Luxury, beauty without barriers

Whichever way you look at it, from above the water or below it, Australia's Great Barrier Reef is just as stunning.

On land, nature awes with its beauty and under the tranquil waters, another world greets you — one filled with the most colourful marine life and majestic coral formations.

More than 70 islands that dot the northeastern Australian coast have become hideaways for the rich and famous.

These exclusive retreats are where the likes of reigning monarchs, crown princes, film-stars and politicians head to when they want to unwind and enjoy their time in private.

All in one

Perhaps one of the reasons why the Great Barrier Reef is so popular is because it offers a wide variety of experiences within a small area. Moving around is as simple as jumping on to a boat to the next island.

On one of these palm-fringed, emerald green dots in the sea, the attraction may be the turtles which come to the beach to lay eggs on moonlit nights, while on another, the cascading waterfalls and colourful birdlife will stun you.

After you've had your fill of nature's wonders, man-made ones — haute cuisine created by some of the world's best chefs, fine Irish linen, luxury bathroom amenities, spas, massage and beautiful architecture — await you at your resort.

Hayman Island

A good place to start is the Hayman Island, which forms part of the group known as the Whitsunday Islands.

The Hayman Island Resort, member of The Leading Hotels of the World group, definitely lives up to its reputation.

The 300-room resort curves around a free-form swimming pool and tropical lagoon and offers spectacular views of the nearby islands of the Whitsundays.

In fact, if you want to swim, Hayman has more possibilities than most — beautiful beaches, including the pristine Blue Pearl Beach, are just a short walk away.

You can also swim with tropical fish and dolphins a little far from the shore.

Covering just over 300 hectares and measuring about 4 x 1.5km, Hayman is perfect for day trips, either to explore the coast, dotted with secluded bays, or to wander through eucalyptus forests that lead to the top of the 60-metre high cliffs which look over the Whitsunday Passage.

Then, of course, for the real show, take a cruise to the nearby outer reef and watch colours swirl and tropical fish swim between giant coral formations underwater.

You could hop on to a boat to the nearby Langdon Island and watch from close quarters large sea turtles swim lazily by.

Once back on dry land, head to the restaurant for some gourmet cuisine by award-winning chef Glenn Bacon.

Take your pick from the The Oriental, with its Japanese-style garden setting; Azure, for its fresh seafood prepared with creative flair; or the Beach Pavilion, for informal lunches.

The third offers spectacular views of the water and the Hook Island.

Hamilton Island

The trip from island to island couldn't be more exciting. Delicious tropical fruit juices and platters filled with delicious canapés, courtesy of the resort, are passed around onboard the luxurious launch, which whisks you off to yet another of the Great Barrier Reef's treasures — Hamilton Island.

The trip, which is often accompanied by playful dolphins, takes just under an hour.

Hamilton Island provides a vast range of activities to choose from — scuba diving, windsurfing, bush walks, etc.

The Beach Club, offering superb views across the water to the nearby Whitsunday Islands, is the good base for exploration and relaxation.

Everything is controlled by the central Hamilton Island Tourist Office, which means whether you are dining in one of the restaurants which look out to the yacht-filled marina or shopping in any of the boutiques that line Main Street, you can simply charge it all back to your room.

At the Beach Club, you can relax by the pool and enjoy the view of colourful sail boats gliding by.

At night, the in-house restaurant offers alfresco dining with seafood and Australian beef and lamb cooked with a creative touch of Asian spices.

Orpheus Island

Ever felt like being alone with just your loved one, with no telephone, TV, day-trippers or noisy children around?

On the coral-fringed Orpheus Island, at the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, you can enjoy total privacy in a secluded luxury villa, knowing that all amenities are just a short walk away.

Also the resort allows a maximum of 42 guests allowed at a time.

A diverse range of native species such as echidnas, bandicoots, green tree frogs, a dozen types of colourful butterflies and a multitude of tropical birds, is the reason why most of the island was declared a national park in 1960.

A trail takes you up to the ridge behind Hazard Bay, offering stunning views.

After taking in your fill of the vistas, sit under a giant tree and unpack a picnic filled with succulent king prawns, avocados and mangoes.

Of course, you'll want to get off the island and explore the reef with it's kaleidoscope of colours.

There are regular private boat trips to the inner and outer reef, where you can either snorkel or do a bit of game fishing for the famed blue marlin.

One of the big draws just off the shore is the colony of giant white clams that flourish in the warm, shallow waters.

Once back, spoil yourself with a soothing massage or relax in the private open-air courtyard shower.

Bedarra Island

At times when you simply don't wish to be found, when you need to relax and unwind with the sea and sand, the resort on Bedarra Island is the best choice with its great architecture and sweeping views of the pristine coast.

There are 16 villas hidden in the rainforest that make you feel you have reached a private luxury hideaway.

In fact, you need never see another human being if you so desire.

This is where some of the famous European newlyweds, including royalty, are rumoured to have spent their honeymoon.

Another reason people keep coming back to Bedarra is the food.

Tropical fruits, seafood cooked with exotic sauces, such as macadamia and lime or sweet mango and soya, are just some of the items on the extensive menu.

A good idea would be to order a picnic and head off to one of the secluded beaches on Bedarra, where you can spend a day swimming, lazying in the sun and working your way through the goodies.

With more beaches than guests on Bedarra, you can be assured of total privacy.

Where else can you gaze at tropical clownfish and giant clams, swim with turtles and dolphins and watch spectacular sunsets while lying on golden sands?

All these truly make for Australia's Great Barrier Reef experience.

Go there . . . Great Barrier Reef . . . From the UAE

From Dubai

Nearest airport is Sydney.
Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh6,960

Cathay Pacific flies two days a week via Hong Kong. Fare from Dh6,330

Thai Airways flies once a week via Bangkok.
Fare from Dh5,860

Singapore Airlines flies daily via Singapore.
Fare from Dh5,800

— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata.
Ph: 04 4298576

Websites

Hayman Island Resort www.hayman.com.au

Hamilton Island www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Orpheus Island www.orpheus.com.au

Bedarra Island www.bedarraisland.com.au