Hamilton Island has introduced a fresh chapter for one of its most recognisable spaces with the debut of the reimagined Sails — a stylish poolside hub overlooking Catseye Bay and the first milestone in the resort’s broader Resort Centre renewal. Blending a new swim-up bar, relaxed modern Australian dining, and the elevated Sails Sunbed Series, the venue now delivers a refined yet easygoing island experience at the water’s edge.
Originally created in the early 1980s as part of Hamilton Island’s first resort development, Sails — along with its much-loved pool — has long been a cornerstone of Australian tropical holidays. Its transformation preserves the laidback charm that generations of travellers remember, while thoughtfully updating the space for today’s tastes and expectations.
The revitalised Sails welcomes guests from morning through dusk, offering an all-day menu shaped by modern Australian cuisine with Eastern Mediterranean influences. Expect vibrant, aromatic dishes ranging from breakfast classics to fresh salads, meze selections, and seasonal seafood — ideal for casual bites between swims or relaxed evenings outdoors. At the new Sails Swim-Up Bar, guests can linger in the water with a spritz or classic cocktail in hand, accompanied by live acoustic sessions that set an effortless island mood.
For travellers seeking an indulgent way to spend the day, the Sails Sunbed Series introduces a collection of curated experiences featuring reserved king-size sunbeds or twin loungers paired with tailored food and beverage packages. Each of the four options is designed for a different kind of day by the pool, whether that’s a slow morning unwind, a leisurely afternoon, or a celebratory toast beside the bay.
The reopening of Sails arrives amid a wave of enhancements across Hamilton Island. Recent highlights include a renewed dining scene with the return of Executive Chef Ryan Locke to Bommie at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Beach Club Restaurant; the launch of Catseye Pool Club at The Sundays by Josh and Julie Niland; refreshed menus and interiors at South East Asian favourite coca chu; and elevated culinary offerings at qualia’s Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion. These updates, together with island-wide upgrades, continue to reinforce Hamilton Island’s status as Australia’s signature tropical escape in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling notes the reopening of Sails as an important moment in the island’s ongoing evolution:
“Hamilton Island holds a special place in many Australians’ hearts, and Sails is woven into so many of those holiday memories. Bringing it back in this way is incredibly exciting. With its new pool experience, swim-up bar, expanded dining, and the Sails Sunbed Series, we’ve reimagined what guests have always loved while shaping it for how people want to relax today. It represents a major step forward for the Resort Centre precinct and reflects the broader transformation taking place across accommodation, dining, and experiences island-wide.”
