Anyone stayed at Qualia on the Great Barrier Reef?

Qualia is simply paradise

Thanks. It's on my list for this year.

One of the great things about Qualia apart from the exclusive environment, is if you get sick of the meals there (all inclusive and changes daily by the chef) you are entitled to eat anywhere else on Hamilton island at no charge by showing your Qualia card.

Also if you can afford...get the pavillion with the private plunge pool.

I just met with Qualia last week and they are no longer full board inclusive. Breakfast and non-alcoholic beverages are still included.

there are qualia reports here.

if there were good restaurants on island, wow. maybe cost them too much?

half board >
AUD125pp dinner in low season
AUD150pp dinner in high season

I would actually rate LHI higher than Kangaroo Island. SOL is much larger than Capella but while Kangaroo Island is a spectecular place, Lord Howe Island is just magical. Its one of the vew places on the planet where I would love to own a holiday flat if one could.

The hotel is nice but not as nice as it could be. Also it is still on Hamilton Island so you are on a place which has been brutalised by tarmac and concrete. Personally if staying at the Whitsundays I would take one of the new villas on Hayman Island.

My parents went just last month and were especially happy with the Langham in Auckland.

A number of people have asked me about SOL, so I did a write up on my website. Truly a remarkable property.

http://bit.ly/rdx7i3

great stuff.

grange! price range?

I don't remember what vintages they had, but I recall the up charge was $300 or $400 or so. Not unreasonable, but when you had free run of the balance of the cellar, it didn't seem necessary.

Otahuna Lodge is within a short drive of Christchurch...... a friend just came back from there and had a fantastic time

Otahuna is amazing!! Jimmy McIntyre is a great chef with so much enthusiasm, and has singlehandedly converted me to carrot and orange juice for breakfast. It's a really lovely property and the owners are so passionate about its restoration, they really should be supported especially after the earthquake.

I just got back from Matakauri Lodge also near Queenstown which I loved. It's quite small and discreet with breathtaking views. If you're going as far as Christchurch I'd recommend heading down there.

I think that with the exception of SOL, the New Zealanders do a better luxury experience than anywhere in Australia. In Australia it's mostly branded and boring. There are some very interesting smaller properties, but mostly out of the cities and expectations need to be adjusted accordingly.

due to an itinerary change it looks like we're just going to do the Park Hyatt in Sydney then go to either Lizard or Hayman island and then take off for India. Will have to check this thread next time I head to oz.