If visiting the Great Barrier Reef or taking a trip to Australia is on your bucket list, consider this your sign to book that vacation—and Lizard Island is the hotel where your dream adventure begins.
The journey starts with a scenic, hour-long flight aboard a small jet from Cairns in Queensland that takes you directly to the key. En route, you’re treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most treasured natural wonders. On clear days, the sea gleams with vibrant blues, teals, and greens, while puffy clouds cast delicate shadows over the water below. Between the coral reefs, tiny dunes appear like picture-perfect postcards. As the plane touches down, you’re welcomed by the staff with synchronized waves, reminiscent of The White Lotus—but without the drama, of course.
You’re whisked from the tarmac to check in with a ride on the resort’s golf carts. As a Relais & Châteaux property, it’s no surprise that every detail of this hotel is flawlessly executed. From arrival to departure, you’ll find yourself in a constant state of relaxation, with every step taken care of. The air buzzes with the rhythm of island life: birds chirp, critters rustle, monitor lizards slither (hence the name), and waves gently lap the shore. Together, these sounds and the tranquil setting craft a serene escape.
Embracing the island lifestyle, quintessential whitewashed beach bungalows are tucked along the shore, blending effortlessly with the lush foliage and golden sands. Inside, the suites radiate coastal elegance, featuring natural oak floors, ocean-inspired tones, and plush king-sized beds swathed in creamy comforters. The en suite bathrooms are equally luxurious, offering walk-in showers, double sinks, and open-air closets. Thoughtful touches are everywhere: beach totes stocked with striped towels, bug spray for those tropical evenings, and flashlights to guide you to stargazing spots under the Milky Way.
For ocean lovers, snorkeling the Outer Reef is a must. The full-day reef tour with Lizard Island’s expert team (Lauren, Tomas, Jasper, and Tom) is unforgettable. The guides offer fascinating insights about marine life, making even the most hesitant swimmers feel at ease. They lead you to two iconic spots—Cod Hole and Dynamite—alive with vibrant coral, colorful fish, and occasional sightings of dolphins. Fish glide effortlessly around you, entirely unfazed, while small sharks pass by, uninterested—proving your snorkel gear is more amusing than appetizing. Between dives, you’re served an array of refreshing beverages and gourmet lunch boxes with veggie sticks, hummus, and prosciutto wraps.
After a day of sunbathing and swimming, your appetite will be ready for their elevated take on all-inclusive dining. Elegantly plated dishes like octopus carpaccio, tropical lobster with Thai green curry, and a Roaring Forties lamb fillet showcase gourmet flair. At the Driftwood Bar & Wine Cellar, craft cocktails like the “Yuzu Breeze” (featuring Lizard Island Gin, yuzu sake, limoncello, and lemon soda) make for a citrusy seaside refreshment. For nightcaps and a laid-back vibe, head to Marlin Bar, a nostalgic spot dating back to the 1970s, where you can enjoy a piña colada, bar bites, and a casual game of billiards with the friendly staff.
In short, Lizard Island isn’t just a beachfront resort with breathtaking views of one of nature’s greatest wonders—it’s a true tropical paradise where the dream of a private island escape comes vividly to life. While a trip to Australia might come with a high price tag, some experiences are simply priceless—and staying at Lizard Island is undoubtedly one of those once-in-a-lifetime indulgences.
Top Takeaways
Location: Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia
Address: PMB 40, QLD 4871, Australia
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: Your private island escape, where the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef feels like stepping straight into a scene from Finding Nemo.
Food + Drink: Marlin Bar, the island’s only public bar since the ’70s, is a favorite for sailors to dock and unwind over drinks. For a more refined experience, Salt Water delivers elegance, from napkins folded onto your lap to standout dishes like smashed avocado with poached eggs, grilled cherry tomatoes, and warm sourdough—a breakfast classic done right.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: It’s hard to pick just one, but the local Marlin Bar stands out. As the island’s only public watering hole, it’s a unique piece of history highlighting how special this place is—for both guests and staff alike.
Amenities: Spa; Fitness center; Private beach; Outdoor pool; Water sports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving); Restaurant; Bar; 24-hour front desk
What’s Nearby? On this remote island, embrace the tropical vibe and enjoy the resort’s offerings. Begin with the Blue Lagoon Track, a tranquil 40-minute walk through coastal heathland to Mangrove Beach. Follow with a gym session or tennis match, then unwind at Essentia Spa with the Dreaming Ritual, a cocoon treatment featuring coconut and hibiscus body polish.
Any personal neighborhood recs? If you’re up for a bit of adventure in the neighborhood, we recommend tackling Chinamans Ridge: a short, steep track with rock-cut steps that leads over the granite ridge into Watsons Bay. For a more challenging hike, head to the northern end of Watsons Bay (about 1.2km from here), where a steep 2.25km trail climbs to the top of Cooks Look.
Rooms: 40
Pricing: Rates start at $1,100/night.
Closest airport: As a private island resort, Lizard Island has its own airport. To get there, you’ll fly in a small plane with Hinterland Aviation from Hangar 7 at Cairns Airport.
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
