What’s happening?
Hamilton Island’s The Sundays has been named Resort of the Year in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards 2026, capping a strong first year for the Catseye Beach property.
The 59-room hotel opened in April 2025 and has since become one of Hamilton Island’s standout new stays. It offers a quieter, more personal resort experience while keeping guests close to the island’s dining, reef and beach attractions.
The award follows another major recognition for The Sundays, after it was named to the Travel + Leisure It List 2026. That list recognises the world’s best new and renovated hotels.
Why it matters?
The win gives The Sundays national recognition just over a year after opening. It also strengthens Hamilton Island’s place in Australia’s luxury travel market, especially for families seeking a polished island stay.
The Sundays General Manager Raza Syed said the award reflected the work behind the guest experience.
“To be recognised as Gourmet Traveller’s Resort of the Year just over a year after opening is an incredible honour and recognition of the experience we’ve worked so hard to create at The Sundays,” Mr Syed said.
“There are few places in the world where you can wake up in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, spend the day exploring Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays, and return for dinner overlooking the Coral Sea. We set out to build a hotel that welcomes families without compromising on design, dining, or the quality of the guest experience. This award means a great deal to our team.”
Local Impact
For Hamilton Island and the wider Whitsundays, the award brings fresh attention to one of Queensland’s best-known holiday regions.
It may also support winter travel interest, with Hamilton Island offering a Winter Warmer promotion for stays of three or more nights. The offer is valid until 31 August 2026.
The recognition could help position The Sundays as a major drawcard for travellers looking at reef access, beach time and resort dining in one stay.
By The Numbers
- The Sundays has 59 rooms, giving guests a smaller resort stay on Catseye Beach.
- Hamilton Island offers access to more than 20 restaurants and bars, giving guests plenty of dining choices.
- Guests can choose from more than 60 experiences, including visits to Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.
Zoom In
At the centre of The Sundays is Catseye Pool Club, led by Josh and Julie Niland of Saint Peter in Sydney.
The venue serves share-style dining with a focus on locally sourced seafood. Its menu is built around long, relaxed island meals overlooking the Coral Sea.
That dining offer has become a key part of the resort’s identity, alongside its beachside setting and family-friendly design.
Zoom Out
The Sundays’ first year has placed it on both national and international travel lists.
Its Gourmet Traveller award recognises the resort within Australia, while its Travel + Leisure It List placement adds wider attention. Together, the honours give the resort a strong platform heading into the rest of 2026.
What To Look For Next?
With Hamilton Island’s Winter Warmer promotion running until 31 August 2026, the resort has a timely chance to draw guests looking for a Whitsundays stay built around beach access, reef experiences and relaxed dining.
