Lizard Island Resort

Unfortunately, it was proven once again, that if the location is unique, you don’t have to make efforts, because enough people come anyway…. I selected Lizard Island due to the uniqueness, the amazing location at the Great Barrier Reef and the expectation about amazing scuba diving at one of the best locations in the world. However, it becomes obvious that the lizard island resort is no diving resort and the pre-defined schedule with one day 1 possible dive close to the island, one day 2 possible dives if possible around the outer reef could not fulfill my expectations at all for staying at the Great Barrier Reef. Of course if you want you can always find excuses, I.e. we need to pay attention of the safety, it’s to windy, the weather is not good,… However, interestingly it matches perfectly with the pre-planned daily schedule and there is zero flexibility even 5 divers are willing to pay more to take the bigger boat. To sum up my diving experience in lizard island: Codhole was amazing and the visibility was incredible, the rest was so so and especially the half day trip (1 dive) was the worst of all my previous diving experiences. Related to our stay in general, there is a nice German summary: “they were always trying”. This sentence fits perfectly, as based on the price we payed the expectations were very high, but they could not fulfill these expectations at any time and what you are used to if you go on holidays in (south-east) Asia, i.e. rather different food taste experience depending on the chef, felt partly like training facility for employees, despite not many people for dinner / lunch it takes easily up to 1 hour until the food is served, no flexibility for diving schedules,../ To sum up: the Island is amazing and there is a huge potential for an incredible & unforgettable holiday. However, it was proven once again, that if the location is unique, you don’t have to make efforts, because enough people come anyway. Would I come again based on what I know now? For me definitely no, as I want to experience scuba diving with 2/3 possible dives each day and showing me the most amazing places around the island.

You know when you do an activity, have a meal or stay somewhere and you think, "this would have been perfect if they just..." I did not have that thought once about any part of our trip - everything far exceeded our expectations. The staff are outstanding, from the restaurant, to the activities to the bar to the shop, they go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience. Despite the luxury, all the staff are down to earth and friendly. They create a fantastic atmosphere. The food is an absolute highlight. You get your own menu, and all of us loved every meal. Far exceeds any fine dining ive experienced. There is beautiful snorkelling right out the front, or you can grab a tinnie, or get dropped off to some of the many snorkelling spots. The activities team and restaurant staff have lots of great tips. I rarely write reviews and I've never written a review like this. We're a group of seasoned travellers and Lizard stands head an shoulders above anywhere else we've stayed in the world. Massive thanks to all the staff and those running the show. This is (in my opinion) a category leader, and I can't imagine how much thought and effort has gone into getting to this standard.

The views were amazing, and weather was just perfect. I can't say enough about the staff and the attentiveness I received. The tours I did were amazing riding the sea darts. I got to also snorkel with sea turtles. Visit the Marlin bar and relax with an amazing sunset, thank me later. The food menu was different every day and everything was amazing because I tried everything on the menu daily lol The room had an amazing ocean view and very comfy bed and pillow. I loved the smell of the room and the amazing smelling shower gels. Paul, Mickey, Sofia did an amazing job on the property. You will love all the tour staff with Maxx, Tom and everyone on the tour team. Can't wait to return again next year.

Lizard island surpassed all our expectations of a luxury hideaway resort..The staff were so kind, friendly, knowledgeable and quite a treat to be around.. the staff turning this resort from already fabulous to a higher plain of service. We felt like friends as well as pampered guests I cannot say enough wonderful things about Lizard Island but my wife and I will dream of returning.

Everything is perfect! The room is wonderful, everything you could want. We are overlooking Sunset Beach, which is stunning. Went out on the snorkel boat and was well taken care of. The island is a paradise, and staff are amazing too! The food at the restaurant is delicious!

