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Adults-Only Boutique Retreat with Private Balcony Spas and Ocean Views
at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat Accommodation Options
One-Bedroom Spa Suites
The heart of at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat are these five beautifully designed spa suites. Each features a king-size bed, contemporary furnishings with tropical touches, and the real showstopper - a private corner spa on your balcony. Picture soaking under the stars with views over Pioneer Bay. The galley kitchen has everything you need, and the pebbled ensuite bathroom adds a luxurious spa feel to your stay.
Perfect for: Couples seeking intimacy and romance
Top Floor Jacuzzi Penthouse
This is the absolute top-tier accommodation at at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat. The penthouse has a four-poster king bed draped with silks, a master bathroom with double rain shower, a separate powder room with its own private balcony overlooking rainforest, and a gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances and black marble bar. Outside, the expansive balcony features a six-person jacuzzi with sweeping ocean and island views.
Perfect for: Special celebrations and ultimate luxury
Property Information
Address:
438 Shute Harbour Road
Airlie Beach, QLD 4802
Property Type:
4-Star Adults-Only Boutique Aparthotel
Phone:
07 4948 6500
Total Accommodations:
6 (5 suites + 1 penthouse)
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Adults Only:
Guests must be 18+
Distance to Key Locations
Airlie Beach Lagoon
1km (14-min walk)
Coral Sea Marina
1km (12-min walk)
Port of Airlie
600m (5-min walk)
About at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat
Nestled on Pioneer Bay with breathtaking rainforest surrounds, at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat is the only adults-only boutique accommodation on the Whitsunday Coast. This intimate property comprises just six accommodations - five luxurious spa suites and one spectacular penthouse - each designed to provide complete privacy and romance for couples.
What sets at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat apart is the attention to intimate details. Every suite features a private balcony spa where you can soak while gazing at ocean views and the islands beyond. The zero-horizon infinity pool seems to float above Pioneer Bay, and the property's strict no-noise policy ensures your romantic escape stays peaceful. Daily housekeeping, in-room massage services, and personalised concierge attention make this feel like your own private sanctuary.
The location on Shute Harbour Road is ideal - close enough to walk to everything Airlie Beach has to offer, yet elevated above the bustle with uninterrupted views. It's a five-minute walk down to Port of Airlie where most Whitsunday tours depart, making at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat the perfect base for couples who want luxury, intimacy, and convenience all in one package.
What Guests Are Saying
"Fabulous apartment, loved the spa bath on the balcony. The apartment was well equipped, loved the Nespresso coffee machine and Appelles bath products. Easy walking distance to the town with great pubs and restaurants. As for the Whitsunday Islands, oh my goodness, words cannot express their beauty."
TripAdvisor
"Perfect and affordable spot in Airlie just a short walk to everything you need. The apartment was very clean with everything you would need and the perfect size for two. The spa on the balcony was a great touch with some great views of the marina and bay."
TripAdvisor
"The room was fantastic. The accommodation was an easy five-minute walk from the port and the city centre. Kitchen was well appointed and the bed was extremely comfortable."
TripAdvisor
Good to know: This is a boutique property with only six accommodations, so it books out quickly during peak season. Some guests mention occasional road noise from Shute Harbour Road in the morning hours. The property enforces a strict no-noise, no-party policy between 9pm and 9am to maintain the tranquil atmosphere.
What's Included
Private Balcony Spa
In every suite
Infinity Pool
Zero-horizon with views
Free WiFi
Unlimited high-speed
Free Parking
Secure on-site
Galley Kitchen
Fully equipped
Air Conditioning
Throughout suite
In-Room Massage
Available on request
Tour Desk
Great Barrier Reef trips
The Location
At Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat sits right on Shute Harbour Road, the main thoroughfare through Airlie Beach, which means you're well positioned for exploring. Set on Pioneer Bay and surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the location offers the best of both worlds - close enough to walk everywhere, yet elevated and private enough to feel like a true retreat.
What's Nearby
Port of Airlie: Just 600 metres away (five-minute walk), this is where the ferries depart to the islands. The Port of Airlie precinct has lovely boardwalks, cafes, and restaurants, and it's the gateway to your Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Airlie Beach Lagoon: About 1 kilometre away (14-minute walk), this free public swimming lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards and surrounded by parklands. Perfect for a morning swim before the sun gets too hot.
Coral Sea Marina: Around 1 kilometre away, this is where about 80% of Whitsunday sailing tours depart. The marina village is brilliant for wandering, with shops, bars, and waterfront dining options.
Main Street Dining: The heart of Airlie Beach with all its restaurants, bars, and nightlife is an easy 10-15 minute walk. Everything from fine dining to casual fish and chips is within reach.
Views from at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat
From your private balcony, you'll look out over Pioneer Bay and the Coral Sea beyond. The ocean views take in the Port of Airlie marina below with its collection of yachts and sailing boats. On clear days, you can see several of the Whitsunday Islands dotting the horizon. The rainforest backdrop creates a stunning contrast with the blue water, and you'll likely spot native birds throughout the day. Sunrises are spectacular from your balcony spa - watching the light change over the ocean while soaking in warm bubbles is something special.
Check-in, Parking & Policies
Reception Hours
Reception is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Standard check-in is from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. After-hours check-in until 9:00 PM can be arranged if you contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival. Check-in after 9:00 PM is not available, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Parking Information
Free on-site parking is included with all accommodations at at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat. This is a real bonus in Airlie Beach where parking can be challenging at many properties. The secure parking area is conveniently located on the property.
Important to Know
This is strictly an adults-only property - all guests must be 18 years or older. The retreat enforces a no-noise, no-party policy with quiet hours between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM to maintain the peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
A valid credit card is required at check-in, with a $200 pre-authorisation held as security. The property is cashless and charges a 1.5% surcharge for Visa and Mastercard, and 3% for American Express.
Airport transfers to Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) Airport are available for an additional fee - contact the property 24 hours before arrival to arrange.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the accommodation options, walked every street, and know which properties genuinely deliver on their promises.
At Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat stands out as one of Airlie Beach's most intimate and romantic accommodation options. The adults-only policy, private balcony spas, and boutique size make it perfect for couples seeking something more personal than a large resort. We've seen guests return year after year for anniversaries and special celebrations.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat different from other Airlie Beach accommodation?
It's the only adults-only boutique property with just six accommodations, ensuring complete privacy. Every suite has a private balcony spa, making it ideal for romantic getaways.
Can I walk to restaurants and tour departures?
Yes, you're a five-minute walk to Port of Airlie where most tours depart, and 10-15 minutes to the main street with all the restaurants and bars.
Are children allowed at at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat?
No, this is strictly an adults-only property. All guests must be 18 years or older to ensure a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Is the WiFi good enough for remote work?
Yes, the property offers unlimited high-speed WiFi throughout. Many guests successfully work remotely while staying at at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat.
How do I book trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach?
The property has an onsite tour desk with access to every tour in the region. They provide local advice and can arrange all your Whitsunday adventures.
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