Private Paradise for a Fortunate Few in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Outstanding in every respect, the unique pleasures of Lizard Island create an iconic island retreat second to none. One of Australia’s northernmost islands, Lizard is located right on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, fringed with colorful coral reefs and private powdery white beaches waiting to be explored. Often referred to as Australia’s most spectacular island resort, Lizard is acclaimed for its pristine wilderness, sublime luxury and innovative cuisine, not to mention world-class scuba diving and big game fishing including the impressive black marlin; the mythical creature sought after in Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’. Accessible only by private plane, Lizard Island is a paradise reserved for a fortunate few.
Paradisiacal Perfection
Lizard Island presents elegant, yet understated Great Barrier Reef accommodation in a variety of rooms and suites that satisfy even the most particular paradisiacal needs. Choose to stay in a tropical garden setting at the resort’s Anchor Bay rooms, with direct access to the beach, as well as private balcony and hammock. Crisp colors and earthy tones mirror the spectacular setting, with a focus on sea and sand in contrast to the rich green of tropical palms. For a calm, inviting atmosphere, stay in one of the Sunset Point Villas set high on Sunset Ridge amidst native Eucalypt trees with an elegant interior of natural color blends and textures. For complete privacy, book the one and only Pavilion Suite, perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Ridge. After being welcomed by a bottle of Bollinger and a deluxe fruit bowl upon arrival, spend the day relaxing on your private deck with plunge pool, sun lounges and a daybed area, as you soak up the spectacular 270-degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach. Although leaving the sanctuary of your private retreat will be difficult to do, we recommend a leisurely stroll down a private path where another secluded area is perfectly positioned to make the most of sea breezes and incomparable views. Go on, Lizard Island is all about letting yourself get carried away in paradise.
Gourmand Delight
To take full advantage of the beauty and luxury Lizard Island has to offer, treat yourself to a simple and relaxed dinner at Ospreys Restaurant, the idyllic setting to enjoy the views along the island’s majestic seascape. With an accent on fresh seafood and superb local produce, the daily changing menus draw on the flavors of modern Australian, Asian and European cuisine. Highly acclaimed Executive Chef, Anthony Healy has a culinary career spanning 10 years across the globe – working in top restaurants in London (Les Trois Garcons) and Paris (Demi chef de partie) as well as Australia. With stunning scenery and culinary excellence, Ospreys Restaurant is the perfect spot on Lizard Island for couples and friends who want to put their swimwear away and slip into some relaxed evening wear to enjoy a special night out.
If you’re perfectly happy dining in singlets and sunscreen, spend the day at Lizard’s Bar & Lounge, a relaxed venue with comfortable sofas and an inviting bar area. Enjoy tropical juices, coffee and tea, as well as an extensive selection of Australian and imported beers. The impressive wine list features Australian and New Zealand vintners as well as a Cellar Masters list to peruse if you wish to uncork something truly unique for a special occasion. New cocktails are being created every day on Lizard Island using fresh local produce and the finest ingredients – choose something from the list of classics, or have an exclusive mix made depending on your mood.
For a more private dining experience, take a dinghy to a deserted beach where you can delight in a delicious gourmet picnic. Just choose your gourmet picnic menu and beverage selection the night prior, and the rest will be taken care of. All you have to do is show up at the Beach Club and relax – your captain will take care of the details! Feast on gourmet fresh salads, seafood, and freshly baked sweets in the comfort of your own private beach. If you’re here to celebrate a momentous anniversary or birthday, book Lizard Island’s private Beachside Degustation Dinner. After making the choice between two perfect beach locations, you’ll meet with the island’s Chef to discuss options for each one of your seven courses as well as an ideally matched wine selection. Minimal service interruptions ensure the ultimate seclusion and privacy.
Hemingway Style
Luxury dining and beachfront lounging aside, Lizard Island also boasts an array of activities. Choose from complimentary recreation like paddle skiing on the bay, snorkeling over a clam garden, playing tennis, or exploring Anchor and Watson’s Bays in a glass bottom boat. Go for an intimate twilight cruise along endless beaches or take a hike to the top of Cook’s Look on a self-guided walk. If those activities don’t keep you busy, take an adrenaline charged fishing expedition, enroll in diving courses, go for a dive at the world famous Cod Hole and explore the inner and outer reef, or if you’re brave enough, explore the depths in the dark and go night diving.
Enrich Your Spirit
For those who like to indulge, the Azure Spa offers a range of treatments inspired by nature to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Embracing the powerful healing qualities of Mother Nature herself, each signature therapy is a blend of dynamic ingredients designed to balance the physical and emotional body leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. Combining ancient indigenous medicines and massage techniques, with aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy and herbalism principles it will positively enrich your spirit while providing extreme skincare results.
An international favorite for exclusive events, book the entire island for up to 80 guests. Whether it’s a wedding, honeymoon, baby moon or birthday party, Lizard Island is the ultimate special event destination. Consistently rated as one of the top ten resorts in the world, Lizard Island’s promises that you and your guests will want for nothing in this isolated paradise. Here, you can create the event of your dreams, limited only by your imagination.
