Where Oprah Stayed in Australia

Tonight the first part of Oprah's visit to Australia was screened on TV. Oprah's first stop was Hamilton Island, Queensland. She stayed at one of the best resorts in the world called "Qualia" (picture above and below). UK Conde Nast put Qualia on their "gold list" in 2010. The reason I can confidently say all this, is that last year, Mr Not-So-Handy and I stayed at Qualia. The reason for our trip was a my birthday. Well, two birthdays in fact. As Mr Not-So-Handy had forgotten my birthday one year so I decided that instead of putting him in the dog-house for eternity, he could just make it up to me the following birthday. Which he did, with the credit card bill to prove it. So that's how we landed on Hamilton Island and were ferried up the mountain in a luxury mercedes to Qualia.

Qualia is a gated resort on the Northern tip of Hamilton Island. There are 60 pavillions and one beach house. It is luxury, Australian style. That means that all of the pavillions are open to the outside with relaxed timber furnishings and cinema quality views of the Great Barrier Reef. The water really is the colour in the photograph, it has not been photo shopped. Apart from the unprecedented beauty of the natural environment, Qualia is reknowned for its food. The two restaurants within Qualia (the Long Pavillion, pictured above, & Pebble Beach) select the freshest seafood and seasonal produce. As a result, the food here is divine. There's a spa too. I can honestly say that I'm glad Mr Not-So-Handy forgot that birthday. I wonder if he will this year, I'm actually beginning to hope he does, so I can plan another visit there.

Oprah's next stop was to visit Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, in the Northern Territory. Uluru is the spiritual home of Australia's Aboriginal people and is a sacred site. Oprah stayed at a luxury camp site called "Longitude 131". (Picture above.) This is the most luxurious resort near Uluru. This is camping in name only and is more accurately described as "glamping" - glam camping. The website says that, "A white dome roof and flowing fabric draped from the centre create the illusion of camping. But unlike the early pioneers and explorers, guests revel in sublime comfort." This is true as each tent has air conditioning. Longitude 131 is on my list of must-do holiday destinations this year. If you're looking for an unforgettable holiday, these are the places to visit.

(Photos 1 & 2 from qualia.com.au; photo 3 from longitude131.com.au)