How to Live in Luxury like Sir Elton John in the Whitsundays
Once again the supreme beauty and majesty of the Whitsundays have attracted A-list celebs like a magnet! Sir Elton John follows the likes of Hollywood hunk George Clooney, pretty woman Julia Roberts, High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron, and pop sensation Taylor Swift in visiting the tropical paradise.
Rumours of his early arrival ahead of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour spread on the Tuesday after Christmas when his private jet (ooh la) was spotted hitting the tarmac on Hamilton Island. Elton will perform 300 shows worldwide for his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road farewell tour, so no wonder he wanted to catch a wee break in the Whitsundays with his family before the Australian leg begins!
Where did Elton John stay in the Whitsundays?
Image source: David Furnish
Sir Elton John may have landed on Hamilton Island but the secluded sands of the private Hayman Island were where he spent the week chillaxing. Hayman Island is the northernmost island of the Whitsunday region and has a reputation for being one of the more luxurious destinations. With pure white shores, warm turquoise waters lapping at your toes and an abundance of deluxe abodes to choose from it doesn't take a great stretch of the imagination to understand why the pop-rock legend paid a reported $85,000 per night to catch up on some well-deserved vitamin D here.
Thanks to Hayman being a private island, the paps couldn’t get anywhere near Elton and his family’s strict schedule of rest and relaxation ahead of the goodbye tour. Although hubby David Furnish did take to Insta to share some pictures of their time on the island and at the InterContiental Hayman Island Resort.
What did Elton John do in the Whitsundays?
Image Source: David Furnish
Apart from living it up in luxury at the InterContinental, Sir Elton John and his family took to the water via catamaran for a day of sailing, a couple of rounds of minigolf and some scuba diving, because how could you visit the most beautiful reef in the world and not get amongst it?! No doubt his penchant for elaborate, vibrant and glitzy outfits would have been right at home amid the technicolour underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef, but thankfully Elton traded his signature style for stinger safety this time around. He probably wore the hell out of that stinger suit, too. As stinger populations boom with the warmer waters that the months between October and May bring we love seeing big superstars promote stinger safety.
Live it up like the legend himself!
Most of us don't have a spare $85,000 laying around to throw at a luxury getaway on Hayman but luckily for you, you're in the company of a ruthlessly frugal cheapskate who wants to show you how to get the best bang for your buck on holidays.
First things first, accommodation ...
If you want to enjoy the seclusion of a private island like Hayman, we can set you up with pool and beach-facing suites at the Hayman, one of the world's leading hotels. Chat with our amazing and informed travel experts to get the best deals! Once you've dropped your bags off at your deluxe digs hit up the Hayman Spa for a hair or skin treatment and really settle into holiday mode with a massage. For dinner you can hit up any one of the ten restaurants located within the resort, offering everything from Italian and Asian to Australian flavours.
Blast into the reef like a rocketman
Celebs come from all over the world to get a taste of the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, Zac Efron, who has been diving internationally for over 15 years, said the Great Barrier Reef is unparalleled and that he replays the experience in his head over and over again. You too can snorkel and dive through the very same sights and splendours as Zac Efron and Elton John. The Great Barrier Reef Express can take you on a scenic and leisurely cruise through the islands to Hardy Reef's Heart Pontoon — the ultimate mooring for a day on the reef. Learn about the majestic ecosystems that make up the world below the water, snorkel through vibrant coral gardens and even add on a learn-to-dive session. Don't forget to treat yourself to an underwater photoshoot to really swim like a star.
For those seeking a next-level experience, jump onboard a privately chartered helicopter to show you the reef from above before immersing yourself in its underwater wonderland. Helireef has an amazing day package that flies you out over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Island and Hook Island to Hardy Reef's Outer Reef Pontoon. Spend 2.5 hours exploring marine paradises and chowing down on a luxurious buffet-style lunch.
Set sail in style
Sailing is simply a must in the Whitsundays. The supreme unparalleled vistas of shimmering turquoise waters and crystal-clear horizons sprinkled with breathtaking island oases make for unforgettable experiences. For an affordable and family-friendly day on the water take the Southern Cross Day Tour to the northern Whitsundays' Black Island and Langford Reef. On top of snorkelling, enjoy a freshly prepared meal on board and test your balance on stand-up paddle boarding!
If one day onboard isn't enough to sate your craving for sailing, check out the extended three-night sails! From Powerplay's budget-friendly boating safari to the spacious private ensuites of Whitsunday Getaway's bougie double-decker catamaran, there's something to satisfy a variety of price ranges. Where Powerplay is suitable for larger groups of families and friends (caters to up to 16 guests), Whitsunday Getaway is perfect for loved-up honeymooners looking for something a little more intimate and sexy.
If you missed out on a star sighting of Sir Elton John in the Whitsundays you're bound to see some other familiar faces from the silver screen and stage — at the very least you're guaranteed a meet and greet with reef favourites Nemo and Dory. Catch Elton in Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane for a goodbye kiss on his final tour before he rockets off. Farewell, Sir Elton John! This may be your last tour, but let’s hope it’s not your last visit!
