Qualia Resort
Hamilton Island, Queensland, 2009
Qualia Resort covers an area of 12 hectares located on the northern headland of Hamilton Island overlooking the Whitsunday Islands. Resort facilities are strategically located within a Blue Gum forest and include 60 one bedroom pavilions, Beach Club and swimming pool with private lounge pavilions, Health Spa, Helipad and the Long Pavilion restaurant with bar and swimming pool.
The design requirement to deliberately understate the landscape provided inspiration and opportunity to showcase the spectacular views of the Coral Sea and minimalistic architecture. The forthright design and restrained plant selection was to reflect the harmony and scale of the natural landscape. Mass plantings of indigenous trees in combination with the Blue Gum forest unify the landscape while tropical plants and indigenous palms accent the resorts facilities and pavilion entrances.
Qualia is a world-class luxury resort voted best resort in the world, 2012 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award and Best Australian Resort, 2014 Luxury Travel Magazine. The landscaping of Qualia Resort continues to receive local and international praise.
Architect: Chris Beckingham