Being on an Island as beautiful as this definitely forces you to relax as this was the most relaxing holiday we have been on in years! We loved hanging around the infinity pool and reading our books, walking along the beach, going for a sail, kayak or snorkelling, all at our own pace.
All the water activities are easily accessible and the bay which is directly off the resort is very protected so you feel safe kayaking or sailing etc. There are also lots of opportunities to go snorkelling at other locations or do activities away from the island which means you get to see other parts of the area very easily.
The food was delicious and perfect for the climate and the staff were very accommodating for people with particular needs or allergies. It was also nice to have a large selection of drinks included to which you could help yourself throughout the day or night.
Also, being a smaller resort means you do get to know other guests and staff as well, especially on the trips that the resort organises such as cruises on the glass bottom boat (named Glassy!) or sunset drinks at Yanks Jetty.
We wouldn't hesitate for a moment to go back to Orpheus, we loved every minute!!

We’ve just come back from 6 days in Paradise! ..Orpheus Island!
Snorkeling near yanks jetty was spectacular, bright blues, pinks and yellow coral and the fish were stunning! Especially the parrot fish – almost fluorescent in colours!!
The service and staff were ever so helpful and the food was delicious and fresh every day.
We didn’t want to leave, days by that magnificent pool, champagne by the outdoor bar at sunset, reading in the hammocks and sailing everyday gliding by turtles was just spectacular!

We were so spoiled. Uber-chef Cheong Liew was cooking on the island with his protegee and now resident chef Arie when we visited, so it was an adventure of the table as well as the island. We are confident Arie will amaze guests with his fabulous Australian-Asian fusion food. Needless to say, it was Michelin quality.

There are few resorts on the reef with the environmental integrity of Orpheus. You know the staff really, honestly care for their beautiful island - managers Kylie and Rob used to run the nearby research station, and have lived here for 6 years, so there's not much these guys don't know about their home.

The rooms are still being finished - art work and the like - but they are well-planned in their simplicity. It will be great to see the resort complete, following its extensive renovation and the repairs after cyclone damage.

Look, if you need to be incessantly entertained, this is not your resort. We had our small baby in tow (who was adored and watched over by all staff), so we wanted to chill out, swim and explore, as well as sit up late at night talking and eating with other guests and the warm and friendly staff. We visited the nearby research station, snorkelled over giant clams, and skimmed coral reefs. The childless couple would disappear with manager Rob for epic day-long snorkelling or fishing adventures.

Getting there was half the adventure: the helicopter transfer from Townsville was a fantastic way to see the reef up close, and the pilot was so accommodating, pointing out key landmarks and local beauty spots. We loved it.

I've heard the phrase 'barefoot luxury' and now I now what it means. Orpheus Island is it. The accommodation is first rate and the food was truly excellent - Michelin star quality every night. But what really makes the resort stand out is the delightful staff. From Elizabeth who cleans the rooms to Kylie the manager, everyone is most helpful and cannot do enough to make your stay the most enjoyable possible. OK, it IS expensive - but everything - and I mean everything - is included so given the quality of the experience, it is not at all outrageously priced. If your idea of luxury is uniformed, sycophantic flunkies hanging around your elbow, don't go. But if you want to be looked after perfectly by a friendly, committed and enthusiastic team in a tropical island paradise - look no further.