qualia named best hotel

HAMILTON Island's luxury resort, qualia has been named the Best Australian Hotel/Resort in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents 2014 National Travel Industry Awards - the premier industry event of the year.

The awards provide the opportunity for the industry to acknowledge the achievements of those who have excelled in the travel sector.

Acknowledging the award, qualia's General Manager - Matthew Taverner said the Oatley family's vision for qualia had been to create a luxury haven - melding the staggering beauty of its Whitsundays location on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and in close proximity to the famed Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach - with a distinct style and standard of service that was uniquely Australian.

"We take enormous pleasure in having the Australian Federation of Travel Agents bestow this award and reward our team for continuously delivering an extraordinary experience. Such an accolade is testament to us raising the standard for Australian luxury accommodation and holding true to the Oatley family's unique vision," Mr Taverner said.

Situated on Hamilton Island's sun-drenched northern-most tip with breathtaking views of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and tranquil Coral Sea; qualia's design combines a sense of place, openness and harmony that draws the outside in.

qualia also hosts several special events for its guests throughout the year, including the annual Audi Hamilton Island Race Week which is currently being held.

This is the largest offshore sailing regatta in Australia.

qualia also hosts the popular Australian Ballet's 'Pas de Deux in Paradise' performance under the stars, which will be held in early November, and the new Weekends of Wonderment series, also starting in November.

Source:  Whitsunday Times - 22nd August 2014