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18 November, 2022

REVIEW: The Reefview Hotel is a literal Island paradise in our own backyard

By Alexandra Coulton

As we fly over the pristine waters of the Coral Sea and miniature islands start to pop up below us, we know that we can finally relax.

We’ve arrived in Queensland and The Whitsundays is turning it on for us in all the right ways.

And as the plane doors open and that tropical breeze blows in, we know why we’re here and what we’re planning to do – and that includes a lot of nothing.

Well, at least that’s what we thought.

Little did we know that you can in fact be busy on this tiny island, like realllly busy.

But first, let’s talk about The Reefview Hotel, which is where we stayed in a loft-style suite on the top floor.

The generous suite is spread across two levels: the lower boasts a living room, large TV, (semi) self-contained kitchen, washroom and stunning two-seater balcony.

Upstairs is one of the most enormous bathrooms I’ve ever seen complete with spa bath, dual basins, brand new shower and private toilet.

On this floor are also 2 queen size beds, another oversized TV and of course a balcony with what must be one of the best views on the island, overlooking the sparkling waters of Catseye Beach.

Suffice to say, in this suite you really do feel ‘above’ everyone else on the island.

But that’s enough about TW’s feelings of superiority.

We had a couple of hours to kill before the room was ready so we decided to seek out a coldie at the Reefview Lounge. The lounges were comfy, the service was quick and the Hamilton Island pale ale was frosty – the perfect combination.

As the kids fought over who got the larger apple juice, we planned the day with a splash in the ocean and a swim in the pool at the top of the list.

When the room was ready, the hotel check-in process was seamless and the porters know the drill. In fact, our luggage made it to our room before we did which is a rarity at such busy properties.

In the heat of the afternoon, we decided to visit the Reefview pool which has been newly renovated and is 35m in length, perfect for swimming laps or avoiding loud children obnoxiously playing Marco Polo, like mine.

Surrounded by palm trees, the pool also offers a full-service bar and a delicious range of bar snacks. We enjoyed a cool climate white wine and the kids devoured crispy, baked potato wedges as we watched the sunset over the pristine pool.

That night, we had the pleasure of dining at Coca Chu which is the Islands answer to Chin Chin in Sydney or Long Chim in Melbourne and boy are they serving up some seriously good Asian fusion.

But more about that experience in our restaurant review coming next week.

The following day, we wake early to perfectly blue skies and decide to head down to the Pool Terrace Restaurant for breakfast.

The restaurant is open-plan and features both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. And as we settle in overlooking the shimmering waters of the Reefview pool, we watch the sun as it slowly rises over the palm fronds.

Reefview guests can have breakfast at Sails (located on the beachfront) or the Terrace Restaurant however both offer a similar array of morning delicacies with the exception of an omelette station which is on offer at Sails.

The kids head straight to the pastry station where they’re met with a dizzying selection of handmade danishes, doughnuts and croissants. And as they discover the bowls of whipped cream and blueberries, it becomes very apparent that their deafening squeals (of delight) are annoying other guests.

After ‘dessert’ for breakfast, we order barista coffee that comes out swiftly and then head to the hot buffet where there’s crispy bacon, eggs three ways, sausages, pancakes, plenty of greens and an abundance of mix-and-match hearty breakfast items.

Fresh tropical and traditional fruit round off the perfect morning in paradise.

We spend the remainder of our trip exploring the island, taking in the day trips on offer and generally remaining much busier than we might have anticipated.

Tune in next week for more on our Hamilton Island adventures.

Hamilton Island is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney, direct via Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin. You can book The Reefview Apartments HERE.

NOTE: The property is currently going through renovations, expected to be completed in 2023.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

queensland review The Reefview Hotel the whitsundays