Whitsundays, Australia: travel offer
Scientists claim the ultimate view of the Great Barrier Reef is from outer space. It also looks pretty good close-up from a motor launch, en route to Hayman! The luxury private island resort is one of 74 Whitsunday Islands. Forested, fringed by deserted beaches and surrounded by the world’s most exotic aquarium, they lie off the Queensland coast. Only eight are inhabited.
Staying on one of the islands isn’t the only way to experience The Whitsundays – you can easily explore via boat trips from the mainland. The lively little village of Airlie Beach is the gateway resort. From here, you can charter your own boat at Abel Point Marina, book a day’s cruise, or simply take the ferry ride to buzzy Hamilton Island.
The best location is The Coral Sea Resort (coralsearesort.com) on Paradise Point, which leans out into the ocean to give 280-degree sea views. Set in tropical gardens with two pools, it has a breezy seafood restaurant and apartment-style rooms.
Go for a spa suite with a balcony hot tub (from £178 per couple per night). Stretching along the coast from Airlie Beach is the tropical rainforest of the Conway National Park. A walk here is a great way to see reef and rainforest together.
Woman and Home exclusive offer: Coral Sea Resort is offering our readers a romantic four night escape (based on twin share). Package includes four nights luxury accommodation in a Coral Sea Spa Suite, sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, two Island Cruise with Fantasea Adventure Cruising to Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach including lunch, Bubble Helicopter scenic flight to a deserted tropical island including sparkling wine picnic basket, three course dinner in the resorts Clipper Restaurant, full breakfast daily, transfers from Hamilton Island Airport with Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections or limousine transfers from Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) Airport. Total cost is £640 per person (a saving of £98). Woman and Home readers receive one additional night free of charge including breakfast. This offer is valid until 31st January 2010. Please Stay@coralsearesort.com and quote 'W&H offer'.
