will be worth the view.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures in the world and is made from the smallest organisms in the entire world. It holds over 350 coral species and is the home for marine life. This marine life includes over 2000 fish species, 4000 mollusk species, 7 marine turtle species, and 215 bird species. I was lucky enough to experience the reef from the sky and the water. It is amazing from both views. My mom and I took a helicopter ride from our resort, Qualia, over the Great Barrier Reef and landed on a platoon which we snorkeled off of. Under the water was a sea of colors. The entire reef looked as if it was covered in the brightest of acrylic paints. We did our dive during the day, but at night time the reef glows. This is by far one of the most amazing things I have experienced and hope I can return again soon!