Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat

Ocean Front Villas South
With sweeping views of the ocean and the Conway National Park to the west and rainforest & Long Island National Park mountain to the east, the Oceanfront Villa South are the epitome of a laid-back barefoot escape in the Whitsundays and can be booked with one king bed or twin beds. Enjoy ocean and rainforest views with a front deck.

Ocean Front Villas North
Bigger in floorspace than South Villas, the North Villa also has sweeping views of the ocean and the Conway National Park to the west and rainforest & Long Island National Park mountain to the east. Complete with an additional back deck featuring outdoor shower, the Oceanfront Villa North are the epitome of a laid-back barefoot escape in the Whitsundays. Ocean and Rainforest views with front and rear enclosed deck, outdoor shower and outdoor daybed.

On Island Activities
The stunning surrounds of Long Island offers immersive experiences for every guest. Take a nature walk and explore the island at your own pace. Dive into the mineral pool with
breathtaking views, play a game of giant chess or croquet.

Kayak to secluded coves for a romantic picnic or retreat back to your room for a celebratory glass of Champagne. Explore local bays, hikes and water-based activities. Discover the island at a pace that suits you.

As a guest of Elysian Retreat, we invite you to unlock the best of the Whitsundays by immersing in an incredible variety of island activities.

Swimming & Snorkelling
Swimming from the beach in front of the lounge is best at high tide, while snorkelling is best done at low tide so you are closer to the coral.

Most of the Whitsunday islands have fringing reef around them of varying quality and quantity. Coral tends to grow best away from any source of fresh water run off coming from creeks, rivers or urban development. For this reason, coral is usually best around the headland from bays, rather than right in the middle of a bay, which often has the freshwater creek running into it.

There is a coral reef across Paradise Bay, which is definitely worth snorkelling in the right conditions. Please ask the friendly team for some directions. Although the reef at the front of the gazebo is mainly seagrass with small outcrops of coral, there is still an abundance of life. Nudibranchs (sea slugs), sponges, varied fish, turtles, long tail and lagoon rays are all seen regularly. Enjoy unlimited use of snorkelling equipment during your stay.

Paddleboarding
Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy a bit of light exercise while taking in the scenery. You might even be lucky enough to see a green turtle, ray or whale in season.

Kayaking
Guests can take a glass bottom kayak and explore just off the shore, within the sheltered bay or for the more experienced a kayak to Sandy Bay 1km north offers a nature hike and sandy beach to enjoy.

Sailing
Take out the island’s Hobbie catamaran and venture out into the surrounding waters of Paradise Bay.

Daily Exercise Classes
Begin your day with a morning yoga session to gently awaken your body and calm your mind. The instructor will guide you through a series of flowing movements, poses and meditation techniques by the ocean to bring your body into a state of relaxation and balance. Perfect for beginners. Private classes and evening yoga sessions are available upon request.

Jala Spa ‘Jala’ - Element of Water
Awaken the senses, rebalance the mind and body and rejuvenate your spirit at the island Ayurveda inspired day spa Jala. Serenity guides every element of the spa while each treatment aims to restore balance and wellness.

The treatments are designed to reflect the tranquility and uninterrupted beauty of the Whitsundays and its ocean treasures. Decadent spa treatments utilize organic ranges from Edible Beauty & Subtle Energies spa product ranges.

Edible Beauty Australia uses the highest quality pure, botanical and wildcrafted ingredients to create a range of beauty products that is both therapeutic and luxurious. Created by naturopath and nutritionist Anna Mitsios, this range is an evolution of her love
of herbal and natural ingredients.

Subtle Energies creates aromatherapy, natural skincare and wellness solutions founded on authentic Ayurveda principles. All products are made in Australia following European standards of natural skincare, to create safe, ethical and effective products. Winner at AsiaSpa Awards 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Rain Forest Walk
Journey past Villa 10 to enter the trail into the Long Island National Park surrounding the resort. The natural trail is low impact, rocky and narrow in places yet leads to a lookout on the southern tip of the island, with spectacular vistas down Whitsunday passage. From the lookout, view the bare peaks of Pentecost Island, the only island named by Captain Cook on his sail through the Whitsunday’s in 1770. Further to the right are Lindeman and Shaw Islands, followed by the Smith group and then Cape Conway on the mainland. A gentle pace along this trail will have you back at Elysian within roughly two hours.

If you are quiet and observant while walking in the forest, you may see wallabies (small marsupials similar to Kangaroos), several varieties of lizards including large goannas, some snakes, many different species of birds and even some dingoes (native dogs), which are occasionally heard howling on the full moon but very rarely seen.

Bird Watching
Some of the more common bird species found around Long Island include Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets, Laughing Kookaburras, Terns, Reef Egrets, Brahminy Kites, White Breasted Sea Eagles, Osprey, Curlews, Currawong, Sunbirds, Oystercatchers, Honeyeaters and Bee-Eaters. Please ask the team on the island for the “Identified Bird List” if you are interested in ticking off the birds you have seen during your stay. A few bird reference guides are available in the lounge to help identify the different species.

Cooking Lesson
If you are enjoying the cuisine at Elysian and wouldn’t mind trying your hand in the kitchen why not join the chef for a morning or afternoon to learn a few techniques and recipes that forms part of the daily changing menu and showcases the best of the Whitsunday’s local produce. Introduction to fermentation or making your own kombucha can be included.

Off Island Activities
Bookings are essential for these adventures, but can be done on arrival to Elysian at least 24 hours prior to desired departure day. Please note that all tours may be subject to
availability and weather conditions.

