Lizard Island would be my pick for THE Ultimate 5-star Beach/Snorkel Vacation! We spent 4 days there in May of this year, at the tail end of 5-weeks in NZ and Australia, and it was the highlight of our trip. As far as I know, it is the only resort literally ON the great barrier reef, so fabulous snorkeling was available right off our beach...which was just steps from our suite. Each morning, we took out a boat (stocked with the lunch we had ordered the night before) and visited a different, totally private beach around the island where we were able to swim and snorkle and sunbath to our hearts content in total seclusion. The suites were beautiful and spacious, the service great, and the food(all included and all at the resort lodge, since the resort is the ONLY thing on the island)was very good as well. All in all, a wonderful splurge which we would return to in a heartbeat!!