InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

Unfortunately our stay on Hayman island was very average and quite a let down. We stayed for 2 nights, Friday and Saturday. We caught the morning ferry over. The location for pickup at the marina was nice until a boat load of guests with their luggage were all crammed in waiting to depart. Not that any of my travel party needed it but there was no offer for a trolley or any assistance to get our luggage to the boat. It was just, "what's your booking name, how many bags and off you go walk you and all your luggage down to the boat". Felt a bit like we were just going for a reef day trip not a stay to a "Luxury" island. The experience started to improve once we were on the boat, a lovely welcome and good introduction on board from the captain. We enjoyed the ferry ride over and as we got closer we had a staff member start to come around and give us an introduction to the island. This experience was excellent and very helpful and was delivered with one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen. Upon arriving to the island we had a quick departure, a warm welcome and a line of buggies to start taking guests to reception. When we walked through the gardens to reception we were met by more staff which welcomed us to head straight over to Pacific after giving our names for a buffet breakfast. Pacific was nice, located on the island beach front with outdoor seating available. We were seated promptly and Tama gave a very warm and lovely welcome and assisted us with getting what we needed. Food was good, fresh and presented well with plenty of options. After breakfast we made our way to the Pool wing to wait for our rooms to be ready. We lounged by the pool which was clean and presentable. The only downside was that shortly after arriving three maintenance workers fired up electric sanders and started working on the pool deck nearby, lucky I had noise cancelling headphones. I get it, there is another pool in the resort, there needs to be upkeep and things need repair but it seemed like more of an effort to isolate the noise could've been made. We shortly after got the call that our room was ready, early which was fantastic. We made our way to reception to collect our keys and make our way to our room. The room was large, well air conditioned and had a lovely view. A large robe led into a large bathroom with a full size tub and a nice shower. Plenty of toiletries provided and presented nicely. We spent the afternoon by the infinity pool in the Lagoon wing. The app to order food and drinks did not work but a staff member was walking around and took our order. I also took note that some of the pot plants between the beach and the pool had bright orange electrical cables held together by bright blue electrical tape, not a great sight on a luxury island and stood out while enjoying the view from the infinity pool to the beach. Dinner the first night was back at Pacific, our booking was at 8:15pm. We were all ready prior to the booking so decided to head down and have a drink and enjoy the live music while we waited for our table. I order a drink from the bar while we waited and informed the restaurant staff we had arrived and for them to let us know when our table was ready. They took us straight in, I went back to let the barman know we were heading in he said no worries and that he would send me drink over. We sat down at our table and looked through the menu, a few minutes later our less than happy waitress came to take our order. After taking our meal orders I mentioned that I had ordered a drink from the bar upon arrival and just wanted to follow up on it. Her response was "If you've already ordered I'm not putting another order in, it will come when its ready." I clarified I just wished for her to check on it which she said reluctantly agreed to do. After another 10 minutes, 20 minutes since I had ordered my drink I walked back to the bar myself and the barman handed me my drink stating I was just about to bring it over. One of our party ordered a well done steak and upon ordering we were informed of a 30-45 minute wait for a well one steak. We agreed an asked for all the food to be held until the steak was ready so we could all eat together. 35 minutes later our meal was served, the well done steak was still medium at best. My lamb was small but perfectly cooked and delicious. We got a trio of sides, greens, mash and roast pumpkin, all were excellent. Other dish ordered was prawns to which we had to request and wait for bowls for shells and to wash hands with, something that should come standard with this meal. Upon arriving back to our room and getting ready to turn in for the night I pulled back the covers to see the mattress. I thought great I've pulled the fitted sheet off too. It wasn't a fitted sheet, just a flat sheet. Fair enough on a bed that large you may not be able to get fitted sheets but the flat sheet wasn't even large enough to be tucked in, just thrown on top. by morning my legs were resting straight on the mattress. Breakfast the second morning was again at Pacific. We were seated promptly as it was very quiet at the time we arrived. Our coffee order was taken and we sat own to eat. I finished 2 plates of food before I received a double espresso. One of the coffees was cold but by the time the order came we were ready to leave. We spent time by the pool and went for an walk around the island. On our travels we went past the Pavilion rooms. What an eyesore. Large hot water units and water pumps right next to the door of each Pavilion with hoses and cables around them. Big4 cabins look nicer. Dinner the second night was at Amici. We were served by Michael who was friendly and professional. Michael got us started with some bread and drinks while we finished looking over the menu and was also happy to make a wine recommendation which was a great choice. The food was served in good time and was all delicious. Breakfast on the third morning was again at Pacific, all the food was fresh and the staff kept it all well stocked when it got busy. We waited our whole meal for a coffee upon which time it went up to the bar to check and it was sitting on the bar ready but none of the many staff standing around were taking any orders out. Judging by how large the wet ring on the docket of my iced coffee was it had been sitting for a while along with other coffee's. We checked out of our room which was a great experience. We were told to just pack and leave any check baggage in our room to save us lugging them down to reception and staff would transfer them to the boat for us. The staff at reception were friendly and kind. We spent the day by the infinity pool again while we waited for the evening ferry. Again the QR code on the tables to order food and drinks was not working but unlike the days prior there were no staff walking around the packed pool everyone had to walk up and order at the counter. Drinks and food came quickly, the Pad Tai was delicious. Not only were staff not walking around taking orders but they also took hours to do a round and collect empty glasses and plates. At one point we heard another guest point out to staff that one of the pools underwater lighting fittings seemed to have exposed wiring sticking out. At this point staff evacuated the guests in the immediate vicinity from the pool, a few other surrounding guests were informed, not us even though we were sitting right on the edge of the pool. No signs were put up no follow up information given, within 10 minutes the pool was full again. Staff let the pool remain full while maintenance staff entered to pool to investigate. We finished at the pool and heading to reception to wait for our transfer to the marina. The incoming boat was late and we were informed that it was quite full. Staff did well to keep us informed and get us to the ferry as soon as it was ready. Another annoying thing that I noticed repeatedly while on the island was staff on their phones texting, scrolling facebook or one even recording whatsapp messages while working. I understand that some staff may require their phone for the job but I feel the staff spent more time on social media while we were on the Island than I did. Overall the look and feel of the island paired with more poor service than good made me feel like I was staying at a cheap backpacker hostel. When you charge a premium price you need to provide premium service, and for our stay this was not the case. Highly disappointed in our stay, was enough for us to know we don't need to visit again.

