Lizard Island v Bedarra v Qualia

[Nizar]

Hi,

I am looking at taking my wife away to one of these places next year for her birthday.

Both of us have never been to the GBR and despite doing a bit of research on each of these properties online there doesn't seem to be much between them. We would be going in around August and for 3-5 nights. Probably 5 nights is more like it as it seems as effort to get there though more so for Bedarra and maybe Lizard.

I am leaning more towards Bedarra or Qualia as recent reviews have said that the lizard island rooms are starting to look "tired". Also we are keen on a plunge pool and the only Lizard room with that is the $3k a night pavillion considerably more than the $1950 for a windward at qualia or $1690 for the point villa at Bedarra so Lizard is out of running unless someone here convinces me otherwise lol.

So I'm keen to get others thoughts please and a bit of discussion going. Which is better ? Which has the more swimmable beach ? The better food ? The better service ?
Should the new one and only resort at Hayman also be considered ?

Thanks

 

[Nizar]

Still no replies after 24 hours and 177 views ?
Surely someone has been to at least one of these places ? Any feedback ?

Cheers

 

[amaroo]

We went to Bedarra Is for our honeymoon (20 years ago this Oct) and loved it. All inclusive and everything was top shelf.

Have been to Hayman Is (10 years ago) and I wouldn't go back.

These days we head to Places like The Nam Hai in Vietnam or The Datai (Langkawi). Asian resorts are truly 5* with better service/quality......and cheaper compared to Oz.

The Nam Hai is the winner IMHO.....beach villa with full size private pool and butler is the way to go

 

[Nizar]

We went to Bedarra Is for our honeymoon (20 years ago this Oct) and loved it. All inclusive and everything was top shelf.

Have been to Hayman Is (10 years ago) and I wouldn't go back.

These days we head to Places like The Nam Hai in Vietnam or The Datai (Langkawi). Asian resorts are truly 5* with better service/quality......and cheaper compared to Oz.

The Nam Hai is the winner IMHO.....beach villa with full size private pool and butler is the way to go

Might have to take your advice again, I certainly wasn't disappointed last time (Sri Panwa) !!

 

[nickfromeastryde]

Been to Bedarra twice but not since 2000 so not relevant for what you are looking for. Been through a cyclone and change of ownership since then so obviously different. Never been to Lizard or Qualia

In saying that, easily the best holiday and resort we have ever stayed at. 6 star service though I believe the real top notch alcohol not quite as accessible as when we were there. On our honeymoon in 87 there was only French champagne, blue label scotch was one of the many whisky's you could help yourself to and I think I brought about 6 bottles of Eileen Hardy Chardonnay home with me which was a bit naughty. In 2000 you actually had to pay for the top shelf offerings though with what was still included in the tariff you didn't really need to. Food was absolutely divine and back then at least would source things from the mainland if you had specific requests outside of their normal menus

Plenty of swimmable beaches, in fact you will probably have half a dozen that you can pick from that will be completely private, just the two of you

Other than swimming, walks and boating, not a lot of activities but Dunk Island is a 10 minute launch ride away so you can access all their activities if you feel so inclined not that most people took advantage of this. The barrier reef trips are also a fantastic experience

It truly is a beautiful island, you can be as private as you wish however also easy to socialise as the environment just lends itself to that occurring. When we were there, there was actually coughtails before dinner which I think everyone looked forward to

I'm biased but it would definately be my pick and somewhere we will go back to in the next few years

 

[Nizar]

Thanks Nick. Appreciate the feedback. I know we are going back a few years now but do you remember what time of the year you went or how long you stayed ?

I was initially thinking August but now Im thinking maybe in the first week or December im hoping that's before the monsoon season really gets going ? (They say the monsoon season is December to march).

I was thinking to stay for 3 days but I'm thinking 5 is more like it. We might even stay another night in Cairns or Mission Beach just to break up the journey.

 

[russ]

I stayed at Lizard about five years ago. The rooms were pretty basic but we didn't spend much time in them. The services was spotty because it was delivered by backpackers, not career hospitality staff. I wouldn't rush to go back.

If you are adventurous, one place I would go back to is Haggerstone Island, but it's a bit rustic for some people.

Personally I wouldn't head up there in December due weather - I usually time my trips in that area for June or so.

 

[nickfromeastryde]

Both times were February because that was when we got married but I don't think it's even open at that time now. Weather was always fantastic from memory

Agree with Russ about December and anyway, August is a always great time for North Queensland so that would be my pick

I think it is a great idea to have a stay on the mainland before you get there. Means that you won't be tired from travelling all day and can hit the ground running so to speak. Would also recommend 5 days as 3 days just doesn't get you into the groove

 

[Nizar]

Cheers guys I think I have made my decision. Looks like it's gonna be Bedarra in August for 5 nights plus a night on the mainland.
Unless someone can convince me for Qualia ? :mrgreen:

 

[amaroo]

Cheers guys I think I have made my decision. Looks like it's gonna be Bedarra in August for 5 nights plus a night on the mainland.
:mrgreen:

Can't fault that call - enjoy!