This was our first trip to Hamilton Island and Qualia. We loved every minute. Many things were new and novel to us, from the wild life (Cockatoos, Wallaby's, Goannas, etc.), and an island with mostly golf carts to get around. The staff are incredibly nice and cater to every request. You'll see them working at all of the other restaurants, and hotels on the island, so be nice to them, they work hard. Our room was a garden view, and faced water, as well as land, which had been damaged by the cyclone. We were very active and spent most of our days busy, so this was not in any way a distraction. If you want to stay put in your room, pay up for the Ocean facing rooms, it is worth the upgrade. The only area of improvement I can point to is that the concierge is different than what we are used to in the states. They will help book activities, but you will have to put in a ton of effort to make it all fit together. At times, because of the time difference, and lack of a true concierge dedicated desk, there can be frustration for US travelers used to a different level of service. Breakfast at the resort was on point, and we tried everything on the menu over our stay. Incredible pools, amazing tasting dinner at Pebble Beach, Helicopter ride with scuba and snorkel to the reef, Whitsunday beach, Sunset champagne cruise, the list goes on. Leaving was difficult. All in all an amazing experience and we will return to Qualia.
