LIZARD ISLAND RESORT

If it is marine adventures you seek, the team are also on hand to arrange stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear, or perhaps organise a spot of scuba diving at nearby Cod Hole. Glass-bottomed boat trips and guided hikes are also on offer, or you may wish to visit the Lizard Island Research Station to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef.

Back at the resort, work up an appetite for lunch with a game of tennis, unwind by the pool or opt for some pampering in the spa. To fuel your adventures, dishes on the Salt Water Restaurant’s daily changing menu are inspired by the finest local produce; as you’d expect there is an emphasis on freshly-caught seafood, but meat lovers and vegetarians will find plenty to tempt them too. For something extra-special, reserve one of the two private pavilions on the beach for a seven-course tasting menu; each pavilion is perfectly positioned for uninterrupted views of the sunset.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Couples and romantics
• Lovers of marine adventures

THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL:

• Glide across Anchor Bay’s crystal-clear waters on glass-bottomed kayak or paddle board
• Take a lap or two of the palm-shaded swimming pool
• Burn off any excess energy on the tennis court
• Recover from the day’s adventures on your private deck, or with a soothing massage in the spa
• Head to the Driftwood Bar for pre-dinner drinks
• Feast on fine modern Australian cuisine over dinner at the Salt Water Restaurant, enjoying views over Anchor Bay
• Take in a memorable sunset over a seven-course tasting menu in one of the private beach pavilions

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Pack up a picnic and tour some of the island’s 24 beaches on your own private dinghy
• Learn about the flora and fauna on Lizard Island on a guided nature walk
• Snorkel in pristine coves and coral gardens, drifting past green turtles, giant clams and a dazzling array of colourful reef fish
• Set out on a hike to Cook’s Look, following the footsteps of Captain Cook as you ascend the island’s highest summit
• Go scuba diving on some of the reef’s most enchanting and least-visited dive sites
• Fish for Mackerel and Queenfish on the inner reef, and Sailfish and Black Marlin on the outer reef