Lizard Island is just beautiful. The staff here are outstanding and go the extra mile to make sure you enjoy your stay. I am a very picky eater and didn't like the fine dining menu...but no problem...the chef made something just for me. The rooms are spacious and the bed was comfy. The mini bar and snacks in the room were kept refreshed and were all inclusive as were ALL the food and drinks. There is a well planned timetable of activities you can pay to do or are free. We filled our time and were not disappointed. We are so glad we ended our Australia trip here. I would love to go back.

Lizard Island. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef was a bucket list item for myself and my husband. We were fortunate enough to celebrate his 40th bday at Lizard Island. From the moment you’re picked up at Cairns airport, the luxury starts. The lounge at east air terminal is so cute. And very well restored considering it all flooded less than 5 months ago. We were first greeted at East Air terminal by two very friendly K-9s. Which honestly, just made all the stress of travel melt away. We departed from Cairns east air terminal onto the small plane to head to Lizard Island. This flight was probably my least favorite part. A bit shaky, and unnerving. And I’m not a nervous flyer. Upon arrival, you are greeted on the tarmac by staff, and whisked away on a golf cart to the resort. Where they take you straight to the dining room, offer you champagne, and a welcome board with cheese, crackers etc. The staff will then escort you to your room whenever you are ready. The room was decorated above and beyond for my husbands birthday. This was the only part that was lacking, the accommodations are great, but the rooms themselves are showing a bit of wear. Some cracked tiles, a few flickering lights, and hot water that would go on and off during a shower. Minor things. Regardless, still a fantastic stay. Beds are so comfortable, room was clean. All the staff at the beach club, reception, bar, restaurant went above and beyond. They were all so kind and caring. It made a world of difference in our overall experience. They were very accommodating with my dietary restrictions, which is very much appreciated. On that note, the food was unbelievable. Everything was so so good. We were blown away at every single meal. The snorkeling and diving is fantastic. You’re on the Great Barrier Reef and can just walk off the beach straight onto a coral reef system. Overall would rate this a 4.5/5 stars. Only because the room was slightly tired. But, everything else blows it out of the water for an overall once in a lifetime experience.

What a lovely place. The flight from Cairns was about an hour, with lots of great views from the plane. Arrival was top-notch - the staff met us at the air ***** and brought us to the restaurant to orient us and offer us food. The rooms were nice, quiet and private. They gave us a beach bag, beach blankets and water bottles to keep. The view was gorgeous. The resort provides everything for water activities. They gave us stinger suits (we didn't see any stinger jellyfish), fins, masks, etc. They had paddle boards, and all of the usual non-motorized sports. We did go out on the yacht one day to Cod Hole for snorkeling and for fishing. One of the fish we caught was given to the staff to eat, and we had it for dinner. Cod Hole had the sharks and turtles and so many beautiful fish. Our guide, Max, free-dived with a GoPro to show us the marine life. It was convenient because he just sent us the footage via the app. We were taken over to the other side of the lagoon to see the clam garden, with huge clams - like 5 feet wide. We saw turtles there as well. The food was delicious. The breakfast and dinner (we didn't eat lunch, only because we were having fun on the water) had good selections, and they knew our dietary preferences beforehand. The desserts were so good - I loved the passionfruit sorbet. The spread on the yacht was unbelievable - just so much food. The staff was helpful and kind. It's a "thing" in Australia for those who wish to get a visa to fulfill a requirement to work in a rural area for 88 days, and you will find these (mostly younger) people helping you at these resorts. They live in a little village right next to the property and they are from all over the world. They were happy to be there, and it showed. We did not use the spa or pool, but they looked very nice and had nice offerings. If you are able to, this is a wonderful place to go for a wonderful experience.

Booked Lizard Island for its NO CHILDREN policy. This is a very expensive holiday and many people don’t wish to share it with children. Unfortunately and unknown to us, their policy on children changes from No under 15 year olds, to No under 10, to No under 5. This is devious. Of the 20 or so guests on our holiday, there were 5 young children. We could have gone somewhere just as beautiful for a quarter of the price. Be aware.