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.
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