Exclusive Escape: Lizard Island Resort
Located approximately 17 miles off the Queensland coast, Lizard Island Resort is the premier accommodation for experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the Northernmost resort on one of the world’s natural wonders and is the only accommodation in the National Park, promising coveted reef encounters and seclusion. Lizard Island boasts direct access to the fringing reef, with more vibrant snorkeling and world-renowned scuba diving just a short boat ride away. The complimentary water-based activities, crisp, Scandinavian décor, and top-notch gastronomy make Lizard Island a must for those seeking beauty, relaxation, and luxury.
Getting To Lizard Island
A 60-minute scenic flight from Cairns transports you to heaven on earth. Due to its small size, the aircraft allows all guests to have a prime view of the turquoise waters and sprawling reef formations below. The runway is located close to the resort, so it only takes a few minutes to reach the check-in desk via a golf cart escort. Within a half hour of landing, you can hop into the water and snorkel with giant clams and colorful fish.
Lodge Details - Barefoot Luxury
The untouched nature surrounding the property creates an instantly relaxing environment. Fragrant frangipani and spider lilies line the wooden walkways, and blissful butterflies and birds drift by. The understated elegance of the 40 suites and villas, decorated with homey furniture, and a palette based on whites and creams, soft browns, and muted blues, contributes to the sense of serenity. The large glass sliding doors allow the natural environment outside to extend inside. Quite literally... I stumbled upon a lizard in my suite.
With direct beach access, a spacious deck, and a cozy King-size day bed, the Beachfront Suite is my personal favorite room category. It’s hard to top an early evening spent relaxing on the day bed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand, watching the multicolor sunset over Anchor Bay.
Dining
Salt Water, the only restaurant onsite, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The laid back, open-air eatery has panoramic views of the Coral Sea and the swaying palm trees. All meals are incredibly fresh and focus on the island’s local resources. The plentiful breakfast includes tropical fruits like dragon fruit, mangosteen, and star fruit, as well as staple items such as eggs, bread, charcuterie, and house made honey yogurt. Varying daily, the dinner menu highlights the catch of the day, with a modern Australian flare and Asian fusion.
Also included in the nightly rate is a “create your own” picnic basket. Lunch choices vary from sushi and king prawns, to cheeses and meats, and champagne, of course. Take advantage of the complimentary boat transfer to one of the island’s 24 beaches, or use a courtesy motorized dinghy to discover a sandy cove on your own. Spend the day snorkeling with turtles and enjoying the solitude of an empty shore.
Adventures Onsite
Other activities include scuba diving, fishing, paddle boarding, and glass bottom kayaking. For those not wanting to leave land, you may visit the Lizard Island Research Centre, go on a scenic hike, play a round of tennis, have a dip in the freshwater pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or practice yoga on the beach. Lizard Island Resort is perfect for those seeking an exclusive experience in an idyllic paradise.
Lodge Features
40 Suites and Villas located directly on the Great Barrier Reef
Open air restaurant highlighting fresh seafood and tropical produce, with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, selected fine Australian and New Zealand wines, beers, spirits and champagne
In-room mini bar, restocked daily with snacks, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
Day spa, freshwater pool, gymnasium, and tennis court
24 private beaches with complimentary drop off
Included activities such as hiking, tennis, nature presentations, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and motorized dinghies
Books and games library
Guest lounge with Internet access
