THE SUNDAYS

Hamilton Island Enterprises, the team behind luxury resort qualia, is excited to introduce “The Sundays”, Hamilton Island’s new boutique hotel in the heart of Australia’s World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

Created with families in mind and situated at the northern end of palm-fringed Catseye Beach, The Sundays offers 59 rooms thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of Hamilton Island’s tropical surroundings and blue water views. Guestrooms offer a serene colour scheme, benefit from gentle sea breezes and a choice of either a balcony or terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel’s gardens. Interconnecting rooms, perfect for families are also available. The hotel features private cabanas around a pool exclusively for guests and a waters-edge restaurant and bar offering al fresco dining with views of the aquatic playground that is Catseye Bay. 

The hotel is set to open in Autumn 2025 (AEST) and is expected to significantly contribute to the Whitsundays’ visitor economy, providing employment for over 100 full-time equivalent hospitality workers in the region.

Pete Brulisauer, CEO of Hamilton Island, says, “The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family. 

In developing its ethos, we were inspired by the essence of what makes a Sunday so special – relaxing, treasuring time and fostering connections with loved ones, and embracing nature. It will be a place where you can expect an extraordinary experience for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mr Brulisauer says in recent years Hamilton Island, accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major Australian East Coast cities, has seen a sharp increase in domestic travellers seeking a luxury tropical island escape without the hassle and time of international flights.

“We also continue to welcome back international travellers who want to experience the best Australia has to offer – like Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef,” he adds.

The project, estimated at over $30M, adds to the $400M already invested in facilities and infrastructure improvements underpinning Hamilton Island’s status as a world class island resort as envisioned by the late Mr. Bob Oatley upon acquisition in 2003.

Sandy Oatley, Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, says, “We are responding to our guests’ request for more family focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location. We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island’s reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.”

The Sundays complements Hamilton Island’s wide-range of accommodation offerings, including the internationally-acclaimed luxury resort qualia, the boutique beachfront hotel, Beach Club and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

Reservations for The Sundays open in Spring 2024 (AEST).