From the moment we arrived it felt like our very own’ White lotus’ experience. All the staff greeted our boat at the wharf as we arrived- We arrived to our room to find our bags already arrived very efficiently The room was extremely⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ class Very clean with quality soaps and accessories & beautiful room swim out overlooking the sparkling clean pool The staff that cleaned our room each day did a exceptional job With always a happy smile and nothing was too much trouble These staff members were a credit to the resort The staff also in the restaurant at Breakfast went above and beyond this busy time each day and went out of their way to attend to various requests Staff always had a lovely smile and made each breakfast a joy with their kindness Nothing was ever too much trouble The coffee shop that sold a variety of items including alcohol was also reasonably priced The staff in this little shop were also very helpful, pleasant with a smile at all times The resort overall is well worth the trip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ resort with all the trimmings Beautiful staff Great atmosphere We were so impressed with the various activities and the resort as a whole We have decided to change this to our yearly holiday destination The only real issue that really disappointed us- we had was a missing bottle opener for hubby’s beers that was not in the room when we arrived We phoned the main desk 3 times asking for one with a female worker who eventually arrived didn’t believe that the bottle opener was missing and proceeded to go through the mini bar and in a rude suggestive manner implying we had taken this bottle opener despite explaining we had searched thoroughly many times She said she would come back but never returned with a replacement We approached our events manager at our music event and explained the issue we were having and he very kindly gave us one of his own- ( mr Ansel D’Souza ) it was extremely generous of him and he resolved our issue quickly unlike the many calls made and the staff member not believing us that it was not in our room to begin with note to self - we will take our own next time

Absolutely incredible from start to finish! Hayman Island is truly paradise. The stunning location, crystal-clear water, beautiful resort, exceptional service and attention to detail made our stay unforgettable. Every experience felt luxurious yet relaxed, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The food, facilities and breathtaking views were all outstanding, but it was the genuine hospitality that really made the experience special. Hayman Island is the perfect place to unwind, switch off and enjoy a little slice of heaven. We loved every minute and can’t wait to return. Highly recommend Hayman Island for an unforgettable luxury getaway! 🌴✨

What an amazing venue !!!!! Luxurious accomodation , fabulous activities , delicious food in 3 restaurants and the staff were kind , attentive, welcoming and a credit to themselves and the resort . We attended 5 days at Music in paradise and the event was amazing . Even when they had to bring the event inside due to inclement weather , Jamie and Sooz communicated to all the attendees and it was the best move ever ! The concerts were intimate and had the best atmosphere . Beautiful resort , beautiful staff and great music over the 4 nights !!!!!

Just spent 5 nights at the Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and I could not recommend it highly enough. The accommodation and staff are second to none - a beautiful resort staffed by high quality staff - which made our stay fantastic - thank you.