FOOD BUZZ: Qualia’s Great Barrier Feast

Tropical gourmands unite for a weekend of instruction and indulgence on Hamilton Island.

Everyone knows how much the Aussie’s love their food and wine, but what really counts is location, location, location! Qualia, one of Australia’s most luxurious resorts on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, is right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday passage with stunning views and meals to die for. Earlier this year, qualia launched its Great Barrier Feast Series with an exclusive “Chef Table” weekend event hosted by internationally acclaimed Chef Tetsuya Wakuda. The next event will take place on July 23-25th with the acclaimed Justin North as guest chef. North’s restaurants, Bécasse and Etch, are considered two of Sydney’s premier restaurants and North is renowned for the uncompromising standard of his modern-French cuisine. Recent accolades include being awarded Chef of the Year, 2010 by GQ Magazine and Chef of the Year, 2009 by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. For self-indulgent foodies, this is a great opportunity to participate in a unique cooking class showcasing the finest Australian food and wine in an extraordinarily beautiful Down Under setting.

The July GBFS weekend will take place at qualia and the new Hamilton Island Yacht Club and will include a beachside welcome dinner at qualia by the resort’s executive chef, Jane-Therese Mulry. Jane-Therese is herself an acclaimed chef and was appointed Marco Pierre White’s first female Head Chef when she was working in his London kitchens. Guests will participate in an Electrolux Master class, providing exclusive cooking instruction by North. A Veuve Clicquot Lunch at the Yacht Club will offer guests the opportunity to find out more about the chef, followed by a showpiece dinner at qualia in which North will take guests through the preparation of his culinary delights directly from the kitchen. The savory show will be visible to guests through a live camera link-up.

Luxury packages are being offered for the gourmet weekend and guests can choose between accommodations at the luxury resort of qualia or the boutique Beach Club. Qualia, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue-green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours and welcomes guests 16 years and over. What a perfect excuse to get away and brush up on your cooking skills while definitely under the influence of the best Australia has to offer.

Rates: For qualia packages, prices start from AU$1,650 per person, based on twin share *. Beach Club packages cost from AU$1,295 per person, based on twin share*. Packages include Welcome Dinner by qualia Executive Chef Jane-Therese Mulry; Multi-course dinner by Chef Justin North; Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lunch; Wines paired by James Halliday with tasting tips; Two Electrolux Master Classes; Two night luxury accommodation; Two breakfasts; VIP chauffeur service; VIP return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers; Use of non-motorized watercraft; Hire of a golf buggy (qualia only). Book online now or for more information about this event, contact a Luxury Specialist team at luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au, or phone 1300 780 959.