Hamilton Island

Imagine for a moment that you are Australian billionaire Bob Oatley.  You are the founder of the Rosemount wine label and have pocketed a hefty chunk of change.  Do you rest on your laurels?  Nope, you pour your money into Hamilton Island, a luxury barrier reef retreat.  Oatley plans to upgrade the accomodations and put a golf course on a nearby island.  Dent Island is currently unused and the plan is for 50 villas and a golf course.  Virgin Blue and Qantas just announced flights directly to Hamilton Island. The Beach Club a 58 room, beachfront resort on the island recently underwent a renovation.  Three-night holidays in the Beach Club are $963 (Australian) per person and include three nights accommodation, a three-course dinner in The Beach House restaurant, daily buffet breakfast, chilled sparkling wine and chocolates and a choice of either a romantic dinner cruise aboard the MV Denison Star or a full day sailing trip on the yacht Banjo Paterson.