InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is a resort on its own island in the Whitsundays. It has 182 rooms, suites and villas across four wings, called Pool, Lagoon, Beach and Pavilion, plus four Hayman Residences on the hilltop.

Room types run from courtyard rooms and beachfront pool villas to family suites and a three bedroom beach house, so a mixed guest list is easy to place. There are five restaurants and bars, and the Hayman Spa and Salon treats guests in cabanas set in the rainforest. Fifteen indoor and outdoor spaces serve events, which means a wedding weekend never runs short of places to gather.

The resort lists eight ceremony locations, from Hayman Beach and Coconut Beach to the Formal Gardens and the hilltop Stella Maris Chapel, which takes up to 70. Hayman Beach and the indoor Arkhurst each hold up to 300, Coconut Grove and Coconut Beach 200, Bam Bam Lawn 220 for cocktails, and the Formal Gardens 150 for vows or 80 for dinner. Hayman Pool seats 250 at cabaret tables, and the covered Pool Lanai, for up to 100, is the wet weather backup.

Coconut Beach is subject to the tides, so plan timings with the team. Private dining includes a chef's table for a rehearsal dinner. Ask about the music curfew, and start early, as bookings are taken within twelve months.

Most guests can stay on the island, and the room types suit couples, families and groups. Restaurants include Pacific, Amici, Aqua and Bam Bam, with the Grove Boutique and Café for lighter moments.

Getting there takes two steps. Fly into Hamilton Island Airport from a major Australian city, then cross to Hayman by boat, helicopter or private charter, subject to availability. From the UK that means a long-haul flight to Australia first, so suggest guests build in a few days to settle. Ask the team about transfer timings and booking them for the whole group.