Commitment to conservation: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s new name, new mission
Resort's rebranding reflects a renewed commitment to eco-luxury, adventure, and sustainable tourism practices
This rebranding reflects a renewed commitment to eco-luxury, adventure, and sustainable tourism practices under the leadership of recently appointed General Manager, Kayte Staraj. “We’re thrilled to embark on this next chapter,” says Staraj. “The rebrand is more than just a name change—it’s a commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences, where guests can discover luxury, relaxation, and adventure at the frontier of the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef.”
Celebrating this new chapter, the resort has also intensified its collaboration with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to champion reef preservation. The collaboration features a “Reef Retreat Sale,” where a portion of every booking is donated to support coral restoration projects, with contributions aiding initiatives like Coral IVF, which helps restore reef ecosystems by planting new corals.
The InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), underwent a $135 million renovation before reopening in 2019.
Located at the northernmost tip of the Whitsunday Islands, the resort boasts 182 rooms, suites, and villas, alongside five restaurants and bars, more than 15 event spaces, and two scenic pools that merge seamlessly with the island’s tropical landscape.
Guests arrive by helicopter or luxury boat, stepping into a world where privacy and adventure blend with the laid-back elegance of barefoot luxury. From diving expeditions and secluded poolside retreats to sailing the Coral Sea and dining on freshly prepared delicacies, visitors are promised an experience that harmonises with the natural beauty surrounding them.
Adding to its allure, Hayman Island’s history as a hub for early reef studies, led by environmental pioneers Monty and Honora Embury in the 1920s, established it as one of the earliest ecotourism resorts. The Emburys were devoted to preserving the island’s environment, a legacy that resonates in the resort’s current conservation efforts.
With its refreshed identity, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef now stands as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience this world wonder responsibly and luxuriously, while supporting its future preservation.
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