As the sun sinks behind the horizon of the Coral Sea, your
wine glass catches the last flicker of gold. Below you, the Great Barrier Reef
softly glows in the moonlight, teaming with life. This isn’t a dream, it’s
dinner.
The most unforgettable dinner in Australia.
They call it Reefsleep – or for those who prefer a little more indulgence, Reefsuites – but sleep becomes an afterthought. This once-in-a-lifetime experience from Cruise Whitsundays is a gastronomic journey where the dining room floats above one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Forget beachside dining, this is reef-side dining and it doesn’t get more bucket-list than this.
Your experience begins at the Port of Airlie, Daydream Island or Hamilton Island – depending on where you choose to embark. From there, a scenic cruise winds through the jewel-toned Whitsundays, with your destination of Reefworld. A floating pontoon anchored beside Hardy Reef on the edge of the Coral Sea.
The white noise of the outside world succumbs to the pulsing heartbeat of the ocean and island life washes over you. The day is yours. Plunge into the warm, translucent waters for a guided snorkelling tour, dive deeper into the reef’s kaleidoscopic heart (scuba diving optional) or take to the skies in a helicopter for an aerial view of the iconic Heart Reef – a stunning extra you’ll never regret.
As the sun dips, the energy shifts. The reef softens and the pontoon becomes your private island. Limited to a handful of overnight guests and just two exclusive underwater Reefsuite rooms, the experience narrows into an intimate and indulgent moment.
Toast the sunset with canapes and wine on the top deck while you watch the reef change colour – golden, amber, then violet. The sight alone is unforgettable. Then comes the main event. Dinner under the stars with nothing between you and the horizon.
As the evening winds down, you descend below sea level into your Reefsuite. A private underwater room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, premium bedding and an ensuite that feels impossibly luxurious for something floating in the middle of the ocean.
Everything outside your windows comes to life. Teaming with sealife, watch as schools of fish shimmer in the silence, turtles cut through the shadows of the moonlit blue and the water glows with bioluminescence if you’re lucky. It’s like being in a nature documentary, minus Sir David Attenborough.
You don’t so much fall asleep as drift. Carried on the slow, hypnotic current.
Dawn breaks quietly. Soft light filters through the water, waking the reef from its dreamy nocturne. Before the day-cruise guests arrive, it feels like you have the entire reef to yourself. Sip your coffee as you watch the reef go past, go for an early snorkel and watch the ocean stretch and yawn into life.
Breakfast is served on the deck, followed by one final chance to enjoy the activities for the day. Aside from the natural beauty surrounding you, you have the luxury of rarely needing to make a decision with a well-curated itinerary for your stay. A world-class blend of nature immersion and thoughtful hospitality wrapped up in one of the world’s most iconic locations (have a look at what you can expect here).
Australia is known for extraordinary adventures from luxury lodges in the outback to fine dining in the sky, yet this takes it to a whole other level. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars with the Reefsleep experience, or indulging in the underwater luxury of the Reefsuites, this is an unforgettable opportunity to take in the sheer majesty of the Great Barrier Reef.
To explore availability or read more about what to expect, visit Cruise Whitsundays – Reefstays or download the official Reefstay Brochure. Head to The Whitsundays for the most comprehensive guides and information on this slice of paradise.
