The designer Chris Beckingham realised the resort with the late Bob Oatley and his family, building each pavilion from local and imported timber and stone among native eucalypts. The idea was a retreat that draws the outside in, and the Long Pavilion, a frame of timber and glass open to the breeze, is the focal point. Guests arrive by air at Hamilton Island, by helicopter to qualia's own helipad, or by sea.
The Windward Pavilions face north-east with panoramic Whitsunday views, a terrace and a private infinity-edge plunge pool. The Seaward Pavilions also face north-east, with Coral Sea views from the bedroom. The Leeward Pavilions face south-west under eucalypts and take the afternoon light and the sunsets, and the Sunset Pavilion has self-catering features. The Beach House and The Residence are the largest. The Residence measures 400 square metres behind its own gates, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a standalone studio and a 25-metre infinity-edge lap pool. Every guest has a complimentary electric golf buggy for the island.
Pebble Beach Restaurant serves contemporary Australian cooking at the water's edge for lunch and dinner, based on seasonal, sustainable produce. Breakfast and high tea with Charles Heidsieck Champagne are served at the Long Pavilion. Talk and Taste is the signature food and wine pairing, with sake matched to sashimi-grade fish, and a sommelier gives one-to-one sessions.
Spa qualia sits at the centre of the resort with facials, massage, yoga and a steam room, and Pebble Beach has a private gym, an infinity-edge pool with cabanas, and stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and catamarans. Days go to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, guided walks and scenic flights.
The resort suits couples and small groups who want privacy and the reef close by.
