InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

Once a jewel of the Whitsundays... but now there is the rest of the world and South Pacific has much easier access and less expensive. Boring food, and Watersports limited to the 1 hour a day the tide is high. Snorkelling off Oyster bay was good, but you really can do better now. The walk over the island is OK. The golf simulator was not very good.

The Intercontinental Hayman Island is set in one of the most breathtaking and unique locations in the world – a true paradise that could make for an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, everything beyond the scenery falls far short of 5-star standards. Service is unreliable both in the restaurants and in housekeeping, and attention to detail – essential at this level – is missing. Many interactions give the impression that more students than trained service professionals are running the resort, which explains the lack of consistency and finesse. What should feel seamless instead feels disorganized and careless. On top of that, parts of the resort are clearly showing their age and renovations are overdue. What the property urgently needs is clear organization and prioritization from management to match the promise of its setting. Right now, it’s more about appearance than substance. The location alone saves this resort from an even lower rating – without it, the disappointment would be complete.

After confusion around our room booking, Milan and Marta (staff managers) exceeded our expectations, rectifying the situation and going above and beyond to ensure we had the most incredible stay at the Intercontinental at Hayman Island. Their attention to detail and maintaining the highest standards became their priority and we are deeply appreciative for all they did for us. Ashley & John

We have just completed a beautiful 5 night stay on a Luxury Escapes package. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary having honeymooned on Hayman 12 years ago. It was lovely to be greeted with sparkling wine on our boat transfers, (thanks Alessandro) and a gift and handwritten note in our room. We stayed in a pool access suite and it was a fantastic room, with a tub and sun beds on the deck. We ate at all 3 restaurants , there were some service difficulties at Amici and Pacific, however these were swiftly resolved once we raised the problems. Room service was also great on 2 nights of our stay. We loved sailing a hobie cat, (thanks Josh and another fellow whose name I cant remember , sorry) trip to Black Island for swimming and snorkelling and a relaxing yoga session with Chelsea. The service at Acqua Bar was good, with very helpful staff. Breakfast in Pacific every morning was great, loved the fresh juice press, the coffees and the made to order omelettes and eggs benny, as well as the very extensive buffet. Overall, a great trip, we have travelled very extensively in Fiji so this was a sentimental choice to come back to Hayman and I’m really glad we made it!

Hayman is not the luxury island they claim to be. Long waits , service is very poor, whether breakfast lunch or dinner we were not impressed. Room service was also very poor. Worst restaurant experience was at The pacific restaurant, we were early so decided to have some drinks while waiting for table, they brought us the bill in 10min and took 45mins and several asks to receive drinks. Eventually when we were seated I asked the young waitress if we could have the empty table facing the water and she said “that table was saved for a very special couple” guess we were not special enough, food was average and they over cooked my husband’s steak, we were there for quite some time waiting on drinks and food and meanwhile the table for the very special couple remained empty. Room service was slow and not well done, robes and beach towels were taken and not replaced we had to constantly ask and eventually took bath towels to the beach, bathroom was poorly cleaned, the soap on bathtub had hairs from someone shaving totally disgusting, floors were not cleaned and room service food trays were left at the front door for over 3 days. We had eloped to Hayman 25 years ago and probably had great expectations for our 25th wedding anniversary, but I can tell you it was way better then. May I say we stayed at the beachfront villas that have a private pool and cost over $2000 a night