Fodor's Expert Review One&Only Hayman Island

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

This magnificent resort is the grande dame of the Whitsundays, attracting worldly, high-flying guests seeking precious downtime and five-star services and facilities. Lush, landscaped grounds and elegant furnishings set a sophisticated tone in the lobby, restaurants, walkways, and public areas. Poolside garden, penthouse, and beachfront accommodations have white furnishings with black accents, and romantic, white-muslin-swathed four-poster-style beds. The former pool and lagoon wing rooms have been transformed into luxurious, open-plan suites. All are all large and well appointed, with minibars, free Wi-Fi, high-end entertainment systems, deep tubs, and balconies or decks. For luxury, nothing tops the penthouse suites (one was decorated by fashion doyen Diane von Furstenberg), except, perhaps, the kid-free beachfront villas and private beach house, each with its own infinity-edged plunge pool, outdoor rain shower, personal butler service, and ocean views. Hayman has plenty of upscae amenities: 24-hour room service; excellent indoor-outdoor gym; tranquil day spa; hair and beauty salon; several restaurants; a convivial lounge-bar; and an arcade of upmarket boutiques. A well-tailored activities program includes everything from private beach picnics to scenic flights, golf excursions, and dive trips on Hayman's fleet of sleek boats and charter aircraft. Expect to pay a premium for all this excellence—even small things like drinks cost that little bit more.