Lizard Island
Style Reef encounter
Setting Rugged island Eden
17 miles off the Queensland coast, at the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier reef, Lizard Island couldn’t be more remote. With 24 ivory-white beaches to bask on, you’re guaranteed privacy, and, with, some of the most spectacular diving, fishing and snorkelling on the doorstep, the hotel’s as much a magnet for adventurous ocean goers as it is for romance-struck couples in search of real desert-island relaxation.
Need to know
- Rooms 40, including 18 suites and 15 villas.
- Rates Double rooms from $1645.92 (AU$1,543), excluding tax at 10 per cent.
- More details Rates include three meals a day, alcoholic and soft drinks, picnic hampers and use of the motorised dinghies.
- Facilities Spa, gym, tennis court, library with books and games, TV lounge with free internet. In rooms: Bose sound system with CD player and iPod dock, free minibar.
- Poolside Surrounded by palms and with the sea as a backdrop, the hotel’s freshwater pool is lined with wooden decking and cosy cushioned loungers.
- Check-out 11am, but flexible subject to availability. Check-in, 2pm.
- Children Lizard Island is very much a couple’s retreat, but kids over 12 are welcome. More...
- Hotel closed A soft refurbishment will be taking place from 30 January to 29 February 2012. Disruptions will be kept to a minimum.
- Also There's no mobile phone coverage on the island so switch off and chill out. Two-night minimum stay. A soft refurbishment of the Anchor Bay Rooms and Pavilion will take place from 30 January to 29 February 2012. Disruptions should be kept to a minimum.
Food and drink at Lizard Island
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Hotel restaurant
Osprey’s – named in honour of the birds nesting on the tiny island that are visible from the restaurant – serves Modern Australian dishes with a seafood bias and a barbecue every Friday. It’s set in an open semi-circular building, with lacquered hardwood flooring, comfy wicker chairs, chunky granite tables and gasp-inducing views. -
Dress code
Gucci sandals (the boardwalks eat heels), flowy sarongs, big sunglasses and even bigger hats. -
Top table
Tables 9 and 10 are the top spots for admiring the view by day, but once the sun goes down there’s no view to speak, so any table will do. Although the resort doesn’t do reservations, staff may make an exception if you've a proposal in mind. -
Last orders
Osprey’s cooks its last dishes at around 9.30pm, and the bar closes at midnight. -
Room service
Not available as the resort is so spread out, but request a free picnic hamper if you fancy a beach outing. -
Hotel bar
Guests sip champagne and swap stories at the restaurant's L-shaped marble bar. Cocktail nights are held every Thursday in the gazebo.
Lizard Island The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Barrier Reef,
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Smith extra at Lizard Island
A bottle of French champagne
Current offers at Lizard Island
- 5 nights for the price of 4 - Valid from 17 January 2012 to 31 July 2...
In the know
Our favourite rooms
For privacy, book into one of the Anchor Bay Suites at the far end of the bay (numbers 23 to 26). These have expansive balconies offering glimpses through the trees to the tranquil turquoise waters of Anchor Bay and Sunset Beach, and a path straight from balcony to beach. Suites 17 and 18 have the best views and are suitable for families. In summer, stay in one of the Sunset Point Villas – numbers 5 to 8 look out onto Sunset Beach, where the sun sinks spectacularly below the horizon in the summer months. Honeymooners and celebrities usually opt for the Pavilion – secluded, luxurious and boasting sweeping beach views, a wraparound sun-deck and a private plunge pool.
Packing tips
The hotel provides almost everything you’re likely to need, including snorkelling gear, wetsuits, beach towels and insect repellent. Do bring an underwater camera, however, to make the most of the unforgettable undersea panorama.
Also
For a full-on pamper, Lizard Island’s Li’Tya-stocked Azure Spa specialises in body polishes, couple’s treatments and invigorating massages.
