YOU CAN DAYDREAM ONCE AGAIN
RESORT ISLAND SPRINGS BACK ON TO HOLIDAY CALENDAR IN STYLE
There are few things better than enjoying fresh seafood on the beach.
Add in a glass of bubbles, live music and a stylish island resort backdrop and you’re practically in heaven.
Daydream Island offers a stunning view of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands from its petite parcel about half an hour out from Hamilton Island.
Now showing off a modern revamp after Cyclone Debbie battered the resort in 2017, the island is open to the public and finding its way back on to holiday lists with a flurry.
The beautiful architecture in the main public spaces is a sight to see and the underground gin bar holds one heck of a surprise (I don’t want to spoil it).
This amazing space also plays host to morning yoga classes before it fires up to serve a sophisticated party atmosphere in the evenings.
There are several other dining and bar options, depending on what style suits your agenda.
You can go as laid-back as drinks and burgers at the pool bar or fine dining at Inkstone.
For those who visited the island previously, there are some notable differences.
The south end of the island is no longer in operation, with all effort being put into the north to get it up and running.
The living reef is now expanded to be a true focal point in the heart of the resort and offers a variety of reef ‘experiences’.
The day spa is still there, but is awaiting expansion, for now operating in a spa suite.
The pools are back bigger and better than ever and the beautiful Lovers Cove is still just a few minutes’ walk away to enjoy a sunrise or sunset or a quiet laze on the beach.
Enjoy the walk up the hill to the highest point of the island to see the best view of the surrounds.
There is also plenty to do for families, with water sports and land activities running each day for free. Have a game of soccer or try your hand at table tennis before hitting the water for a kayak (they will tow you back if you can’t make it – I checked).
If you want to keep busy but want to use more brain power than muscle, there are differing activities on daily from scavenger hunts to bingo.
The rooms offer plenty of space if you’ve got kids in tow and there are many room styles to choose from.
And you’re not stuck on the island. You can catch the transfer boat to Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach to discover new sights. Or hop on a helicopter or head off to Whitehaven and immerse yourself in the region.
With a soft opening in April and then the official launch in June, the island is well and truly back in the swing of island life.
The finish of the $140 million refurbishment was celebrated in style with fine wine, live music, celebrities and fireworks.
And the party’s only just getting started. There are plans afoot for further redevelopment on the island in years to come, but we’ll have to wait and see.