Why Australia's Hayman Spa Is A Couples Destination For U.S. Travelers
With American travelers flocking to Sydney, Australia, one short flight can cap off their big city visit with a peaceful, isolated escape into nature. According to Statista, 403,000 tourists from the U.S. visited The Emerald City in 2023, making it the largest source of international visitors to the bustling destination.
A two-and-a-half-hour flight and short ferry away awaits Hayman Island's InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. The luxurious, ultra-private tranquil escape features 182 spread-out rooms, suites and villas, a handful of dining establishments, beaches, personalized experiences and the Hayman Spa—home to the exclusive Bamboo Loft couples hideaway.
private Bamboo Loft room for couples at Hayman Spa at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
As a premier destination for honeymooners, romantic vacationers, or couples celebrating their anniversary, the lush resort offers two options for partners to relax and rejuvenate together at the spa. The serene Bamboo Loft can be rented for a half-day to guests embarking on one of two immersive shared rituals.
The Hayman Signature Experience for Two is a 4.5-hour, $2,200 signature spa journey. With access to a private bath and steam room, couples can indulge in an aromatic, milky cleanse, accompanied by refreshments and sparkling wine. This also includes an exotic body exfoliation followed by the application of oils and mood-balancing aromas. These set the mood for what's to come: a Hayman Signature Massage with signature scent, followed by a high-performance pro-glow renewal facial. An abbreviated version of the same experience is offered as part of the 3.5-hour Couples in Paradise package for $1,500.
The Bamboo Loft can also be booked as an enhancement to any spa treatment, offering private access to the bath and steam room, plus a seasonal platter, herbal tea and a glass of sparkling wine. For one guest only, a 60-minute experience can be snagged for $300. The Beauty of Hayman Spa
Elemis is the spa's featured skincare partner, while the scent of Frangipani Monoi Oil infuses the space—an homage to the lush, tropical essence of its Whitsunday surroundings. Adorned with clean architectural lines and warm timber ceilings, the soft, neutral space feels both sophisticated and grounded.
'As you walk into Hayman Spa, the outside world melts away, replaced by quiet luxury and renewal,' says the resort's spa and fitness manager Milli Jacobs. 'And as you journey further into the spa, the atmosphere unfolds with quiet grace. Thoughtfully layered natural textures and soft coastal accents mirror the beauty of Hayman Island, evoking an effortless sense of barefoot luxury.'
Ultimately, the luxurious, grounding spa is a reflection of the resort as a whole.
'The space is an immersive journey of stillness, connection and island luxury,' Jacobs says. 'Every detail is crafted to soothe and restore. It remains one of Australia's most exclusive spa destinations, guiding guests to unwind completely and align with the tranquil flow of the Whitsundays.'
A wide view of Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort in Australia Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts Life On Hayman Island Outside Of The Spa
While couples may be too relaxed following their intensive spa experience, other days during their stay present an array of once-in-a-lifetime bonding opportunities. From a boat ride to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, to snorkeling excursions in the Whitsundays, guests don't have to travel far to experience the area to its fullest. If they want to branch out a bit, they can arrange boat transfers to other secluded locations, including Langford Island, Bali Hai Reef and Blue Pearl Bay.
Keeping things cute and cozy, couples can book a Romantic Sunset Escapade or Sunset Cruise, complete with wine and antipasto. And for the pairs looking to turn things up a notch, there are nearby jet-ski tours. For those who prefer a more low-key stay, the resort's private beach offers water sports equipment for guests to borrow, including paddle boards, kayaks and sailboats. And, of course, there are two multipurpose pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center (complete with pilates reformers), squash courts and a hiking trail around the island.
Celebrating its 75th year in business, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is a destination for U.S. travelers (in relationships or otherwise) 'seeking a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and luxury,' says the resort's general manager Kayte Staraj. 'As the closest island resort to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, guests have direct access to world-class snorkeling adventures and Whitehaven Beach, which was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort's tours make these bucket-list experiences effortless and luxurious.'
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