Romance, Relaxation, and Rejuvenation Our Honeymoon Experience At Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

By Hannah McNamara

Newly wed and ready to indulge in the luxurious Hayman Island retreat, my husband Adam and I boarded a spacious boat that whisked us away to the resort in just under an hour. As the sun began to set, its golden rays glistened on the ocean’s surface, and the smooth ride ensured our experience on the water was as comfortable as it was serene. Even the boat was a slice of luxury… we couldn’t wait to see what Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef had in store for us!

Arriving in style, we stepped off the boat onto the dock, greeted by the sun setting behind majestic palm trees. The panoramic views of lush mountains surrounded by nature were simply breathtaking.

We hopped onto a buggy with our luggage and were driven to the lobby, where we were surprised to see Proserpine rock-wallabies hopping around just a few meters away. The harmony between nature and stunning infrastructure was truly awe-inspiring. The lobby itself was a spacious open area that blended a modern reception with a cozy chill-out zone, complete with comfy seating, board games, and even a giant Connect Four!

As we made our way to our room, we continued to be impressed by the resort’s seamless blend of nature and architecture – a perfect combination of true luxury.

Opening the door to our room left us speechless. The spacious living area, poolside views, a gorgeous bedroom with two walk-in robes, and an ambient bathroom design made us feel like we had stepped into paradise. As a thoughtful touch, we were gifted two stylish thermos water bottles and a chic Hayman bag – both of which we still use to this day!

With an array of delicious dining options, we enjoyed a delightful dining experience at Amici. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, surrounded by lush greenery and eclectic interiors, offered everything from tapas and wood-fired pizzas to generous handmade pastas and an impressive selection of Australian wines. I opted for the local seafood linguine, while Adam chose the slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle. It was paradise on a plate, and the portions were just perfect.

The next morning, we continued our exploration of the island and I treated myself to an iced coffee at The Grove Boutique & Café. Adam and I shared a chocolate brownie, which was absolutely delicious. The Grove also offered a selection of luxury retail brands, souvenirs, and holiday essentials, plus a range of grab-and-go options, including fresh sandwiches, donuts, muffins, and small cheeseboards - practically everything at your fingertips!

With my camera in hand, we explored more of the island, and I was amazed by the picturesque sights at every turn, including a giant whale (not real, of course) by the beach. The sand was soft and white, and the water was a pristine blue. We were especially drawn to the Asian cuisine at Bam Bam.

Bam Bam exudes personality with its bold, energetic vibe and Pan-Asian dishes with an Australian twist. Located by the Infinity Pool, Bam Bam serves up zesty flavours like wok-tossed noodles and sugarcane juices. We shared a crispy fish rice bowl and a Thai beef salad – both bursting with flavours that left us longing for more, and I even got to try my first-ever coconut… so refreshing!

Although our stay was brief, the memories we created will last a lifetime. The relaxation, joy, and time spent with my husband at Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef are moments I’ll forever treasure. I often find myself dreaming of those peaceful days before we returned to reality.

Book your stay today at www.haymanisland.intercontinental.com.

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