qualia, World-Class Luxury Resort Now Open on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef

The resort, an important addition to the premium end of the Australian accommodation market, is a one hour flight from Brisbane or Cairns, two from Sydney and three from Melbourne.

qualia (www.qualia.com.au), located on the beautiful secluded northern-most point of the island, is seen as providing Australia with a much needed luxury resort of the highest quality which will maintain the country's competitive position in the international marketplace.

Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes agrees with this observation saying "qualia will set a new benchmark for our world class luxury products. The opening of this premium resort is great news for Queensland."

qualia, the brainchild of the Oatley family owners who made their name and fortune with Rosemount wines, offers a distinctively Australian experience, ranging from the outstanding resort facilities and uncompromising service that guests expect from a premium resort. Commenting on their new resort, Bob and Sandy Oatley said, "We are proud of the attention to detail that has gone into the design and construction, as well as the scale and quality of the gardens, pools and public areas - something which has never before been seen in this country.

"We firmly believe that qualia's tranquil surroundings will provide our guests with an excellent opportunity to escape their stressful everyday lives and that international visitors will demand the inclusion of qualia, seeing it as an essential ingredient of their Australian holiday experience."

Tour options which take particular advantage of qualia's location, include cruising the Whitsunday Islands, helicopter tours to Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach and world class snorkelling.

qualia (pronounced "kwahleea"), from the Latin meaning "a collection of sensory experiences", is a reflection of a visitor's experiences - smooth stones underfoot on the pebble beach, the scent of surrounding Eucalyptus trees and the Hoop Pine used in the Pavilions; the sound of water breaking on the Coral Sea shore and the soft breeze that comes around the point, not to mention the wining and dining taste sensations on offer.

qualia features 60 elegant private one bedroom pavilions accessible only to the Resort's guests. Each pavilion, designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham in collaboration with leading interior designers Pike Withers featuring purpose-built and hand crafted furniture by renowned designers Freedman Rembel, blends into the natural environment.

Guests have a choice of Pavilions including "Leeward" and "Windward" pavilions which feature their own plunge pools. The ultimate choice is the "Beach House" which features a spacious bedroom, extensive entertaining area, private full-size swimming pool and a separate guest pavilion.

Additional Resort facilities include a gym on the water's edge, two swimming pools and a stunning library.

Spa qualia offers guests a whole mind and body experience focussing on total wellbeing and pampering, with anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. The signature treatment is "Bularri Yarrul" hot stone massage using 300 million year old stones and beautiful aromatherapy treatments using essential Australian oils designed to release emotional blocks through the body's energy centres or chakras. Spa qualia consists of four single treatment rooms and two couples' rooms, sunken Roman baths, a Swiss shower, steam room, and a yoga and meditation pavilion.

FINE DINING

qualia offers guests a choice of two restaurants exclusive to them - the elegant "Long Pavilion" and the more casual "Pebble Beach". Bespoke dining options - on the beach, in-pavilion or private dining rooms - are also available.

A team of twelve is responsible for bringing to life qualia's gastronomic expression as led by Executive Chef Stephanie Rio, whose passion for fresh Australian produce will provide guests with a world class, yet very Australian dining experience.

For further information www.qualia.com.au