InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

3 days at Hayman Island celebrating nephews wedding

I had to write a few words because of all the negative reviews I saw before our trip. Do not worry. This resort is amazing. We were there with an organized group, so some of our events were small banquet-style... That may have made a difference. The breakfast, that was for all guests, was amazing. I love that they had lots of gluten-free options and they even had a juicer with all the fruits and vegetables chopped up and cleaned so you can easily make a fresh pressed juice each morning. Our coffee took a few minutes to come to the table, but not as long as others have said. I think they have improved a lot of things. I also noticed a lot of people were working on pool decks and things that I had seen complaints about. We never once had a problem with service. The rooms are gorgeous. I wish I would’ve taken more photos. We were right at the pool view. We had two huge balconies, a bed with a canopy, and two huge rooms. Everything was well equipped. The light switches and things take a minute to get used to because they are also high-tech. I did not get to work out, but I did poke my head in the gym and it is beautiful and well equipped. There are organized classes and activities, like yoga daily in their studio. There’s also an infinity pool besides the huge pool area we were staying at. There’s a beautiful beach by the infinity pool, and so much more to this resort than I even saw. There are some cool trails you can hike. We started on a big hike, but it started raining so hard we had to turn back. But plenty of others went on a hike and saw Wallabys hopping around. We saw a huge bat up in a tree one day and several bats flying around at night, but they don’t hurt you. It was really cool ! (We also heard a big movie was coming to shoot there after we were leaving, so that could be another reason they were sprucing everything up! ) We ate at all three restaurants and the service was fantastic. Food also delicious and fresh. I was impressed that Amici, the Italian restaurant, all of their pizzas were gluten-free. It is super tropical there. One last thing, if you take the boat from Hamilton Island airport, it is such a beautiful boat ride. There’s a staff giving you champagne and charcuterie. We thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful stay!

They try, but they don’t quite get to the 5 star level this place claims to be. 1. The adult pool is a beautiful setting. That said, pool tiles are literally falling off into the pool, as I am in the pool. 2. The pathways are a mix of marble and stone. The stone was much appreciated during the rain we had the first few days here. However, the marble is not a good idea, very slippery when wet. And this is still a problem as there is leaking near the fire extinguishers, i have slipped more than one, as well I have seen staff slip. How is this not fixed? 3. Breakfast. I get the birds, they are protected. However, you must special order eggs from the waitstaff, on my 4 days here, I was only asked if I wanted eggs once. When the omlet arrived it was overcooked and cold. I had scrambled eggs from the buffet twice, they were also cold, the last day I had a fried egg, although this was cold, it was edible. The last day is the only day I got my coffee before finishing my breakfast, because I complained! And don’t get me started on the coffee, it could be so much better!!! 4. My second night here, the main walkway was closed for a private event. I was forced to go down a dark dirt path to get to the restaurants. What is this about? Not well lit and dirt/gravel, tha is still a bit wet from all the rain. 5. Let’s address the film crew that has come in and disrupted the environment. Things are closed, including the main reception and one of the restaurants.‘the reception is now in one section of the main bar/restaurant, again what? 6. Finally, I was made aware that I would need to be flexible with travel to/from Hamilton Island airport, but needing to arrive there 3 1/2 hours before my flight is a bit much. The following, in my humble opinion, is not correct. There are so many small things that could be done to make the experience great at the 5 star level it claims to be.

Lovely location and the resort is set up very nicely. Very clean and warm welcome. Whilst the staff are very friendly for the most part the restaurant staff are often forgetful and walk around without noticing customers needing service. Food was very nice. Lots of gluten free options which was great for me.

Hayman is such a beautiful destination, we celebrated our engagement and were so well taken care of, from the moment we arrived in the luxury transfer to the departure the dedicated staff were so friendly and helpful. Atama at the Aqua bar was so welcoming and kind. The food and drinks were wonderful. The spa was so tranquil and the Oasis experience was amazing!