Located in the Great Barrier Reef just north of Cairns in Queensland lies Lizard Island, one of the most incredible islands in Australia. With its close proximity to the reef, 24 powdery-white private beaches, a crystal clear aqua lagoon, lush national park, 40 luxurious suites, a fine dining restaurant and indulgent spa, Lizard Island is constantly ranked as one of the best resorts in the world.
The island has been closed for almost a year after tropical cyclone Ita tore across Far North Queensland, and is now preparing for its exciting reopening in April 2015. Along with repairing the storm damage, Lizard Island have redecorated the entire property and added more suites. The restaurant has been renamed ‘Salt Water’ and now features a wine and cheese room adjacent to the kitchen. And the new bigger day spa offers treatments using products from the Parisian apothecary La Biosthétique, along with naturopathic assessments, stress-management consultations, and yoga and meditation sessions.
Whether you’re into game fishing, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding or hiking through the bush on a nature walk, there’s no shortage of things to do on Lizard Island. There are also a range of experiences to take advantage of like picnics on secluded beaches and sunset degustation dinners on the sand. With the official reopening just weeks away, we can’t wait to see what else the new Lizard Island has in store for us.
How to get there:
Lizard Island is a 60-minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. There are two flights daily in each direction, and the resort can arrange private air charters by request. Cairns is three-hour direct flight from Sydney. Details here.
The accommodation:
Lizard Island is the one resort where rooms start at AUD$1,699 per night for a Garden Room, and go up to AUD$5,200 for The Villa that sleeps four with its own private plunge pool. Details here.
Photography by Lizard Island.
