Lizard Island Beach

Luxury Adventures are conducting a series of interviews with some of our key suppliers looking at the different aspects of their lives and how these influence the experiences they offer. Lizard Island is located on the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland, Australia.

What sets Lizard Island apart from the other Great Barrier Reef resorts, tell us in particular about the location of Lizard Island? Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. Our Great Barrier Reef resort is the northern most resort located directly on the Barrier Reef, with 24 powdery-white beaches with just 40 luxurious suites.

Getting to Lizard Island is all part of the adventure and experience, what are the transfer options available? Lizard Island is accessed by a one hour scenic flight from Cairns. The only in-flight entertainment required is watching the Great Barrier Reef from above. Private charters are also available by light aircraft and helicopter.

Lizard Island has some world renowned diving and snorkelling sites, tell us more about the dive sites around the resort. The waters surrounding Lizard Island are a diving and snorkeling wonderland, featuring an array of outstanding sites such as North Point and Cobia Hole. With the island’s location less than one hour away from the outer and inner reefs, many more world class sites are easily accessible, including the world famous Cod Hole.

A few of our guests have enjoyed a private charter onboard ‘Fascination III’, tell us more about the vessel and what clients can expect from a private charter at Lizard Island? The 51ft Riviera Platinum Model Flybridge Cruiser, ‘Fascination III’ has a cruise speed of 20 knots and can take up to 10 passengers (including crew). Based at Lizard Island all year round, ‘Fascination III’ is available for private fishing, diving and snorkeling charters.

What is the best time of year to visit Lizard Island? The best time to visit Lizard Island is from May through to October.

It makes a difference having a Luxury Travel Specialist to work with, tell us more about your role and what it involves? Being a Luxury Specialist, my role is solely responsible for all guests travelling to Lizard Island and our sister luxury property El Questro Homestead. My role involves arranging all accommodation and experiences prior to guests arriving at the property. Agents can rest assured that I am able to answer any question their clients may have to help put the booking experience at ease.

Other than the obvious water based activities what other activities can you recommend? Lizard Island has its very own research station. Tours of the Research Station are conducted weekly and are available to all guests. I also recommend a guided interpretive walk to help guests understand the island environment on a more than aesthetic level. Our guides share secrets of the island’s flora, fauna and geographical features. On various walks you can learn about. Lizard Island’s original inhabitants and their ‘bush tucker’, follow in the footsteps of James Cook on a hike to the summit of Cook’s Look, or visit Watson’s Cottage to learn about LizardIsland’s first European inhabitants. We also offer helicopter touring options which include scenic photographic flights over the reef, Barramundi sport fishing, an Aboriginal experience tour and a Golf on the Cape tour.

What are the dining options at Lizard Island, is there signature dish that Lizards executive Chef, Anthony Healy offers? Simple and relaxed, Ospreys Restaurant is the idyllic setting to take full advantage of the views along the seascape for a special dining experience on Lizard Island. With an accent on fresh seafood and superb local produce, the daily changing menus draw on the flavours of modern Australian, Asian and European cuisine. Highly acclaimed Executive Chef, Anthony Healy has a culinary career spanning 10 years throughout the globe – working in top restaurants in London (Les Trois Garcons) and Paris (Demi chef de partie) as well as Australia. We also offer a Signature Private Beach Side Dining option for our guests to enjoy a private dinner together on the beach or celebrate that special occasion such as a wedding proposal, special birthday or anniversary. the details are as follows:

Signature Private Beach Dining: For a special Lizard Island dining experience, choose from two beautiful beach locations.  Prior to dinner, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Chef to discuss your 7 course degustation menu and matching wine selection.  Minimal service interruptions ensure the ultimate seclusion and privacy.

How long would you recommend spending at Lizard Island Resort? I recommend a 5 night stay to really appreciate and immerse oneself in the barefoot luxury.

