Hamilton Island has reopened its popular Sails venue following a major transformation, which has seen the poolside destination jazzed up with a new swim-up bar, upgraded dining and sunbed experiences.
The redevelopment marks the first stage in the island’s broader Resort Centre revitalisation and reimagines one of the Whitsundays’ most recognisable holiday landmarks while maximising the views over Catseye Bay.
Originally opened in the early 1980s as part of Hamilton Island’s first resort development, Sails quickly developed a reputation as a gathering place for families and travellers. The new chapter retains its laidback spirit while introducing an elevated modern Australian dining menu alongside beverage and leisure experiences to complement long days by the water.
Sails now offers all-day dining, from nourishing breakfasts through to sunset cocktails. Its new menu showcases modern Australian dishes laced with Eastern Mediterranean influences, such as colourful salads, aromatic plates and fresh seasonal seafood ideal for alfresco dining.
Guests can also unwind at a new swim-up bar, serving summer spritzes, classic cocktails and icy refreshments from a striking in-pool setting, backed by regular live acoustic performances.
Further enhancing the poolside offering, Hamilton Island has introduced the Sails Sunbed Series – a collection of curated packages that provide exclusive access to king-size sunbeds or twin loungers, complete with food and drink selections tailored to different times of day.
The four options range from relaxed mornings to indulgent champagne afternoons:
Includes barista coffees, revitalising juices, a fruit platter and a choice of granola bowls or a signature meze plate.
A light, refreshing combination of juices, mocktails and a signature meze plate.
Features Pomegranate Frosé, a chilled bottle of Mirabeau Rosé and a mezze plate to share.
The most indulgent option, including a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a seafood platter, with guaranteed access to a king-size sunbed.
All packages include reserved seating with umbrella shade and two beach towels.
The reopening of Sails follows a significant year of investment across Hamilton Island’s dining and guest experiences which has seen the return of Executive Chef Ryan Locke to Bommie and Beach Club Restaurant, the April debut of Catseye Pool Club at The Sundays by Josh and Julie Niland, refreshed interiors and menus at Coca Chu, and updated offerings at qualia’s Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion.
Together, the changes reinforce Hamilton Island’s position as a premier tropical getaway in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the unveiling of Sails is a landmark moment in the island’s evolution.
“Hamilton Island holds a special place in many Australians’ hearts, and Sails is woven into so many of those holiday memories,” Dowling said.
“To bring it back to life like this feels incredibly exciting. With its new pool experience and swim-up bar, refreshed dining offering and the Sails Sunbed Series, we’ve taken what people have always loved about Sails and created a revitalised space that responds to how our guests want to dine and relax today. It’s a major step in revitalising the Resort Centre precinct and a clear sign of the broader transformation happening across the island, from accommodation to dining to experiences.”