qualia - Whitsundays, Queensland

Jackie L.

We absolutely LOVED our stay at qualia! The resort is stunningly beautiful and provided the perfect backdrop for our honeymoon. From the moment we arrived, it felt like a slice of paradise.

Our room was exceptional—spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed, with a breathtaking outdoor pavilion overlooking the water. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the shower was equally luxurious. Every detail was thoughtfully considered to ensure a relaxing and indulgent experience.

The staff at qualia were outstanding. Everyone was so kind, friendly, and genuinely delightful to chat with. It was evident that they have a genuine passion for their work, which enhanced the luxurious and welcoming atmosphere of the resort.

We thoroughly enjoyed dining at both the Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach (tasting menu). Breakfast, included each morning, was an absolute highlight—delicious, fresh, and something we eagerly looked forward to every day.

In every way, qualia exceeded our expectations. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and we hope to return someday!

Ek D.

I don’t write reviews often, but I have to say I have no idea how this hotel has anything below five stars.
To start, the hotel is gorgeous and impeccably maintained. The grounds are stunning, the pool and beach are perfect, and the rooms are spacious and well designed. The property is hilly, but golf carts are provided.
The restaurants were 10/10 - we looked forward to breakfast every morning. Dinner was to die for at both Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion. Literally our only complaint was the poolside lunch menu was limited, but it was delicious.
What makes the hotel special is the staff- everyone was AMAZING. They remembered my dietary restrictions every time I walked in and didn’t even have to ask. They are all so friendly and helpful and make your experience so special.
We had a hiccup that was handled professionally, smoothly, and we genuinely felt cared for. If we didn’t live 21 hours away by flight, we would visit this resort every year.
We have stayed at many five-star hotels from St. Barths to Italy, and this is probably the top of the list for us. I rely so much on hotel reviews to book them, and I can promise this hotel will not disappoint.

Chris R.

What a place! Lovely staff and a wonderful location. Super pool area and large comfortable lodges with infinity pool to stay in. Good was fabulous. They will also make you other items on request. For example we had a wonderful seafood pasta with squid, fish, prawns etc. the main pool area is stunning. Lovely location to unwind and relax. The team can also arrange lots of local outings. We did the helicopter out to the Great Barrier Reef staying on the pontoon. Great to see the Reef and swim around. Fab staff and very quick and easy (with champagne of course!). They provide a free golf cart to race around the island. A few shops to see and a deli. Nothing much to keep you away from eating in the hotel. It’s all very safe and clean around the island area. Just watch out for sun burn and make sure you slap the suncream on!! Thank you to the super management and especially the dining staff. Thanks to Bella and Holly who were fab. In fact the all were. Can’t wait to go back.

Sashman1

Okay so the beach house is a bit costly but it’s secluded, in the most picturesque setting imaginable. large pool, huge dining room and main bedroom. Outside shower, and separate bedroom down some steps. Truly a lovely location. Staff can’t do enough for you, including contacting restaurants to rebook meals, ferry you around or simply book anything you wish o do.||Helicopter to the heart of the reef was very special, snorkelling the reef was also fun

Ian D.

We like staying in nice places, and every time I go looking Qualia pops up. It's very hard to find a vacancy during holiday season, so in the end we decided we'd just pop up for a few days and see what's what.||First the good - the rooms are exceptional. The service is exceptional. They have plenty of Michelin trained staff coming through for 90 days because it counts as a remote area and there's some sort of visa benefit by being there. Although these people pass through quickly, they are of such high quality that the service is very slick indeed. ||Also good - flying straight into Hamilton Island makes Qualia very very accessible. 2hrs from Sydney and you're there. Yay !||So, what's not to like? Well, Hamilton Island. We've been there four times, most recently about 20 years ago. Hamo has the vibe of a Westfield shopping centre crossed with a budget theme park. It's all just a bit tacky. Once you're back through the gates at Qualia things improve of course, but there's just not that much to do at Qualia so we ended up being out and about quite a lot.||The other thing to note about Qualia is that not much is included other than breakfast. It's at a similar price point to Lizard Island, but at Lizard you get all meals *and* all drinks. Qualia you'll be constantly putting your hand in your pocket and paying top dollar. I don't object to paying money for things -- if I wanted to save money I'd stay home, but I feel Qualia is mispriced for the lack of inclusions and the, frankly, frothing bogans just outside the gates.||So, that said, the positives are still positive and it's hard to think of many other properties of that quality which are so accessible from Sydney or Melbourne.

Eric S.

I have a hard time rating this place. It's beautiful, everything is first rate, and they take great care of you. The food is excellent but it can also be a little too "out there." I'm giving it a 5 because they are delivering on what they are trying to be...an upscale experience. However,it was a bit too "stiff and stuffy" for our taste. The staff whispers and responds to everything by saying "perfect" and "amazing" and such. Some folks might like that but we prefer upscale luxury combined with a more relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Kagiso R.

After a decade of exploring the world, I've learned a thing or two about what makes a hotel truly memorable. Unfortunately, my recent stay at this resort was more of a letdown than a luxurious escape.

Yes, the views were absolutely breathtaking, and the restaurant offered a delightful culinary experience; however, the accommodations felt dated and in dire need of a refresh.

The biggest disappointment, though, was the service. During checkout, our porter inexplicably left us & our bags behind, and when we asked for assistance, he claimed he hadn’t done so. This was shocking behavior, particularly for a property that allegedly boasts five-star standards. It felt like we were navigating an obstacle course rather than enjoying the luxury we had anticipated.

I adore Australia, but we sometimes redefine customer service in a less-than-flattering light. It's one thing to experience occasional hiccups; it's another to encounter a service team that seems indifferent. I understand the pressures of the hospitality industry, especially during these times, but if you’re not committed to providing excellent service, perhaps this isn’t the right field for you.

This resort seems to thrive on a monopoly, but let’s be real: if it were situated elsewhere, it might struggle to stay afloat. I encourage management to take a long, hard look at their service standards and team training. It’s essential for a hotel at this level to align its service with the expectations that come from staying in high-end accommodations worldwide.

In summary, while the scenery and dining were superb, the overall experience left much to be desired. Save your money and explore options overseas; your travel budget deserves better.

Tania S.

This resort exceeded all our expectations. Seamless guest experience from the time we arrived at the airport until the day we left. The staff were professional, friendly and attentive. The villa was stunning, and the two restaurants offered an outstanding culinary experience with sensational views. ||Thank you, Qualia we will be back!