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Since opening a year ago, qualia, Australia’s newest world class luxury resort on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, has much to celebrate. Its first twelve months saw the property being showered with praise, awards and accolades, saw it hosting a series of high profile events and celebrities as well as firmly establishing itself at one of Australia’s most luxurious ‘must stay at’ properties.
qualia Windward Daybed Awards & Accolades: qualia was awarded "Best New Tourism Development" at the 2008 Whitsunday Tourism Awards; in May 2008 qualia was not only featured on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller magazine (UK) but was listed in the title’s "Definitive Guide To The Hottest New Hotels in the World" – the only Australian property to make the list of 65 luxury hotels; Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine named qualia "Best New Accommodation", whilst the US title Travel and Leisure magazine featured qualia in its "It List" of 30 best new hotels around the globe.
Events & Celebrity Guests: qualia has played host to both throughout the year though hotel discretion prevents the disclosure of guest names. In terms of events, qualia hosted an exclusive Collette Dinnigan fashion show highlighting her "Cruise Collection" as part of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Dinnigan’s creations are regularly seen on the fashion pages of UK magazines as celebrities increasingly wear her dresses on the red carpet.
In November the Australian Ballet performed in front of 100 invited guests in an exclusive outdoor setting. This event was shared with Paspaley Pearls.
Located only two to three hours flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities (Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne), qualia, pronounced "kwahleea", offers guests a choice of 60 pavilions: 27 Windward pavilions, each four times the size of an average hotel room with private plunge pool on an expansive deck, and 33 west facing Leeward pavilions. For guests desiring more space the Beach House comes with its own full size swimming pool, extensive entertaining area and a separate guest pavilion.
Resort facilities include a helipad for guests wishing to arrive directly and independently, a gym, two swimming pools, an impressively stocked library and a fashion boutique featuring labels like Kenzo and Just Cavalli. Activities include sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, fishing and scenic helicopter and seaplane flights.
SPA qualia, whose main focus is on total wellbeing and pampering, has become renowned for its two signature treatments both of which use Anoint aromatherapy oils developed in Australia and complemented by a range of organic European treatments. The spa features four single treatment rooms, two rooms for couples, Roman baths, a Swiss shower, steam room and a yoga and meditation pavilion.
Stunning Coral Sea views coupled with excellent food and wine have become synonymous with a qualia experience. The degustation menus, a la carte dinners and seafood barbecues all take full advantage of Queensland’s finest local produce and are served in qualia’s two restaurants – the casual "Pebble Beach" and the more formal "Long Pavilion". Bespoke dining options (on the beach, in pavilion or in private dining rooms) are also available.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
