10 ways to spoil someone on Hamilton Island Posted by Gemma Christie - 7 May 2015 Special milestones in life deserve a celebration. Whether it’s a proposal, significant birthday, wedding anniversary or promotion at work, it simply doesn’t feel right to let these occasions slip by without a splash of spoiling and indulgence. Often we want to mark the event in style but working out how exactly can often evolve into a challenging dilemma. I’m sure you’ve found yourself pondering: what is the perfect way to spoil someone and show them they are loved, appreciated, valued or all of the above? If that’s you right this moment, we empathise sincerely – it can be a tough one! The good news is however, on Hamilton Island we’ve had the privilege of watching an abundance of these special occasions come and go. As a result, we’ve acquired quite the impressive bank of ideas as to how people can go about achieving the ultimate spoiling for a loved one. So rather than keep the secrets to ourselves, here are our top 10 ways people have marked a milestone occasion, said “I love you” or simply treated someone special while staying on Hamilton Island. All of the below are tried, tested and come with a 100% success rate (measured purely on the size of the resulting smiles!) 1. Experience the Great Barrier Reef in luxury Many people from all corners of the globe have the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef high on their lifelong bucket list – and with good reason! Located right on Hamilton Island’s doorstep, the Great Barrier Reef, larger than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined, is home to an abundance of vibrant corals and species of marine life. One of the most popular ways to truly treat someone when staying on Hamilton Island is to give them opportunity to tick off this bucket list item – and in absolute luxury. If this sounds like the right fit, you can’t go past Hamilton Island’s exclusive and intimate Reef Discover Fly Both Ways. Hamilton Island’s helicopter tour allows you to experience the Great Barrier Reef in ultimate luxury. You will both be left speechless as you soar in a helicopter over the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, the famed Hill Inlet, and dreamy Heart Reef, before arriving at the Great Barrier Reef and landing at the Hardy pontoon. From the plane, you will transfer across to your very own glass bottom boat where you will have plenty of time to soak up a secluded snorkelling experience. Once you’re done, you can cheers to the special occasion with a glass of bubbles and a few nibbles before flying back across the spectacular Whitsundays back to Hamilton Island. The experience will set you back around $699 per person but we can assure you it’s worth it. Not only is it the ultimate way to celebrate together, it’s a memory you’ll both enjoy for a lifetime. 2. Relax the mind and body with an indulgent spa treatment Time spent relaxing at a luxurious day spa has always been a sure way to impress. However that said, there are day spas and there are day spas. If you book the person you’re looking to indulge into Spa qualia, you can be confident they will be absolutely blown away by the gesture. The spa is unrivalled when it comes to elegant beauty, immersive tranquillity and its bespoke collection of indigenous inspired, world-class treatments. If you’re looking for something extra special for the two of you, one of Spa qualia’s signature couples treatment packages should hit the spot just nicely. These include romantic indulgences such as aromatherapy massages complete with sweet chocolate spice massage oil, vinotherapie body scrubs, pinot noir body masks, as well as time spent soaking in an aromatic chocolate foaming bath with a wine of choice and fruit selection to top off the experience. Spa qualia’s renowned, signature ‘Kumali Ritual’ is a luxurious treat for someone special. On the other hand, time to yourself can often be the greatest indulgence of all. If this sounds more like the person you have in mind, Spa qualia’s renowned ‘Kumali Ritual’is a great option. The treatment focuses on a unique blend of Australian herbs and spices packaged into an aromatic, steaming hot, muslin wrapped poultice. Following a rejuvenating scrub, mud wrap and rain shower, the poultices are pressed and rolled over the entire body to help relieve muscular aches and stimulate circulation. The beautiful ceremony comes to an end with a mineral rich Kumali hydration massage to moisturise the skin and retain this healing herbal aroma. 3. Combine a special occasion with one of Hamilton Island’s unique events When looking to step a getaway up a notch to mark a special occasion, many people look at combining a trip to Hamilton Island with one of the island’s unique events. It’s the gift of an experience that many simply dream of. Once such event that never fails to impress is Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Held on island every August, the whole island comes alive throughout the weeklong sailing regatta with world-class sailing, culinary feasts, glamorous fashion and endless flowing champagne. It’s the must do event on both the sporting and social calendar. Simply being on island during the event is a treat but if you’re wanting to go all out, keep your eyes peeled for when tickets to the regatta’s coveted Charles Heidsieck Champagne lunch go on sale. An elegant four course meal at qualia, stunning company and delicious champagne make it one of the highlights of the week. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week – world-class sailing, culinary feasts, glamorous fashion and endless flowing champagne. If you’re after a more intimate affair, Weekends of Wonderment, a hands-on event series designed to appeal to those with a love for all things luxurious and artisanal or the Australian Ballet’s pas de deux performance under the stars at qualia could be two great options for those deserving the spoiling of a lifetime. 4. