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Arriving in The Whitsundays

After the very rustic, back-to-basics, down to earth style of life on the road, in our camper… the trip to Hayman Island was a bit of change!

As far from down to earth as you can get in fact, as we headed up, up and away.

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White dress // Jumper

Red tote // Blue sandals (on sale)

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We rose high above the treetops and were treated to the most glorious view of the coast.

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Like a leaf in the breeze, we floated out to see.

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Passing little coves with their clear, blue bays.

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It wasn’t long before Hayman Island came into view.

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And we got a very exciting first view of our new home!

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Even without its usual sunshine, the place is breathtakingly beautiful.

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You land at the marina, where you’re met by your personal “Island Butler”… who whisks you away in a golf buggy.

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He showed us to our villa and let us get settled in.

Our jaws simultaneously hit the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful hotel room.

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Going on the off-season means dealing with the odd splatter of tropical rain, but also means you can get a better room deal (check them out) and you pretty much get the resort to yourself… along with a few friendly natives!

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The resort itself falls between the jungle and the beach.

Wherever you are you hear the sea and the sound of the wind in the palms above. It’s so lush, vibrant, and utterly relaxing.

I melted into a puddle of my former self as soon as I arrived.

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After a dip, we grabbed lunch by the pool.

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And counted our lucky stars for arriving the day they launched the new ice-cream sundae menu!

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Then it was straight to the spa, to work out the camping knots in our necks.

 

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We did nothing but lounge like lizards for the remainder of the afternoon.

We plumped for a restaurant called “Fire” for supper.

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Starting with Kingfish Ceviche, mango salsa, Kalamanci lime dressing, chives, cilantro & fresh mint.

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Paté & raspberry ravioli with rhubarb marmalade & truffle jus.

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A beautifully presented array of nibbles from the chef’s garden.

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And…

*Drum roll*

The Tomahawk!

1,200g of beef steak, cooked in a salt crust. Served with onion croquettes, steamed vegetables, béarnaise and cognac & green peppercorn sauce.

A true thing of beauty, and a treat to behold (never mind eat!)

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Topped off with a side of truffle fries.

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Now, I know I said I loved camping… and perhaps this is my old age talking… I do like a bit of luxury, too!

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