A Slice Of Heaven On Hayman Island

Sun Herald

Sunday March 6, 2005

Jane E. Fraser

Couples will not want to leave, writes Jane E. Fraser. Hayman Island

FOR a romantic and indulgent break, it doesn't get much better than Hayman Island.

Ask Sydney couple Michael Argue and Andrea Walsh, who were enchanted by their Christmas/New Year escape to the exclusive island.

The English-born pair spent 10 days, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, at the resort for some respite from their hectic lifestyles.

They were so impressed they are planning a return visit in September.

HE SAID:

Highlights of the trip for Michael included a chef's table dinner, a masked ball on New Year's Eve, a sunset sail and a romantic dinner on the beach.

The chef's table dinner was hosted by the island's executive chef in the resort's main kitchen, La Fontaine, and was a six-course banquet with different wine for each course.

The dinner finished with a tour of the kitchens and La Fontaine's considerable wine cellar.

"It was all absolutely incredible," Michael said.

The dining experiences continued with a candlelit dinner for two by the beach, where a table was set in a secluded spot, "exquisitely decorated with candles, lanterns and roses".

"It was just the ultimate in service, with our own personal hostess for the evening."

On New Year's Eve, the couple was provided with glamorous masks to wear to a beach carnival, followed by a dinner in the conference centre and fireworks over the beach.

Christmas Day, by comparison, was a lazy day by the pool.

"It was very indulgent and very luxurious," Michael said.

One of his favourite memories is of a sunset sail around the island.

"I think that was to do with the fact that it was the Whitsundays and that's just such a magical place.

"I think the whole Hayman experience begins the second you get on the launch to take you there. They set out to make sure you're looked after and attended to from the time you arrive to the time you leave."

SHE SAID: For Andrea, the best part was the resort's huge swimming pool.

"They said the resort was just over 90 per cent capacity, which is pretty high, but you wouldn't have known it because the pool was so big and there was the beach as well," she said.

The other highlight was the dining, with options including La Fontaine, the Mediterranean La Trattoria, the beachfront seafood restaurant Azure and a poolside barbecue.

"We'd been to Hamilton a few times and the reason for going there was because of all the restaurants, so we were a bit concerned about going to just one resort, but it certainly didn't feel like you were just going to the same restaurant every night," Andrea said.

She also shared her husband's enthusiasm for the sunset sailing.

"That was so lovely and the boat wasn't packed, which was surprising given the time of year."

Andrea was also impressed by the spa, where she had a massage and a manicure.

"The spa area was bigger than I first realised and I thought it was lovely."

Her only criticism was of their room, which she thought wasn't very modern and "needed a lick of paint".

"Considering the price, it didn't stack up to what you get in Asia, or even in Sydney," she said.

"The boat over to the island was so luxurious, but then we walked into the room and thought it was just OK."

? If you are planning a trip or have a travel tale to tell, contact us at travelshd@fairfax.com.au.

TRIP NOTES

? Accommodation at Hayman Island ranges from $620 a night for a standard room to $1100 a night for a beachfront room and up to $4400 a night for a three-bedroom penthouse.

? Access to the island is by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island, or by coach/boat or air transfer from Proserpine or Mackay.

? The chef's table dinner costs $215 per person. Meals in the resort's other restaurants cost upwards of $30 per main course.

© 2005 Sun Herald

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