Bye-Bye Kids...have a great time with grandma!

I cannot believe we are going to qualia. It. Looks. Amazing!!! Feeling a tiny bit of guilt about leaving the kids...ooh wait...hang on...yep...it's gone... Ha! Ha! Fleeting bout of regret is now replaced with anticipation and relief. Love you kids, but it is qualia after all. We are like everyone else our age with kids and busy lives i suppose. Looking forward to being Chris and Helen for a couple of days - not 'mummy' and 'daddy'. Obviously i love being mummy, but we are in desperate need of reconnecting as a couple, and of some time out!

Here we are at the airport, waiting for our flight...So exciting! qualia presents itself as being the ultimate in accommodation and luxury - hope it lives up to that!!! I need to de-stressssssss.

Wow, wow...and a little more wow!!!

As we arrived at Hamilton Island, I could feel the weight lifting off my shoulders, and the airport at Hamo (do i sound like a regular yet?) is very pretty. We were met by a vision of loveliness, the very sophisticated Leni Fries (Executive concierge @ qualia). Yes i am deliberately leaving out the capital Q...it's just not done you know. Leni directed us to the qualia counter where someone took our luggage tags to collect and take care of it for us (my little baby is a back breaker hehe...how do you know which shoes you'll need???? Better remember to tip him later...) We were then whisked away in a private Audi A6 saloon (very nice).

These are the famous 'Jurassic Park' gates. You really do have a sense of arrival when you see them for the first time. Hence the ubiquitous 'here i am' posing. I hope my Instagram photos aren't annoying to you...I have only just starting using it, so have gone crazy for it. I think the overall feel suits qualia anyway.

"Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?

Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth"

Ok, daggy Belinda Carlisle lyrics aside (that half of you probably aren't old enough to reference anyway). As you drive through the gates you just know that here is somewhere special. Not that you see very much...and that's the point. Set amongst lush gardens and native flora, it's not overly landscaped, and really does make the most of its natural environs. It is not until you are right in front of a building you know it's there. The Pavilions themselves are made of natural materials that were sourced locally i think, and are designed to blend in. (Actually a bit hard at night after a bottle of wine, on a buggy in the dark coming home from dinner- but that's another story).

Then, we arrive at The Long Pavilion. This is the main reception area (although they really don't have a reception as such. The service is too personalised for that). Leni sat us in the the lounges in front of the infinity-edge pool, with sweeping, majestic views of the Coral Sea and a complimentary glass of Veurve Clicquot (or 2) and then Fern checked us in. The process was quick, and oh so comfortable...

Check in while sitting here... *sigh*......

The sun came out for a little while and brings out all the beautiful tones of this gorgeous place....

Within minutes were were on a buggy headed for our Pavilion....the best was yet to come.

Windward Pavillion No. 5 & Spa qualia

Fern then drove us by buggy to Windward Pavillion number 5. I was so excited as he opened the door for us. YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!!!! Oh. My. God. Ohmiigod! Oh. Oh!! Look at the view...THE VIEW!!!!! Poor Fern was probably rolling his eyes at our somewhat undignified entrance into my pavillion. (yes mine, all mine...my precious lol) Although, I'd say he's probably heard it all before. He was doing his best to explain to us all the special features as he trailed after me, while i flitted from room to room, making noises like a demented scrub turkey no doubt. Oh! Ooh! Look at this...and this!!! The Pavillion is really impressive, the view breathtaking. I'll just shut up now and put up some pics which will do it justice better than i could...

Private Infinity pool seemingly perched over the Coral Sea.

The pool is heated slightly, for all year-round swimming.

Yes another one of those obvious photos......I just had to do it.

Banarama...Panorama !!

 Scroll to the right too see it all >>>>>>>>

Daybed on Sun deck....zzzzZZZZZZzzzzzz

Bathtub with a view

Beautiful furnishings

We went for a couples massage our very first afternoon. I thought this was a perfect way to relax, unwind and get us into the right frame of mind for our stay. The spa is gorgeous and a study in serenity.