View from Sunset Point Villa Lizard Island

Can you tell us more about the Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic? The waters surrounding Lizard Island boast some of the most exciting fishing in the world. Pre-booking is desirable, particularly during the popular Black Marlin fishing season (September to December).  From September to December each year Black Marlin, some weighing a massive 1,000 pounds or more, are caught here.  In fact, due to our tag and release policy operating for the past ten years, your chances of catching a legendary ‘GRANDER’ in these waters are probably better than anywhere else on earth! The famous Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic is held in October, for seven days.

A private picnic seems an idyllic and romantic choice for honeymooners, tell us more about this, for example where are the picnics set up, how can you ensure they are private? Delicious gourmet picnics on your own private beach are hard to surpass and are included in the tariff. All guests have to do is take a dinghy to a deserted beach and relax. Guests choose their gourmet picnic menu and beverage selection the night prior from the menu provided, and we will do the rest. All picnics include gourmet fresh food and produce created for beach dining by our team of chefs. As guests take their own motorised dinghy, if a beach is occupied, they simply move to the next available.

Tell us about some if the awards that Lizard Island have received. At Lizard Island we take pride in helping our guests to have an experience of a lifetime. So we are proud to be consistently ranked as one of the world’s best resorts.

2013

  • Lizard Island ranks number 3 among top hotels in Travel + Leisure’s 2013 World’s Best Beach Hotels Awards
  • Lizard Island has been ranked number 5 of the nation’s top 25 hotels in the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

 2012

  • Lizard Island has been chosen as a Top 20 International Hideaways – Hotels and Resorts with 75 or fewer rooms in the 2012 Andrew Harper Readers’ Choice Award.
  • Lizard Island has been chosen as one of the 10 Top Beach Resorts Around The World by Forbes
  • Lizard Island ranks number 25 among top hotels in Travel + Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards
  • Lizard Island was named Best Resort/Lodge in Australia at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards
  • Lizard Island’s Azure Spa has been chosen as a Top 10 spa in Conde Nast’s Readers’ Spa Awards 2012

Lizard Island has an on-site Spa, Azure, describe a signature spa treatment. Azure Spa offers a range of treatments inspired by nature to nurture the mind, body and spirit using LI’TYA products a high performance range of natural Australian spa care products that integrate the potent qualities of the Australian earth and spirit. These powerful spa treatments unlock the profound wisdom of ancient Aboriginal medicine and healing modalities that assists you to generate your own health and balance. Our signature treatment is the Coral Sea Dreaming, which lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. The pampering begins with an exotic body scrub before you are cocooned in warm Mapi Body Mud. Your mind will melt under the spell of a deep scalp massage and hair treatment. Your aches and pains are kneaded away with a back massage before you are treated to a Deep Ocean Renewal facial, leaving your skin visibly radiant. We also offer our Hibiscus private Beach treatment which is superb Hibiscus Private beach massage: For a special Lizard Island spa experience, you will be transferred to Hibiscus beach where our spa therapists will await you. You will enjoy a one hour couples Kodo massage on the beach. This rhythmic body massage is inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques which work to balance and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body wellness. After your treatment our therapists will depart leaving you to enjoy your gourmet hamper and champagne on your private beach for the day. The additional charge is $500 per couple.

Lizard Island would be a perfect location for a wedding, what wedding options are available, do you offer a wedding planner to assist with the arrangements? Surrounded by 24 powdery white beaches and 1,000 hectares of National Park, Lizard Island is the ultimate wedding destination. Here, guests can create the wedding of their dreams, limited only by their imagination. The initial enquiry about organising the wedding at Lizard Island can be made through the Lizard Island Wedding Department based in Melbourne. The Wedding Department will assist with any questions regarding organising the special day. They will assist in organising the wedding package and any guest requirements relating to accommodation, flights and transfers. Once the accommodation, wedding package and celebrant have been booked, the Wedding Coordinator at Lizard Island takes over for the finer details and arrangements regarding the ceremony and the special day. The island is also available for private and exclusive events – imagine you, a few friends, and the whole island at your disposal, catering for just two, or up to 80 guests. No matter what the size is of the event, guests will be offered personal service and attention to detail.

