Hamilton Island, one of Australia’s most beloved holiday destinations, has opened the doors to its newest boutique hotel The Sundays—now welcoming guests to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The new 59-room property offers a fresh take on tropical island stays—just steps from the Coral Sea.
“The Sundays brings something truly special to Hamilton Island—an elevated boutique escape that welcomes families and reflects the warm, laidback, uniquely Australian style of hospitality Hamilton Island is known for,” says Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island.
The Sundays has been designed in a gentle dialogue with its surroundings —from sculptural stonework and tropical gardens to a meandering boardwalk that leads to the hotel’s private beach. Designer Carrie Williams has created relaxed, contemporary spaces where natural textures and a soft coastal palette frame sweeping Whitsunday views. Each room includes a balcony or terrace, while custom artworks by local First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg reflect the colours and stories of the Whitsundays. Thoughtful, premium amenities—including those designed for younger travellers—enhance the overall experience.
Guests can enjoy exclusive complimentary sunrise yoga, moonlit movies or simply daily Sundays Sundaes by the guest-only pool and beach. The hotel also offers easy access to Hamilton Island’s array of facilities and some of the Reef’s most iconic sights – Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.
At its heart is Catseye Pool Club, the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar by acclaimed Australian culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland. Open for lunch and dinner to all visitors, the menu celebrates seasonal Australian produce and a relaxed, share style approach to island dining – including a breezy poolside menu that channels effortless holiday vibes. Breakfast is reserved exclusively for guests of The Sundays. The cocktail list, curated by Sam Cocks, known for his work at Saint Peter Bar, is world-class: elevated yet playful, and perfect for poolside sipping or sundowners by the sea.
“Many of our guests first visited Hamilton Island as children, and now they’re returning with their own children and grandchildren to experience the magic all over again,” adds Dowling.
“The Sundays is part of Hamilton Island’s ongoing evolution—reimagined for today’s traveller on the site of one of the island’s original hotels. Over the years we’ve evolved our accommodation, dining, and experiences to reflect what our guests are looking for. Those who’ve been returning for decades know that you don’t need to travel far to tick off a bucket-list destination—the Great Barrier Reef is right here on our doorstep.”
The Sundays is a new way to relax, reconnect and experience Australia’s tropical island. It complements Hamilton Island’s diverse range of accommodation, including self-catered holiday homes, family-friendly hotels and bungalows, the adults only Beach Club, and the internationally acclaimed luxury retreat, qualia.
