Cue ominous hooting noises from ‘The White Lotus’ theme song.
Rain splats onto the deck of our private yacht as I sip on a mocktail, watching the dark skies swirling ahead. This isn’t exactly the ‘island paradise’ weather I was hoping for, but there’s something mystically cinematic about it – dare I say like the opening scene of The White Lotus (minus the drama, I hope).
The hooting gets louder and faster.
After an hour’s voyage across the typically picturesque Coral Sea, I arrive at my destination – the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Sure, it’s not Hawaii, Sicily or Koh Samui, but (once the sun comes out) I’d argue it’s even better. This 294-hectare resort sits on a completely private island in the heart of the Whitsundays, reachable only via private charter, luxury boat or helicopter from Hamilton Island Airport. Once you get there, you’re fully cut off from the real world – and if that’s not giving main character energy from the hit television drama, I don’t know what is.
While Hayman Island has its own mesmerising charm, it ticks all the same boxes as The White Lotus resorts – starting with its five-star, ultra-luxe status. As Australia’s most famous private island resort, it dazzles with infinity pools, private villas, overwater bungalows and an adults-only beach. In other words, the ultimate playground for The White Lotus crowd.
Hayman Island hasn’t always looked like a picture-perfect backdrop for a high-end drama. After suffering damage from Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the resort underwent a major $135 million redevelopment before reopening as the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef in 2019. Now, 75 years since it first launched, the high-end property is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings, each boasting either rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool views. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suite I’m staying in, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool – the largest pool in the Southern Hemisphere – from a private beach-facing balcony. Luxury like this practically begs for a White Lotus storyline – without the dark secrets, of course.
As I step into my suite, the lights slowly brighten while the blinds automatically glide open – talk about a VIP welcome. A flood of natural light exposes the sleek, open-plan interiors, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a serene coastal-toned lounge area, a plush master bedroom, and a generously sized ensuite with a deep soaking bathtub and walk-in wardrobe. It’s effortlessly luxe, but I can only imagine the next-level indulgence of the island’s exclusive beachfront villas or the four premium hillside residences. I’d have to ask one of the many celebrities who’ve stayed there – or better yet, scout them for the next season of The White Lotus.
Given I’m on a private island, making a quick getaway in an emergency – say, worst-case scenario, a murder – isn’t exactly easy. Thankfully, that was far from an issue during my stay. I had absolutely no reason to leave, with my every desire catered for, from sunrise to sunset.
While I could’ve easily spent all day floating in the infinity pool, I had to live my best White Lotus life and dive into the many bucket-list experiences on offer. Mornings started with complimentary paddleboarding or kayaking, ocean swims and serene rainforest walks around the headland. But if you’re rolling in White Lotus levels of wealth, you can take things up a notch. Think private helicopter rides over Heart Reef, yacht charters to Whitehaven Beach, guided snorkelling in Blue Pearl Bay, jet ski tours around the neighbouring islands or a couples spa session in the rainforest. The island is quite literally your oyster – and if you’re craving the real thing, there are plenty on the menu for lunch or dinner, too.
A breakfast buffet is a resort staple, and the InterContinental’s impresses with tropical fruits, fresh pastries, premium charcuterie and all the hot classics. For lunch and dinner, the resort offers five distinct restaurants and bars, meaning I could jump from pan-Asian plates by the infinity pool one night to woodfired pizzas under twinkling fairy lights the next. But if you’re living it up like The White Lotus crowd, the resort organises secluded beach picnics, starlit dinners, poolside cabana lunches and exclusive chef’s table experiences. Whatever your vibe, one thing’s certain – Mai Tais and Piña Coladas by the pool are a must.
So, could the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef be the perfect filming location for The White Lotus season four? We think it’d definitely get Jennifer Coolidge’s seal of approval. But don’t forget, you saw it here first.