The jewel of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is a dream destination for a reason. Crystalline water, powder sand and lush palm-lined surrounds, this piece of paradise is the perfect locale for some rest and relaxation - or as a base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island is a unique location in that all of the hotels and tour operators are owned by the same company. This means that all the accomodation options have been designed to offer a different experience, and you can find something tailored to all holiday types. Whether you're looking for a retreat with friends, a family vacation or even a truly special babymoon experience, these are the best hotels on Hamilton Island according to someone who has stayed and explored the island in depth.

The Sundays

The newest arrival to Hamilton Island, this boutique hotel is smaller and quieter than some of the bigger options - but still well appointed for families and couples. This is the best option if you prefer a more unique stay, with personality, and fewer guests than the bigger hotels.

Since it is truly brand new, only opening in spring of 2024, the rooms and facilities are fresh and well appointed. Centrally located, overlooking the Northern end of Catseye Beach, you're an easy walking distance to most of the restaurants and shops at the marina. There's an expansive pool and excellent pool bar. Many of the 59 guestrooms have luxurious beach views.

Cost: It is one of the more expensive options on the island, although more accessibly priced than Qualia.

Qualia

Arguably one of the most luxurious hotels in the whole country, a Qualia stay is blissful. This adults-only retreat offers quiet, comfort and all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a luxury hotel. This is your best option for romantic couples' stays, babymoons or for wellness seekers.

I stayed here in 2022 and it truly does live up to all expectations. You're greeted on arrival with welcome drinks while a staff member explains the details of the hotel. There are two restaurants, a very formal dining experience down at the beach and a slightly less formal (but still quite lush) restaurant in the reception area of the hotel with the best views of the whole island. Each room is it's own detached building, they're huge - with an expansive bed, three-lounge piece living room, and bathroom that's bigger than my first apartment. You're given a complementary golf buggy to drive around the resort and get to your room but you can also take it around the whole island as you please. With Aesop ammenities, one of the most stunning hotel pools and glorious day spa, you can easily see why Qualia is regarded as one of best hotels in the world.

Cost: Expect to pay $1700 per night at a minimum. And the prices go even higher during peak seasons. But truly it is worth experience at least once.

Reef View Hotel

This is the largest hotel on the island and is suited to those who prefer the ammenities and facilities of a larger establishment. There's a 35-metre pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis court and shuttle service - plus guest have access to kayaks, snorkels, stand-up paddle boards and more. This hotel has been designed with family stays in mind, in fact kids under 12 can eat for free (when choosing from the kids menu) and stay for free when they're in their parents' room.

Even the smallest rooms at this hotel are considerably larger than your average hotel room. All of them have balconies with tropical garden views or sea views. Well appointed and with contemporary designs, you'll find options with one or multiple bedrooms to accomodate families.

It's arguably the most centrally-located accomodation, situated right on Catseye Beach and in easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. But of course the hotel has its own restaurants so you don't need to venture out unless you want to.

Cost: The Reef View is more accessibly-priced than The Sundays or Qualia, while still being a luxurious option.

Beach Club

With 57 rooms, Beach Club is a more intimate experience than the Reef View Hotel, but in the same enviable location, right on Catseye Beach - in fact the infinity pool that has close up views of the breaking waves. This hotel is also an adults-only, perfect for couples or groups that want to be a bit closer to the action than if they stayed at Qualia.

The hotel boats an onsite restaurant and bar, and the rooms are well-appointed and generously sized. And the hotel gives you access to Hamilton Island's shared facilities include the gym and tennis court hire. You'll also have access to the kayaks, catamaran, snorkling equipment and other water sport gear. Best of all, Beach Club has a private stretch of Catseye Beach - meaning you can enjoy the sand and waves in the quiet of an adults-only environment.

Cost: It comes at a higher pricepoint than The Reef View, so this is aimed at those who truly value their peace and relaxation time.

Palm Bungalows

Tropical, breezy and private, the Palm Bungalows offer very different experience from the other accomodation options on the island. They're located further back from the beach than some of the other options but still within easy walking distance to most key points on the island.

These standalone rooms have no common walls with other guests, so they're perfect for travellers who prefer slightly more privacy than you might get in a regular hotel.  They can be arranged to accomodate two adults or two adults and up to two children.

You'll get some of the flexibility and space that comes with staying in a house, as each spacious bungalow has a private veranda with garden views and a kitchenette for meal prep. But guests of the Palm Bungalows will still have access to the benefits that comes with a hotel stay like kids under 12 stay and eat for free, island shuttles and access to the watersports equipment.

Cost: The Palm Bungalows are priced competitively and roughly at the same pricepoint as the smaller rooms of the Reef View Hotel.

A Holiday Home

If you're someone who prefers the ammenities and space that come with staying in a house, you'll be happy to know that there are a number of both island-owned and also privately owned holiday homes available for short stays on the island.

The Hamilton Island-owned options include the Yacht Club Villas, which sleep up to eight. But there are privately owned options that can cater to groups from four all the way to 16. Some of the properties, including the Yacht Club Villas come with a complementary gold buggy for you to use during your stay and also use of the island's watersports equipment.

Cost: The price of a holiday home varies significantly depending on the size and location but there are options to suit most budgets. Booking early is key.