As a guest of Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat, you are invited to unlock the best of the Whitsundays by immersing in an incredible variety of island activities .

By Water | Ngaro Indigenous Cultural Tour of Whitsundays
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Ngaro People with your own Ngaro Indigenous Guide who’s relatives lived on these islands. Learn about the history of these ancient island sea people, their customs and how they hunted and sourced “bush tucker”.

As a small exclusive group, you will explore two islands and visit a cave featuring Aboriginal rock paintings. Enjoy an easy stroll through a rain forest, learn about the diverse native flora & fauna of the region from your guide. This tour also includes a traditional spear fishing lesson for those looking to try it out!

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Tour
Idyllic island views surrounded by nothing but sapphire vistas. A combination leaving nothing left to be desired, these panoramas offer the perfect backdrop for exploring hidden gems of the Whitsundays! Take the ride of your life while cruising through subtropical islands with some of the most spectacular ocean views on offer in the Whitsunday Islands and then settle on the southern tip of Whitehaven Beach to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. Relax with a book, snorkel the fringing reefs at Chalkies Beach amongst pure white silica sand or simple absorb the wonder of nature.

Sea Kayak Expedition with Salty Sea Dog Kayaking
Explore the awe-inspiring Whitsunday Islands by sea kayak with fringing coral reefs and turquoise waters nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Sea kayak the Whitsundays and become part of nature from mangrove fringed coastline to the brilliant white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. Explore, enjoy, relax, energize.

Explore Sail & Snorkel
This sailing adventure takes you to two of the best locations in the Whitsundays: the world renowned Whitehaven Beach and also Chalkies Beach. Enjoy the vistas before exploring beneath the water’s surface on the fringing reef of Chalkies Beach. Includes transfers to/from Elysian Retreat for connection at Hamilton.

Explore Outer Reef Snorkel or Dive
See the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef up close and personal as you snorkel or dive amongst this unique ecosystem. This tour takes you to Bait Reef on the outer reef.

Ocean Dynamics | Private Dive Charter
Renowned for first class experiences, the Ocean Dynamics team is at your service, ready to cruise and explore the beautiful Whitsunday waters on a private dive charter.

Whitsunday Jetski Tours | 2 Island Safari Tour
A great tour for the more adventurous traveler who wants to maximize their time on the water. This is one of the best Whitsunday tours you can choose for a mix of scenery and adventure…explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands including the scenic waterways around Daydream and South Molle Islands while pausing for photos, power snacks and the occasional marine life encounter.

Day Trip to Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
Explore Airlie Beach township or Hamilton Island on a day trip for some shopping, visiting local cafe and restaurants or plan a visit to the Hamilton Island Wildlife Centre. Get up close to all kinds of Australian marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos. You can even meet the park’s very own giant crocodile!

Great Barrier Reef Experience | Reefworld
This incredible full day experience lets you enjoy an outstanding range of interactive Great Barrier Reef Adventures with Cruise Whitsundays. Beyond the Whitsundays, your destination is Reefworld, a multilevel reef facility permanently moored 39 nautical miles from shore at spectacular Hardy Reef. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore – an undersea encounter with this amazing ecosystem is unforgettable. Or if you’d rather stay dry, experience the reef from the underwater observatory or take a ride in a semi-submarine.

After a sumptuous buffet lunch, you’ll have more time to explore before you head back to shore with lifelong memories of this epic Australian icon.

• Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the outer reef
• 4 hours at Hardy Reef
• Snorkeling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
• Access to underwater observatory
• Semi-submarine guided tour
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of comfortable cruising vessels to the Great Barrier Reef. All of their vessels are high speed catamarans with spacious air conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating.

Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Whitsunday Fishing Charters is the longest established outer island fishing charter in the Whitsundays. Charters depart aboard the Reel Deal, a 7.5m custom charter boat which offers a fast and comfortable ride out to the best fishing grounds in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Target fish such as Giant Trevally, Queen Fish, Mackerel, Golden Trevally, Cobia and other pelagic fish or reef fish such as Coral Trout, Cod, Sweet Lip and many other varieties. Bring your catch back for the chef to prepare it for your dinner.

Play Golf on Dent Island
Enjoy a round of golf on one of the world’s most spectacular courses. Spectacularly located with panoramic Whitsundays views, the Hamilton Island course will challenge and delight weekend golfers and professionals alike. The challenging 18-hole championship golf course is designed as a series of holes strung along the ridges and across the steep valleys, working with the landform to create a world class course.

By Air | Scenic Helicopter Tours
Fly directly to the world famous Whitehaven Beach, on board your own private helicopter. With aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands and swirling sands of Hills Inlet, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Arriving on the beach in style, you’ll have 1 1/2 hours to explore or relax.

Heart Reef & surrounding islands
You can only truly appreciate the beautiful colors and patterns of the Great Barrier Reef from the air. On this tour, you’ll travel by your own private helicopter from Elysian Retreat, and explore all the best sights of the Whitsundays. Highlights of the flight include Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

Heart Reef with Whitehaven Beach landing
You can only truly appreciate the beautiful colors and patterns of the Great Barrier Reef from the air. On this tour, you’ll travel by your own private helicopter from Elysian Retreat, and explore all the best sights of the Whitsundays. Highlights of the flight include Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. On Whitehaven, your helicopter will land, with 1/2 hour for you to explore or relax. The chef can pack a picnic with sparkling for you to enjoy.