- LocationLong Island
- Country/State Australia
- Region Australia & New Zealand
The most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays
Elysian Retreat is the Great Barrier Reef’s most eco-friendly boutique island escape. Designed with an emphasis on experiences, the 3-hectare retreat combines the magic of the rainforest and the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef to form an extra-special opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature.
Location
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Queensland, lie the Whitsunday Islands: a chain of 74 island wonders. Elysian Retreat is situated on Long Island, a tranquil escape mostly given over to national parks and fringed with beautiful bays and coral reefs.
The resort itself is located far from the madding crowds on the secluded southern-most cove of Long Island and serves as an excellent gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Rates
Exclusive island buy-outs for typically start from AUD 7,500 per night depending on how many guests will be travelling. Individual villas are also available, with rates starting from AUD 1,100 per night.
Please note that unless booked exclusively, Elysian Retreat is an adults only resort.
Included in the nightly rate is:
• Three gourmet meals daily, including three course dinners matched with Australian or New Zealand wine
• Complimentary hot drinks, soft drinks and water all day
• Sunset cocktail with canapés
• Unlimited use of all water sports equipment: Snorkelling gear, stand up paddleboards and glass-bottom kayaks
• Use of the magnesium resort pool
• Use of dedicated resort vessel, Lotus, for trips to Whitehaven Beach, secluded beach picnics or to join other existing Whitsunday tour departure points
Contact a member of the Vladi Private Island Travel team for special offers, terms and conditions and tailor-made quotes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in 10 beautifully appointed air-conditioned oceanfront villas 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 villas are crafted from solid Australian hardwood with high cathedral ceilings and boast large windows and private balconies, all with uninterrupted water views. All villas have the option of wither king-double or twin configuration and offer en-suites with shower and organic amenities, outdoor hammocks, day beds and outdoor showers.
Whether for loved-up couples or best buddies, these rooms promise the ultimate in laid-back barefoot, beachside living.
Dining
Elysian’s daily changing menu is inspired by the natural surroundings of Long Island and the Whitsundays, using the freshest seasonal produce sometimes sourced from the Island’s own vegetable and herb garden and then from nearby surrounding farming regions.
On arrival guests will meet with our host to discuss their taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Activities
Elysian Resort prides itself on exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From gentle morning yoga sessions on the deck to decadent spa treatments onto cooking classes and exploring the Great Barrier Reef via paddle board, kayak or snorkel tour, there’s an adventure to suit everyone’s taste.
How to Get There
15-minute helicopter transfers to Elysian Retreat leave from Hamilton Island Airport, Whitsunday Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport. Private boat charters are available, but access is severely restricted and limited due to tides. Please enquire if you require a boat transfer to check times and days are available.
Best Time to Travel
September (early spring) is ideal time of year to visit the Whitsundays. September provides sunny days and the least expected rainfall, with temperatures around a maximum of 26°C. Humidity is low this time of year, and the water is generally perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Whale season runs from July through to October each year. The whales migrate north from July onwards and then start migrating south again from September onwards. They can be seen swimming past Elysian from time to time with their new born calves. The main type of whales are the Humpback Whales, ranging in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weighing around 25–30 metric tons.