30 May 2012: World-class luxury resort qualia (www.qualia.com.au) took out two awards at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards last night.

qualia was named Best Australian Island Resort and Spa qualia was named Best Spa for the third year running, adding to the multi-award winning resort’s array of national and international accolades.

Michael Shah, qualia's General Manager, said: “These awards are testament to the position we hold not only in Queensland as a unique island resort, but in the wider context of high end hospitality across the country. Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine is iconic, and the awards reflect that the readers are the people who enjoy the understated elegance and ease of qualia.

“Our philosophy for qualia is that exceptional guest experiences cannot be artificially formulated; it must come from within the guest. qualia's environment allows each guest to respond to his or her own experience in their own way. When you combine exceptional service with zero pretension the result is what we describe as ‘The qualia Effect’, and winning these awards demonstrates that the qualia effect is clearly resonating with our guests.”

Testament to its names’ Latin origins, ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’, qualia occupies Hamilton Island's unashamedly beautiful and sun-drenched northern-most tip. A member of Relais & Châteaux, qualia’s unique design combines a sense of space, openness and harmony that draws the outside in. Set amongst native Eucalypts, and with breathtaking views of the luminous Coral Sea and neighbouring Whitsunday islands, the 60 luxurious pavilions with a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool provide the perfect space for guests to unwind in.

The resort's outstanding facilities include two tranquil infinity-edged pools, two bars and exclusive restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia, an award-winning venue unto itself. qualia also hosts several special events for its guests throughout the year, including the popular Australian Ballet ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ and Great Barrier Feast series.

Nestled privately in the very heart of the resort, Spa qualia exemplifies the resort’s meaning by offering guests a completely unique sensory experience. The indigenous Australian treatments have been meticulously designed to relax, revitalise and replenish the mind, body and soul. A beautiful Meditation Pavilion is perfectly positioned to capture the tranquil views of the Whitsundays, the ideal place to unwind and reflect.

Spa qualia features anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments; including Spa qualia’s signature ‘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.

For more information visit www.qualia.com.au.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:
qualia, Australia's world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island. qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue and green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. qualia is a member of Relais & Châteaux and welcomes guests 16 years and over.

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