Going home

Sadly our long awaited and much anticipated holiday to Hamilton Island to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary has come to an end. We all enjoyed our time immensely. Villa Illalangi (Aboriginal word for top of the hill) is a wonderful holiday home. It is spacious and well planned with lots of different rooms and deck areas which all take into consideration the spectacular views, prevailing weather and the sun. Not matter the time of day or the direction of the wind you were able to find a comfortable place to relax. The grounds are large and beautifully manicured. Driving around in the stretch buggy which is provided, was a hoot. It will be difficult getting back to work on Monday and even more difficult managing with the cold weather.

Now where will we go next????

 

Paddle boarding

Our last day

We woke to another sensational day. The sun was shining brightly and there was not a breath of wind. The boys headed out early to spend the morning at Catseye Bay. Cam and Pete paddled long boards while Lach and Cal snorkeled. Stephen and I sat in the deck beside the pool and watched from afar.

Lunch was at the Manta Ray Cafe and then we all headed back to the beach where Stephen and I relaxed while watching all four boys on long boards. It was late in the day before we headed home. 

Buggy fun

Beautiful one day...perfect the next!

A few snaps......

The boys returned from their reef trip tired and hungry. So hungry that some of the supplies we bought at the General Store didn't even make it up the hill.

Friendly natives

This little bloke was sunning himself on our balcony today and his brother was guarding the front gate. Stephen was mesmerised by him and spent much of the afternoon following his progress along the balcony. 

Reef Ryders

After contemplating for days the boys finally decided which reef tour they would do. Luck would have it that today is probably the best day weather wise we have had. Not a breath of wind and very warm and sunny. So this afternoon they boarded the Reef Ryder, which is a high speed rubberised boat. It will take them to Chalkies Beach for snorkeling and then onto Whitehaven beach for an hour or so of exploring and relaxing. They were all very excited although Cam was a little apprehensive about the boat ride out. After dropping them off at the mariner we gunned it home so we could stand on the balcony and wave as they sped through Catseye Bay (which thankfully for Cammo is as flat as a mill pond today).

Marina area

The marina area of Hamilton Island is very beautiful. There are a couple of clothing stores (yachtie type), a few restaurants, an ice-cream shop, a general store, a gallery, a real estate agent and a couple of souvenir shops. There are however row upon row of very, very expensive boats.

Up the creek without a paddle......

Yesterday the boys spent time kayaking around Catseye Bay. They had lots of fun and spent as much time in the water as in the kayaks.

30 Years of Wedded Bliss

Stephen and I were married on June 11, 1983 and here we are exactly 30 years later holidaying with our boys to celebrate this milestone. We spent the day relaxing around the house before heading down to the resort so the boys could hire kayaks. They spent an hour paddling around in the emerald green waters of Catseye Bay.

This evening Stephen and I went on a dinner cruise through the Whitsunday Passage aboard the Denison Star. We enjoyed a beautiful meal in exceptionally pleasant surroundings. A lovely way to celebrate our anniversary. 

Priceless

Two boys, one ball and a pool. Priceless!

While the boys were relaxing in the spa Stephen and I explored the island in the buggy. There are magnificent views around every corner and even more magnificent houses. Oh, to be one of the rich and famous!!!

When on Hamilton Island......

This year marks ten years of the Oatley family ownership of Hamilton Island. Bob is better known as the skipper of Wild Oats 11. He bought Hamilton Island in 2003 after the sale of his wine label Rosemount to Fosters. His new label is simply called Robert Oatley and Cam and Pete thought it only fitting that they should indulge in a bottle or two during our stay.

Hamilton Island - Day 2

It is still very windy (now we know why all the yachties live here) but there are so many beautiful spaces around the property that it is easy to find just the right spot for relaxing. The boys spent time in the pool, sauna and spa and soaking up the rays on one of the many lounges on the back (most protected) deck. We had a drive into town for bread and to check out where the tennis courts and mini golf are. I drove the buggy for the first time and apart from missing the very first turn, got them all there and back in one piece.

Arriving at Villa Illalangi

After a very, very early start we departed Melb airport right on time and arrived at Hamilton Island twenty minutes ahead of schedule. Weather was overcast but warm. Hans (our on site manager) was waiting for us with a sign!!! Stephen has always wanted to be one of those people!!! After collecting our luggage we climbed aboard our stretch buggy and headed up the hill to our humble abode. It really is as good as the website photos suggest. The boys were hungry so we headed to the marina for lunch. The afternoon was spent relaxing and napping. Lach and Cal spent time in the pool and spa. Pete had a sauna. The boys then ventured down to the resort and has a wander along the beach. Tea was chicken and salad and I didn't have to cool it thanks to Cam and Pete. Early to bed. Can't wait to wake up to the most magnificent of views.