Five things for romantics on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island (hamiltonisland.com.au) is a beautiful and romantic year round holiday destination. Located in the heart of the Whitsundays, a group of 74 essentially untouched tropical islands in the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef, this is the largest of the inhabited islands.

Hamilton Island, easily reached by a range of direct Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas Link flights from Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and Brisbane, is ideal for romantic couples.

Top Five romantic ideas for couples are:

GET MARRIED - over 500 couples have said “I do” at Hamilton Island every year. Couples from all over Australia, UK, USA and Europe have tied the knot or reaffirmed their vows. The on-island weddings team offers every facility a wedding party needs from transportation (Rolls Royces, decorated golf buggies, coaches) to photography, videos, flowers, wedding cake, catering, entertainment, dress hire, hair and make-up. Consultants can also assist with the legal paperwork which needs to be completed no less than one month and one day prior to the wedding date. Hamiltonislandweddings.com

GET ENGAGED – couples can take either a helicopter or seaplane ‘Love Flight’ over magnificent Heart Reef where last year excursions to this spot resulted in some 20 marriage proposals. Another memorable marriage proposal option is to fly over Whitehaven Beach, regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, whilst a ‘Will You Marry Me’ banner is spread out over the white silica sand. Guests are then flown to a secluded nearby beach where a picnic and champagne hamper await. On return, a chauffeur driven convertible Rolls Royce takes the couple to the five-star Beach Club where the proposal can be sealed over a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. To date the track record of acceptances is unblemished.

DINNER CRUISES - romance on the high seas can be found on the luxury 107-foot cruiser ‘Denison Star’ which operates dinner cruises. Romantics adore the Captain’s table dinner where the entire upper deck is left to the couple alone.

MASSAGES - The Relaxation Centre has therapy rooms for couples in the Reef View Hotel, the ideal way to combine massages with magnificent views over the Coral Sea.

THE BEACH CLUB – the island’s five-star beach front property is reserved exclusively for adults and is a luxurious getaway complete with stylishly appointed rooms, a beachside infinity swimming pool, bar, restaurant and holiday host service.

Over 70% of Hamilton Island remains in its original natural state, offering unspoilt beaches and pristine nature trails. Cars are prohibited on this 5kms x 3.5kms island, so guests get around in golf buggies or by foot.

With an average temperature of 27.4 degrees centigrade (81.3 degrees Fahrenheit), Hamilton Island appeals to travellers of all ages, interests and budgets. The island's location and extensive range of facilities appeals not only to romantic couples but also to the young at heart, mariners, families and adventure travellers.

The island has a choice of 20 shops and boutiques and ten restaurants, six bars and a nightclub. Accommodation options range from five-star to budget and include hotels and self-catering options.

QANTAS HOLIDAYS (qantas.co.uk) can arrange a holiday to Australia which includes Hamilton Island. A sample two week holiday costs from £1,809 per person, based on two adults sharing, valid 1 Sept - 30 Nov 08 and includes:

-return international flights London Heathrow to Sydney
-domestic flights to Hamilton Island
-five nights in 3.5* hotel in Sydney (Travelodge Wynyard) with return airport transfers
-five nights in the 3* Palm Terrace, Hamilton Island, with full breakfast & complimentary transfers.