HotelChatter

Lizard Island

Lizard Island has been ranked the #1 resort in the South Pacific for the last 3 years and is #9 on the overall list this year.  And it definitely deserves those honors.

It takes a bit of an effort to get there - basically the only way is to take a charter flight from Cairns.  But it is well worth the effort (and cost).

The resort only accommodates up to 80 guests at a time, most of whom stay in bungalows with beach views and lots of privacy.  Aside from a small public campground on the other side of the island, as well as a small research facility, the resort is the only thing on the island.  The staff to guest ratio is at least 2:1, which means that from the second you step foot on the island - and are greeted with a glass of champagne - they know who you are, what you want to do while you're there, and they go out of their way repeatedly to make sure you are enjoying yourself.

The cost of luxury isn't cheap - you'll pay at least $765 per night per person.  But the rates are inclusive of activities around the island and meals at the award winning restaurant.  Trips out to the Reef to dive or snorkel are at an additional charge, but prices are reasonable and well worth the cost of being taken to completely isolated locations that are free from mainland day trippers.  The infamous dive spot - the Cod Hole - is one such excursion they offer.

The small number of guests provides for moments when you feel like you truly have the island to yourself.  One afternoon I even had an entire beach to myself - that's right, an ENTIRE BEACH, with not a structure or human being in sight.

This is definitely an exclusive resort (Tiger Woods was one of the guests while I was there) and it is completely isolated from civilization (ie your cell phone won't work).  But if 'getting away from it all without sacrificing comfort' is what you're looking for, Lizard Island is THE place to do it.  I can't wait to go back.