Are there any upcoming events or specials that we should know about? Neil Perry & Wolf Blass Gourmet Weekend 24-26 May 2013, we are excited to announce that one of Australia’s leading chefs Neil Perry and one of the most famous faces in the wine industry Wolf Blass are coming to Lizard Island! Embark on a weekend with living legends of food & wine, in the most dramatic setting on the Great Barrier Reef.

Lizard Island Pavilion

Most of our guests have 2 weeks to see Australia, other than the Great Barrier Reef what other destinations would you recommend? After seeing the best of the reef, I would recommend the best of the outback with a trip to The Kimberley region in Western Australia, particularly a stay at the stunning El Questro Homestead.  Our beautiful Wilderness Park offers guests the best the Australian Outback has to offer with helicopter tours to remote waterfalls, Zebedee Thermal Springs for a beautiful afternoon of relaxation and numerous gorge walks to enjoy with a refreshing swim at the end in the numerous waterfalls and waterholes.

Explain in detail the room options at the resort?

Garden Rooms Located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach, Garden Rooms have a private balcony. Interiors are compact but comfortable and include a Bose sound system with CD player and iPod connectivity. Bedding includes a King-size bed or 2 King Single beds (max 2 people).

Garden Suites Located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach, Garden Suites have a private balcony. Interiors are compact but comfortable and include a Bose sound system with CD player and iPod connectivity. Garden Suites with two separate sleeping areas are also available. Bedding includes a king-size bed and a double sofa bed. Maximum 4 people.

Sunset Point Villas  Sunset Point Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge among native eucalyptus bush land. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with comfortable Australian timber chairs and a hammock. Sunset Point Villas also feature a Bose sound system with CD player and iPod connectivity. The Sunset Point Villas were refurbished recently. Bedding includes a king-size bed. Maximum 3 people (roll-away bed provided for the third person).

Anchor Bay Suites Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main Lodge, Anchor Bay Suites offer captivating sea views and each has a pathway leading directly to the beach. Seamlessly blending indoors and out in an elegant and spacious open plan design, a large veranda with daybed is one of the many comforts. Anchor Bay Suites also feature a Bose sound system with a CD player and iPod connectivity. The Anchor Bay Suites were refurbished recently. Bedding includes a king-size bed. Maximum 2 people. Anchor Bay Twin Suites include 2 king-size single beds. Maximum 2 people.

The Pavilion Perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Ridge, The Pavilion combines complete privacy with a spectacular 270-degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach.

An expansive decking area incorporates a private plunge pool, sun lounges and a daybed area, inviting guests to relax and take in the stunning views. Leaving the balcony to stroll down a private path, guests will discover another secluded area where chairs and a table have been perfectly positioned to make the most of sea breezes and the gorgeous views.

Inside, the Pavilion offers every comfort. A Bose sound system with CD player, iPod connectivity and a laptop computer for downloading and sending emails are among some of the special features. The Pavilion is the only suite at LizardIsland with Wi-Fi connectivity. Champagne and a deluxe fruit bowl greet guests on arrival. Bedding includes a king-size bed. Maximum 2 people.

All rooms have the following amenities and facilities:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Work Desk
  • Guest Stationery
  • Direct Dial ISD/STD Telephone
  • Bose Sound System with CD Player and iPod Connectivity
  • Aroma-therapy Oil Burner
  • Feature Books
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar
  • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Bath Robes
  • AESOP bath products
  • Beach Towels
  • Umbrellas
  • Hair Dryers
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Private Deck
  • Evening Turndown Service
  • Safety Deposit Box

Carolyn Pike is the Luxury Specialist at Lizard Island Resort.

Tony Townley is a luxury lifestyle specialist and owner of Luxury Adventures. Talk to us about planning your next visit to New Zealand, Australia or the South Pacific Islands.

Lizard Island Picnic

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