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Beach Club Resort Making a reservation for a dinner date for your special someone at Beach Club Resort is a fantastic way to share an intimate moment and cap off a romantic getaway to the island. With breathtaking views looking out to the Coral Sea, extraordinary service and an incredible six-course tasting menu (including a glass of champagne on arrival) this dinning experience is perfect for anyone looking to treat their loved one to a night to remember. 5. Stay in absolute luxury at qualia’s Beach House When it comes to Queensland luxury accommodation, you can’t go past Hamilton Island’s qualia. With its renowned private plunge pool and stunning Whitsunday Islands vista, staying in a Winward Pavilion is a coveted indulgence. However there is an option one step up. If cost isn’t a factor and you’re after luxury in the purest sense of the word, then take a look at the secluded qualia Beach House retreat. Elegant, laid back and sophisticated, the generous open living space provides plenty of space to relax, entertain and simply soak up Whitsundays heaven. This property promises to take your breath away upon the first opening of the door. qualia’s Beach House – unrivalled Whitsundays luxury. 6. Treat the senses with a Talk + Taste session at qualia If your loved one is quite the foodie or lover of unique culinary experiences, why not treat them to one of qualia’s Talk + Taste sessions? This is a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or simply spoil someone “just because”. Hosted by qualia’s knowledgeable staff, each one of three different sessions in the Talk + Taste series promises to both inform and indulge the taste buds, taking the intimate group on a memorable journey of the senses. The different sessions run on various dates throughout the week including ‘Sake and Sashimi’, ‘Champagne and Oysters’ and ‘Wine and Cheese’. Each session is different but all equally as interesting not to mention delicious. A word of warning however: you may indulge in one session and very quickly find yourself back again later in the week ready for round two! 7. Fly to Whitehaven Beach for a champagne picnic Seven kilometres of pure white, pristine sand line Whitsunday Island, dividing the lush bushland from the azure blue water. The brilliant light blue fades into a deep turquoise, embracing a myriad of shades in between. Whitehaven Beach, recently voted by TripAdvisor as the best beach in Australia, is the ultimate place to spoil and impress a loved one. Whitehaven Beach – a stunning natural wonder located on Hamilton Island’s doorstep. If you’re wanting to visit Whitehaven in style, flying is your best option as the beauty of this natural wonder can only truly be grasped from above. There are plenty of experiences to choose from but if you’re looking for a real treat, we recommend the Whitehaven Beach Getaway. See spectacular Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from the air and then enjoy some romantic refreshments on Whitehaven Beach, have a swim and soak up the sun. 8. Savour the beauty of a Whitsundays sunset Not all indulgences need to leave a lovely dent in the bank balance. A special milestone can be marked in an equally as memorable fashion with great company, a glass of champagne and quality time spent marvelling at the beauty of creation. The Whitsundays is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and Hamilton Island is the ideal location to make the most of every one. Every evening, guests and locals alike find themselves a prime position and watch the sky transform from a brilliant blue into striking shade of orange. To treat that special someone, we recommend making your way to the famed Hamilton Island Yacht Club. Arrive late afternoon to secure a seat along the Bommie Deck, set yourself up with a drink and a few afternoon nibbles from the Bommie Deck Bar and enjoy the magical time together celebrating the occasion as you soak up the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. The Bommie Deck at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is the ideal location to watch the sunset over the Whitsunday Islands. 9. Whitsunday Islands Beach Drop-Offs Take advantage of one of the many secluded beaches in the Whitsundays region. Guests of qualia can arrange to be dropped off by private charter to their own private oasis. Enjoy intimate time together on your own hidden beach. Enjoy a gourmet picnic, swim and bask in the Whitsundays sunshine. A pick up is at a pre-arranged time, or you can contact us if you wish - it's completely up to you. The qualia activities team will recommend the best location on the day dependent upon weather and tidal conditions. 10. Enjoy lunch at the Hamilton Island Golf Course An elegant lunch is always a sure way to impress but how can you add that added wow factor? A lunch date that always proves popular among Hamilton Island guests celebrating a special occasion is an intimate meal at the Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse. Located on neighbouring Dent Island, Hamilton Island Golf Club features one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses with breathtaking views over the Whitsunday Islands – the only golf course in Australia to exist on its very own island! Designed by five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson, the course is impressive to both golf enthusiasts and novices alike thanks to its stunning setting. Take your time as you enjoy a delicious two-course meal, great company and world-class wine before taking a tour of the course to take in those incredible Whitsunday vistas. The ultimate way to cheers any special milestone! Lunch enjoyed at the Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse promises the most stunning views over the Whitsundays. About the Author As Hamilton Island’s Communications Manager, Gemma is passionate about both writing and all things to do with Hamilton Island tropical island paradise. Sharing all the news, insights and interesting stories from the destination perfectly combines both loves. When not writing, Gemma can be found dancing for no reason, going out for breakfast, soaking up the beach or spending time with her family doing all of the above.