As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew a babymoon would have to be on the cards. One last hurrah, one more relaxing trip for just the two of us with carry-on luggage only.
My original idea was to go to Vanuatu, but in the lead up to booking I read lots of pregnancy magazines with stories of early deliveries, and the more I thought about it- the more I felt safer staying in Australia, (with access to our great hospitals and Medicare.)So where do you go for the ultimate relaxing domestic holiday? The Whitsundays is the first destination to come to mind, but sadly I don’t have Oprah’s budget that would let me stay at Qualia, so the next best thing is the wonderful Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island.
This is the life!
Flights are cheap as chips with Virgin Australia, and direct from Brisbane to the island. The hotel itself is a big high-rise – which might be off-putting to some– but I think it’s better to build upwards and leave the rest of the island unspoiled – 70% of Hamilton Island is bush land!
When we arrive at the tiny airport, we are met by hotel staff who quickly whisk us away to the resort in mini buses, explaining the island’s many facilities on the way. We learn there are lots of free activities for hotel guests, from paddle boarding to kayaking to snorkelling to nature walks.
I can’t wait to jump in there!
The resort grounds are immaculate – beautiful tropical plants and flowers everywhere, with not a leaf out of place. There is a choice of at least four swimming pools, one with a swim up bar.
There are hardly any cars on the island, and the preferred way of getting around is by golf buggy. Rush hour down the main street looks quite clownesque!
Buggy Sign
Golf buggies on Hamilton Island
We check into the Reef View Hotel quite early and our room is ready straight away- yay! For other early birds who aren’t as fortunate, there is a day lounge with lockers, showers and pool towels available for all guests arriving (and departing).
Our Coral Sea View room lives up to its name! High on the 18th floor, our views are simply stunning.
Mr LML, instagramming the view
The amazing view
And no matter which floor you’re on, you will have access to one of the hotel’s star attractions: begging cockatoos!
Actually yes, Polly does want a cracker.
Cockatoo and I with the amazing view
There are signs everywhere asking you not to feed them but obviously people have, because these little guys hang around all day hoping for a snack. And if you leave your doors open, they will come inside and search your room, so don’t leave any food out! On the plus side, they make for great selfie opportunities.
Selfie time!
Food on the island is great, there is a variety of restaurants and getting around is a breeze thanks to the free shuttle buses that run all day. Our favourite is Coca Chu a short walk from our room. Serving modern South East Asian food with stunning sea views and – very importantly– the best mocktails on the island!
Most restaurants have the same drink list (all are owned by the resort, which is great because you can sign with your room details everywhere, no cash required) but at Cova Chu the bartender is willing to create some interesting drinks for me. A mojito sans rum is still a very pleasant beverage.
We miss out on eating at the fine dining restaurant at the Yacht Club because it’s closed on Sunday and Monday nights. Instead, we enjoy drinks during the day, it’s a lovely spot to hang out on a cloudy afternoon.
For breakfast there is a choice of three restaurants, but we never see a reason the leave the main buffet by the hotel pool – there is so much food to choose from!
The Dolphin Pool
We mean to do an excursion to the reef or Whitehaven Beach, but my pregnancy nausea (don’t let anyone call it morning sickness, mine lasts all day) confines me to the pool. I’m not complaining!
Cheers!
I wholeheartedly recommend a babymoon on Hamilton Island. It’s the most relaxing break I have ever been on! The staff are so helpful and friendly, the rooms are fantastic, and the resort’s facilities world-class. Do it! I miss waking up to these views (and the cockies) so much.
The view