Elysian Retreat

Villa Options

About Elysian Retreat

Elysian Retreat is the most secluded all-inclusive resort in the Whitsundays, tucked into Paradise Bay on the southern tip of Long Island. This is the Great Barrier Reef's first 100% solar-powered resort, operating with just 10 free-standing oceanfront villas and a maximum of 20 adult guests at any one time. The intimate scale means you get personalized five-star service from a small, dedicated team who genuinely care about your experience.

The resort sits on a 3-hectare private cove with a rocky beach, surrounded by national park rainforest and the turquoise Coral Sea. Everything runs on solar power, they compost, grow their own organic produce, and maintain a zero single-use plastic policy. But this isn't rustic eco-living - it's barefoot luxury with solid Australian hardwood villas, high cathedral ceilings, organic amenities, and those ocean views that make you never want to leave your hammock.

What sets Elysian apart is the all-inclusive experience. Three gourmet meals daily (breakfast buffet, two-course lunch, three-course dinner), plus pre-dinner canapes around the fire pit, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, daily yoga classes, free use of kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel gear, and twice-daily villa servicing. The daily changing menu uses produce from their vegetable garden and local suppliers, with fresh seafood from nearby fishermen. Meals can accommodate any dietary requirement with advance notice. Access is exclusively by helicopter (10-20 minutes from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach) or boat when tides permit, which adds to that castaway feeling.

What Guests Are Saying

What's Included

The Location

Elysian occupies Paradise Bay on the southern tip of Long Island, the most secluded location in the Whitsundays. The 3-hectare private cove is surrounded by Long Island National Park rainforest on three sides and the Coral Sea in front. This is proper isolation - you're more likely to see sea turtles, tropical fish, and visiting curlews than other people. The resort's protected bay is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with fringing coral reefs just offshore.

What's Nearby

Long Island itself is mostly national park with walking trails accessible from the resort. The island is 9 kilometers long but only 400 meters wide at its widest point. From your villa deck, you'll have sweeping views across to Conway National Park on the mainland, with the Cape Conway mountain ranges creating a stunning backdrop behind the turquoise waters.

Day trips can be arranged through the resort to Whitehaven Beach, snorkeling at fringing reefs around the Whitsundays, or diving at the Great Barrier Reef. The resort takes a maximum of 10 guests at a time on their boat trips, keeping the experience intimate. Helicopter scenic flights over Heart Reef and the reef can also be organized. When you're ready to explore beyond the island, the resort's boat Lotus is available for charters to explore hidden bays and beaches.

Access to Airlie Beach is via helicopter from the Coral Sea Marina, where you'll also find the Port of Airlie precinct with its restaurants and shops. Hamilton Island is a 10-minute helicopter ride away.

What You'll Experience from Your Villa

Each villa has floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks facing the ocean. You'll watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea, see boats occasionally sailing through the Whitsunday Passage, and enjoy sunsets that paint the sky behind the mountains. The curlews (large wading birds) are regular visitors at dinner time. Green sea turtles are residents of Paradise Bay and you'll likely spot them from your deck or while kayaking. The magnesium infinity pool overlooks the bay and is designed to relieve stress, detoxify, and help you properly unwind.

Check-in, Access & Policies

Getting to the Island

Helicopter Transfers (Recommended): 10-20 minute flight from Hamilton Island or Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Transfers operate 8am-4:30pm and must be booked at least 14 days in advance through the resort (phone 1800 765 687 or email stay@elysianretreat.com.au). Cost starts at $690 each way. Luggage limit: 1 medium bag (max 20kg) plus 1 carry-on (max 10kg) per person. Total weight limit including passengers is 230kg per couple - larger helicopters available for extra cost if needed.

Boat Transfers: Available from Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island but extremely restricted due to tidal access (requires 2.7m high tide). From Hamilton Island via Daydream Island ferry: $766 each way for two people. Direct boat from Hamilton Island: $595 each way (tide dependent). Not guaranteed to be available on your travel dates - contact resort to check.

Important Information

Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Age Restriction: Adults only - 16 years and older (younger children permitted with exclusive resort hire)
No BYO Alcohol: Resort is licensed - no outside alcohol permitted

What's Included vs Extra Cost

Included in your stay: All meals (breakfast buffet with hot options, 2-course lunch or packed lunch, pre-dinner canapes, 3-course dinner), all non-alcoholic beverages, daily yoga classes, kayaks, SUPs, snorkel equipment, rock shoes, twice-daily villa servicing, organic toiletries.

Extra costs: Helicopter/boat transfers, alcoholic beverages (boutique pub pricing), spa treatments, day trips and tours, fishing charters, reef excursions.

Deposit & Policies

Security deposit of $250 per villa required upon booking. Photo ID and credit card required at check-in. Dietary requirements must be provided at least 14 days before arrival to ensure chefs can accommodate. Cancellation policies vary by booking - check conditions when reserving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elysian Retreat worth the high cost?

At $680+ per night all-inclusive plus helicopter transfers, Elysian is a significant investment. But you're paying for exclusivity (max 20 guests), personalized service, gourmet meals tailored to your dietary needs, and Australia's most secluded island experience. Most guests feel the total seclusion, incredible food, and attention to detail justify the premium. If you're looking for value-for-money accommodation, there are cheaper options. If you want an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime escape, Elysian delivers.

What's the food really like?

The food consistently gets rave reviews - it's restaurant-quality with daily changing menus featuring local seafood (Moreton Bay bugs, rock lobster), produce from their garden, and ingredients from nearby Bowen farming region. Asian influences from the chefs' time in Bali and Thailand. Three-course dinners are the highlight. Portions are generous. The chefs accommodate all dietary requirements with advance notice. If you catch fish on a day trip, they'll prepare it for you. This isn't resort buffet food - it's genuinely exceptional dining.

How do I spend my days at Elysian?

Morning yoga at 8am (optional, all levels), leisurely breakfast, kayaking or SUP in the calm bay spotting turtles, lounging by the magnesium pool, reading in a hammock, afternoon spa treatment, pre-dinner canapes around the fire pit, three-course dinner, stargazing. Book day trips through the resort to Whitehaven Beach, snorkel fringing reefs, or explore other islands. Walk the trails through Long Island National Park. Or simply do nothing - that's the whole point. Most guests describe it as the ultimate place to disconnect and properly relax.

Is the rocky beach a problem?

The beach is mostly rocky after Cyclone Debbie, which some guests mention. Water shoes are provided. You won't be walking on pristine white sand like Whitehaven Beach. However, the rocky shoreline means excellent marine life - turtles, fish, and coral close to shore. The resort focuses on kayaking, SUPs, and the infinity pool rather than beach lounging. If your dream is beach walks on white sand, this might disappoint. If you want amazing snorkeling and marine encounters right from your villa, it's perfect.

Can I visit for just a day or overnight?

No - there's a 3-night minimum stay. This is intentional to make the helicopter transfer and costs worthwhile, and to ensure guests actually have time to properly disconnect and relax. Most guests wish they'd booked longer once they arrive. The resort can be booked exclusively for groups, weddings, or special events if you want the entire island to yourselves.

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