Hayman is pitched as being a luxury five star resort, it isn’t. I came from a great stay of five nights at Qualia on Hamilton Island for a two night stay on Hayman. From the moment we left the Qualia folk the whole experience began.

The Launch boat that picked us up at Hamilton Island promised a luxury cruise as you sip champagne and eat canapés. Salmon on brown stale bread is not a canapé, nor is a luke warm, frozen quiche. The boat was dirty and smelt like an old shoe.

The room that we stayed in was a lagoon room. The floor was sticky, the carpet had stains, the bathroom had a mouldy smell, the outdoor furniture was weathered, the hotel soap was below par, the couch was old and torn, the white shutters were broken so the sun streamed in.

On our first night we headed to "Oriental" the food was the worse Thai, indo, Japanese food I have ever eaten. $45 for a chicken curry is extortion especially when maggies makes a better curry mix. The second night we ate at La Trattoria which was actually pretty good. It is definitely not five star food but it was edible.

The staff are courteous and so forth but they cannot make up for the old and degraded hotel.

I will never go back and would never recommend.

What a shame that what was probably a great hotel is now so awful.

We arrived at Hayman after a smooth transfer from Shute Harbour with drinks and canapes in an air conditioned launch - very nice! We were upgraded to a Pool room which had a great view of the ocean and pool which we didnt even ask for so that was really nice. We went straight to the pool and helped ourselves to the towels provided. Not long after a waiter asks us if would like some lunch and cocktail menus so the rest of the day was spent eating and drinking while lazing around this massive pool - fantastic!

The weather was gorgeous for the 3 nights we were there and the service was excellent. I can see why some people are commenting on the 'old, run-down' look of the hotel but its really not as bad as everyone is making out. Obviously these people aren't used to tropical type resorts where there is bound to be a bit of paint coming off here and there, and stained carpet from the rainy seasons. Being an Australian and a Queenslander I know what our weather can do to houses, buildings etc. I always saw workers attending to the gardens and cleaning the pool - I believe it is as well maintained as you can get! Give Hayman a break!!

Yes the rooms are expensive, but the location and service is well worth it I think. If you know to expect to pay around $15 per glass for wine and $180-$220 for dinner (couple) then you wont be shocked. Beer was surprisingly cheap - Crown Larger was only $8.

All watersport activities are included so we decided to take out a small catamaran which was great fun - even though it was only 5 - 10 knots. I mainly stayed by the pool reading magazines and drinking cocktails... my idea of a holiday! While my partner enjoyed the watersport activites, although he stopped for a few cocktails himself.

Overall we were very well looked after, the food was great every meal we had, service was second to none, and the location is gorgeous. We will definately going back.

My advice is know that you will be paying alot for food, and you may see some paint of here and there. But expect to fall in love with the sunsets over dinner at Azure - you will never want to leave.

Hayman is one of the most luxury places I've ever seen
The service was second to none as were the restaurants
Made friends during our short stay
Not cheap however hope to get back there some time

My husband and I spent 5 days on Hayman Island in late Jan 2008 and it was one of the most exquisite holidays ever. We were upgraded to a Pool Suite which was spacious, luxurious and perfect.

With sparkling wine and canapes, the transfer from Hamilton Island was over too quickly.

The "Chef's Table" was a wonderful dining experience with fabulous food and wine. The Oriental also has excellent food.

We have been to many resorts in Asia and South Pacific but I can't wait to return to Hayman Island.