So you need to sleep underwater? Cruise Whitsundays recently unveiled the newest jewel in its crown – the very first underwater suites in Australia, Reefsuites.
The location: Whitsundays, Queensland
The Whitsundays is a glorious part of Australia, with 74 islands dotted inside the azure blue waters. The jewel within the crown may be the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, and also the the easiest way really feel it would be to stay overnight in the new Reefworld.
The Reefsuites experience starts with a ship transfer in one of Cruise Whitsundays modern and sleek vessels, from Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island or from blossoming Airlie Beach. It is similar to finding yourself in a postcard, passing islands and pristine bays and everywhere the tropical blues and aquamarines of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Reefworld is situated at Hardy Reef, about 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. Reefworld is really a pontoon that's half resort and half aquarium, making it simple to take advantage of this special location. This pontoon has been completely refurbished and remodeled which is barely recognizable from what it really was before.
The the very first thing strikes me is now well setup it is only for fun and games around the reef. There's a long rack of wetsuits and sexy stinger suits, which are good for sun-protection when you're snorkeling. Other giant tubs hold masks and snorkels, yet others hold flippers.
Downstairs, it comes with an observation area where you can just sit and contemplate while you watch fish swim by and prevent for just about any curious peek. You might actually have a diver trip to give a talk which you are seeing, or prone to see on the reef. Another pontoon located nearby services day trippers there are also pontoons for helicopters and seaplanes. These come in very handy for that a large number of birds who make use of them as loungerooms.
The experience
After seeing what's out there in the observation area escape amongst it. First option is to step aboard the semi-submarine for any consider the reef. There's a knowledgeable guide aboard who points out the big range of corals and educates us about the subject. The Reef has 1,400 species of coral it is also really fascinating to know how coral spawns, grows and lives. Did you know coral is an animal and it is part of the same family as jellyfish? You need to do now.
A guided snorkeling tour is next, after being expertly fitted out in a stinger suit, flippers and snorkel mask, we step onto a movable platform that's made for snorkelers or divers with railings to carry and areas on sides to go in water. Our guide swims us to the advantage from the reef and highlights all kinds of coral and fish once we move about. We even see two turtles, one swimming happily underneath our scissoring legs and the other lazing at the base. It's an incredible experience.
Divers are actually well catered for too – you are able to subscribe to an introductory dive and if you had been ever getting it done, here is the place. There is a special diving area accessed within the pontoon. The fully certified PADI/SSI instructors will assure you're comfortable when you learn the basics and can literally hold you because they take you on which is really a memorable experience. Certified divers come in heaven out here with several great dive sites available.
Sleeping over
Reefworld has two options – you can sleep within the pontoon in a very comfortable reef bed or decide to sleep underneath the waterline inside the two Reefsuites. The reef beds are a brand-new design, a really comfortable bed that you could enclose just like a pod tent, or leave open so you can sleep underneath the stars. They even possess a USB charger and power adaptor for charging cameras.
The star attraction may be the Reefsuites, with two suites which are literally beneath the water. The suites possess a queen-sized bed even though you'll find push button blinds, who'd have the ability to resist simply looking the floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the big blue beyond. The ensuite bathrooms are beautiful, with the shower as well as the toilet giving water views. I used to be standing around the basin admiring the Urban Skincare Co amenities when a number of fish swim right by, wanting a glance at this strange creature within their world. Once darkness falls, there is a light you are able to switch on that illuminates the water outside.
It's not just the sleeping arrangements that are exceptional out here, it's the gourmet food and drinks. Reefsuite guests are treated to delicious meals on top deck, made on-site by onboard chefs using local produce in the Whitsundays region. Savouring every morsel of the divine meal is made much more special through the surroundings.
Extend your stay in the Whitsundays
Add for the reef understanding of several nights at InterContinental Hayman Island. The Beach Pool Villas are stunning with two pavilions linked with a personal pool. Decide to swim in your pool, within the sea outside you, or perhaps in one of the absolutely stunning resort pools. The infinity pool is gorgeous at sunset and also the massive Hayman Pool is perfect for throughout the day. I suggest one of the cabanas which are poolside near Aqua restaurant but additionally provide you with views within the lagoon. For supper, Bam Bam is delightful.
