From the moment we stepped off the plane, we knew we were in for an incredible experience for our very first holiday as a family. To be honest, as soon as we decided to go on this holiday we knew it was going to be an incredible experience and that every single one of our needs was going to be catered for.
 
For parents, taking their family away can be a daunting prospect and a logistical nightmare thinking about all the possible things you might need with a baby. But not with Hamilton Island and their Baby’s First Holiday initiative. We didn’t have to pack or think about anything extra for Poppy (except obviously her clothes!) because everything and I mean E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G was available on the island. From the capsule in our buggy to the jogging pram, high chair, cot, nappies, baby food which were all in our room when we arrived, it literally meant that this was the easiest holiday we have ever been on even though we had an 8 month old in tow.
 
So, if you are deliberating, thinking or daydreaming about a holiday with your little family - here is a brief overview of the amazingness that was our little getaway!!
 

The View we were greeted with from our room at the Reef View Hotel.

Day One:

We arrived and instantly the relaxed and laid back energy of the island plus super friendly staff make us immediately begin to unwind. The first thing we wanted to do was start to explore the beautiful landscape that is Hamilton Island, so we picked up our golf buggy and did a lap of the island including One Tree Hill, Catseye Beach and of course,  Front St and its beautiful marina.
 

The best way to get around the island.

To finish off an incredible first day on Hamilton, Luke and I had the most amazing spa treatment at Spa Wurmudaylin.  I had the Fruit Monsoon Body Treatment and for me it was without a doubt the best spa treatment I have ever had.

Between the exfoliation, massage and monsoon shower, I felt like was transformed into a non-sleep deprived, non-stressed, non-frazzled person for the first time in over 8 months and it was glorious! My skin felt delicious afterwards and I felt like I was glowing for the rest of the week!

This is going to be good!

Day Two:

This was spent primarily relaxing by either the gorgeous pool at the Reef View Hotel or down at Catseye beach. If we weren’t Stand Up Paddle boarding, we were playing with Poppy in the sand (which she loved to eat!) and relaxing in the shade.

Poppy loved the beach. Photo: Kara Rosenlund.

It was some of the nicest time we’ve had together as a family to date and it was so nice for both Luke and I to switch off from work (or housework!) and relax in each other’s company and remind ourselves of why we got married and had a baby in the first place!! That’s right we really do like each other!!
 
In the evening, the gorgeous Shannon, a babysitter from the Clownfish Club, came to look after Poppy while Luke and I had the opportunity to connect again while enjoying dinner at Hamilton Island’s signature restaurant, Bommie. I have to admit I was so nervous about leaving Poppy with a babysitter because the very first (and only time at that point!) time that we had left her with one, it hadn’t ended well and I was nervous of Poppy having a repeat performance. But Shannon was just wonderful and made everyone feel completely at ease which allowed Luke and I to relax some more.
 
Dinner was beyond amazing including the best dessert I have ever eaten and is so worth a visit when you come to the island!

Amazing food at Bommie Deck.

Day Three:

Our final day on the island - sad face - and we took the opportunity to tackle one of the many walking trails available to see the beautiful scenery from a different angle. We decided to take on the Passage Peak trail and although it was one of the more challenging tracks, when we got to the top - it was absolutely worth every step!
 
Before our transfer back to the airport, we decided to take one last dip in the ocean and remind ourselves how lucky we were to share this experience as our little family unit for the very first time!  

Memories we get to keep forever. Photo by Kara Rosenlund.

The entire Baby’s First Holiday experience on Hamilton Island was absolutely incredible and we created memories that we will have forever. It was easy and exactly what we needed to refresh our energy and get back into our home routines - a little more relaxed and ready for what life (and an 8 month old) throws at you!

Our families first holiday. Photo: Kara Rosenlund