The 1 hour massage was heavenly. The products are amazing, and the girls talented. Reluctant to leave, we stayed afterwards and had a nice long, hot Vichy shower before floating out in a cloud of blissssssssssss.

The Aesop toiletries that are present in our bathroom are very luxe and worth a mention by the way. I keep bundling them into my toiletry bag (I know, I KNOW but they are so good!), only to find hubby has absconded with them later...I have to keep stealing them back!

Executive Chef Alistair Waddell and the Long Pavillion

I decided to splurge our first night there and indulge myself with the Tasting Menu. The menu below is one I took from their website as an example of its quality and inventiveness. Alistair Waddell and his staff produce goodies of unparalleled deliciousness, and possess a rare talent. The actual one i had on the night was different, and even better i thought. The wines are available for matching, but are extra.

Tasting Menu

white asparagus and walnut
n.v veuve clicquot brut – reims
crab and fennel
mud crab – fennel gazpacho – cold pressed olive oil
2010 chard farm rabbit ranch pinot gris – central otago
scallop and chicken wing
maple and soy chicken wing – cucumber – basil
2009 petaluma piccadilly valley chardonnay – piccadilly valley
quail, seeds and corn
tea smoked quail – quinoa – sweet corn and jamon
2008 kooyong estate pinot noir – mornington peninsular
carrot crumbed pork belly
foie gras – vanilla and orange – heirloom carrots
2007 houghton c.w. ferguson cabernet malbec – great southern

lemon grass and white peach

chocolate, raspberry and coconut
chocolate lamington – coconut and vanilla – raspberry sorbet

Everything i had was absolutely delicious and of the highest standard, as was the service. The standout on the actual menu I had was foie gras with oats, berries and a drizzle of truffle oil....divine.... Move over Manu...haha! Alistair Waddel is obviously a genius! Breakfast each morning was included with your pavilion. There was a wonderful continental-type breakfast bar as well as a fabulous menu to order from. You could pretty much order anything really, and as much as you wanted!!!! The cornflake encrusted brioche and eggs benedict was off the charts ...yummm

 As you can see we made piggies of ourselves....

Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy...

I woke up this morning feeling like a ROCKSTAR!! (except for the naked groupie thing...unless my hubby in his boxers counts). This must be how Oprah feels every morning...IN FACT she did stay here in 2010, and it may have been in this very pavilion...so there! haha.. Actually there is this thing called 'The Beach House' here at qualia...an almost certainly Utopian place I'm unlikely to ever set foot in lol. I didnt even know it was here until we flew over it on our heli tour. These Winward pavilions are incredible, so i'm guessing this place is INSANE!!! I can't even imagine it really. I know it has private lawns, 2 bedrooms and a full-sized pool. I looked it up...ahem. It is a tad more expensive than my lodgings...but worth EVERY penny I'm sure. If i ever have that kind of money to spare - it is TOP of my list i tell you...Unless someone wants to shout me first?????... Worth a try :-/ I'm guessing its probably where Oprah stayed. However, Windward is so very stunning its not like i feel like i'm missing out! I'm sure Leeward (facing South-west not North, and without the infinity pool, but still sporting a big sundeck) are pretty fabulous too. There are two pools and a beach here for everybodys use anyway.


I'm looking down the bed past my toes to the sunrise and the Coral Sea...sigh...

We head off for our sumptous breakfast and ponder our day.....
Im going to go for a walk...there is another part of the resort (as if what is here already isn't enough!) called Pebble Beach. It features a private beach and restaurant, the other infinity pool, luxury cabanas with daybeds, and Pebble Beach restaurant and bar. I'm not quite sure where it is, but a wander down the decking and path from my pavilion should lead me in the right direction i think...

Oh yessss

hmmm i think i must be day dreaming....

Great staff, taking the buggy for a spin, and off to the pub!

I have to tell you this story...apart from its incredible luxury, it is the key thing that sets qualia apart i think. It starting raining this afternoon. Even the management at qualia can't control the weather (although they are probably working on it). It was depressing me a little because we were meant to go on a heli-tour over 'Heart Reef' and Whitehaven Beach. The weather wasn't bad enough to prevent the tour, just make it less than ideal. You need sunshine to get those lovely blue-water shots. No chance of seeing through the water either with the rain. I was whining about this to Chris over a cocktail at Pebble Beach..


