Elysian Island Retreat

Australia| Queensland

Kick off your shoes and prepare for barefoot luxury and relaxed days after helicoptering in to the laidback Elysian Island Retreat. Hammocks and daybeds on the balconies of the 10 private villas set the tone for star gazing and long pool days. The romantic villas all are designed in a glam-castaway theme with plenty of white and wicker.

Built in the 90’s as one of Australia’s pioneering eco-resorts, surviving a thrashing by Cyclone Debbie in 2016 and after a luxury renovation the island re opened in April 2019. With a maximum of 20 guests there is plenty of space for privacy and seclusion.

At Elysian Island Retreat, there is no sandy beach here but the rocky foreshore provides a tidal expanse that allows for walks and bird watching. Never fear though as the magnesium swimming pool makes up for any lack of swimming beach.

No menus are provided, meals are something of a surprise package, made with local ingredients and freshly caught seafood. As much as possible, ingredients are fresh, local, seasonal, sustainable, free range and organic to ensure your dining experience is wholesome, nourishing and comforting. Each meal is an event within itself, with gourmet breakfasts, al fresco or picnic lunches and memorable 3 course dinners.

Stay 5 nights or more and enjoy:
Three gourmet meals, daily
Complimentary hot drinks, soft drinks & water all day
Sunset canapés
Unlimited use of all non-motorised water sports equipment: Stand up paddlevboards, glass bottom kayaks and snorkelling gear
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilised during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Magnesium Resort Pool
‘Lotus’ a dedicated resort vessel for trips to Whitehaven Beach, secluded beach picnics or to join other existing Whitsunday Tour departure points

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This resort is open all year round. Complete the Trip Enquiry form below for more information on prices and availability for your preferred dates.

INFORMATION

Destination

The most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays. Elysian Retreat is a soulfully crafted oasis ecologically designed to inspire a serene sojourn. A blissful escape from the crowds on the southern point of Long Island with an emphasis placed on exclusively tailored experiences for a maximum of 20 guests. Located in a 3 hectare private cove, surrounded by rainforest and all the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef, this boutique eco island boasts a locally sourced menu and personalised organic spa treatments with dedicated hosts on hand. Elysian can be hired exclusively for those not wanting to share the sequestered beauty of this paradise.

Elysian caters to children 14 years old and over.

Rooms and Amenities

Accommodation is provided in 10 beautifully appointed air-conditioned oceanfront island villas with both ocean, mountain and rainforest views. Crafted from solid Australian hardwood with high cathedral ceilings. Large windows and private balconies, with uninterrupted water views. En-suites with shower and organic amenities. Outdoor hammocks, day beds and outdoor showers provide ample opportunity for relaxation.

Meals and Drinks

The all-inclusive package includes three gourmet meals daily, plus a cocktail and canapés before dinner, and high-end wine paired with each dinner course. Vegetables and herbs are plucked straight from the island’s own herb garden and food is sourced from surrounding farm regions such as Bowen.

Executive chef Joshua Beckett operates a daily changing menu by using the best ingredients available and pairing them with the preferences of guests. Feast on the likes of red emperor caught straight from the surrounding Coral Sea for dinner, or a healthy breakfast bowl designed to resemble the aqua ocean and surrounding mountains.

Once a week, there’s also a chef’s table for guests in which shared food platters are served and on your last night, the chef will prepare you a ‘last supper’ of your favourite foods.

Activities and Inclusions

With its location set amongst the Whitsunday Islands there are boundless opportunities to explore the island and surrounds and many once-in-a-lifetime moments. In addition to all the diving and snorkelling the heart desires, guests can take a sailing charter out to Whitehaven Beach or try their hand at fishing, or a helicopter tour to Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach with a gourmet picnic hamper.

Bathe in the magnesium pool to relieve stress and detoxify and energise the body; join the free daily yoga session at 7am overlooking the ocean; take a bush walk; organise a day trip to another island; and indulge in unlimited use of water sport equipment including snorkelling gear, SUPs and glass-bottom kayaks. Or simply hang in a hammock and read, relax and revel in having this piece of paradise all to yourself.

When to travel

The tropical climate follows two distinct seasons. The dry season, from April to October, features mild to warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights, making it a popular time to visit. The green season is from November to March when its hotter with higher humidity.

Whale season runs from July through to October each year. The whales migrate north from July onwards and then start migrating south again from September onwards.

Stinger season runs between November and May each year where stingers may be present in the ocean. Guests can be provided with stinger suits.

Getting there

Domestic flight from most Australian capital cities into either Hamilton Island or Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine)

Helicopter transfers take 7-15 minute to Elysian Retreat leaving from Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport. Private boat charters are available, but access is severely restricted and limited due to tides, please enquire if you require a boat transfer to check times and days are available