Elite Traveler January-February 2019

EXPLORE TOP SUITES

The Villa LIZARD ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s biggest draws and you can’t get any closer than Lizard Island. It is quite literally on the Reef — you can explore it right off the beach. The Great Barrier Reef is, of course, such a colossal spectacle that it is impossible to see it all at once, but you’ll get a pretty good view of it as you fly the 130 miles from Cairns to the island via seaplane. The island hosts no more than 82 guests at any given time so you can be sure of a relaxed, secluded stay, or you can book out the entire island for yourself. Whatever your choice, The Villa is spectacular in every way, from its crowning cliff-top location to its 26-ft-long infinity pool overlooking the Coral Sea. The Villa can sleep up to five and the open-plan lounge and dining area is perfect for socializing, especially as there’s a dedicated butler who will serve canapés and drinks as the sun sets, or create a deluxe hamper for a picnic on the beach. Guests of the two-bedroom villa have unlimited access to a number of fun water toys, including a motorized dinghy, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards and clear-view sea kayaks. Into the wild In a new partnership with Dom Pérignon, Lizard Island has a series of extravagant experiences: enjoy a starlit dinner under the sky and dine on fresh gourmet dishes, washed down with Dom Pérignon’s P2 2000 champagne. Or, go on a private snorkeling tour in the Great Barrier Reef followed by a lovely picnic of lobster rolls and champagne on Sunset Beach.

Rate from $4,265 per night Contact Aaron Rooney, assistant general manager, dnaprpriority@delawarenorth.com, +61 844 833 7862, lizardisland.com.au