Delicious by the way!

One of the bar attendants Melissa? from Melbourne? (I'm terrible with names!!!) pipes up with...'would you like me to try to organise something?'....ummm 'Pardon?' i asked. 'Would you like me to see if you can re-schedule your tour? I can ring ,and someone will speak to aviation and your tour operator for you'.....ummm 'Ok, but i'm not sure which company I'm flying with?'.. She assured me that was no problem. Immediately aviation had been contacted, weather analysed, tour operator tracked down, and not long after that i was given the option of taking my chances with the weather this afternoon, or moving it to the next morning... EASY. That is what intuitive, professional top-notch service is all about. She didnt have to do that. It wasnt her job. Her job was making me my cocktails at the end of the day... but she did it anyway. I was gob-smacked actually. Sometimes it can be a hassle getting people to do what they are actually paid to do in the first place...let alone expecting any extras. (Im sure im not the only one used to waiting for staff to finish their conversations about the weekend before acknowledging your presence). Good on you Melissa (geez i hope i've got that right!), I hope your boss reads this. While i'm doing staff shout-outs Jaime (pretty sure im spelling that wrong) from Mexico in The Long Pavilion is also a darling, and super lovely! In truth, all the staff were extremely professional, energetic and seemed genuinely happy to please...

Right, well since we no longer have a tour this afternoon, and its raining...Time to take our buggy for a spin around Hamilton Island. Use of a qualia buggy comes with your pavilion. Chris and I are feeling very relaxed and happy. We are doing all those 'newly-wed' type things like swanning around holding hands, and actually having full conversations that aren't punctuated with 'MUMMMMMY..wipe myyyy bummmm!!!' ... Pretty hard to feel the romance at times with 2 x  really energetic 4 year-olds in the house and a teenager. Feel like we are copping it from both sides at times...neither species are known for their rational thought and exemplary behaviours.

Well after some spectacular sightseeing, all roads (for Chris and Helen) eventually lead to the Pub...Time for a drink!

Maina Tavern

Cheers...

I love the next 2 photos of us...my hubby looks really happy and relaxed. This is the nicest couple shot we've had in ages. Obviously qualia is working its magic on us!

After the pub we sat on the water and had one of the branded pies lol.

But it wasn't going so well really haha...

Ever get the feeling your being watched???

Sunset cocktails @ One Tree Hill

We finished the day by heading just out of the qualia gates and up to One Tree Hill for Sunset cocktails...lovely...

Don't forget to scroll the panorama>>>>>>>

Going...

Going...

Gone!

While taking in the sensational sunset we managed to polish off a whole bottle of Veurve Clicquot (a complimentary BOTTLE of it was left in our room!) and had a cocktail or 3 from the little portable outdoor bar they bring up here. If you can't feel the love after a bottle of Veurve, and a sunset like this, on a beautiful spot like Hamilton Island...there is no hope for you..........aaaaahhhhhhhhh!

Have a little heart

We woke up on the last morning and the sun was out finally...yay!!!
We were supposed to catch the ferry to Dent Island and partake in 9 rounds of golf. However, because we changed the heli-tour to this morning, it wasn't going to be possible. Very disappointing, but it couldn't be helped. If you get better weather than us, make sure you do it though. Hamilton Island Golf course is the ONLY championship island golf course in Australia. It possesses arguably the most spectacular scenery of any golf course in the world. I'm told the back nine in particular is stunning. Tee off with the islands of the Whitsundays and the Coral Sea as your backdrop!


Anyway we have a helicopter to catch....

Off we go...

Oh it's so romantic...sniff. Not sure my hubby sees it in quite the same light though...haha. But I am happy to say I have now crossed another thing of my bucket list!! By the way, there is no photo-shopping or expensive cameras involved here...this was actually taken on my camera phone...it really is that pretty!!

Whitehaven Beach