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Wilson Island, the latest jewel in the crown of P & O Australian Resorts, offers simple 'pared-back' accommodation on a beautiful, secluded coral cay. Apart from being part of the Barrier Reef national park, Wilson Island is also a protected hatching area for turtles and is home to mnay species of sea birds. Activites include snorkelling, birdwatching and reef walks. The resort employs two guides. Numbers are restricted to 12 to ensure minimum impact on the ecology; wooden floors have been raised so the turtles can move about freely. Accommodation consists of six stylish tents, an amenities building (with solar-powered showers) and the Longhouse, an open-air pavilion for dining, socialising and relaxing after a not-so-hard day on the reef. The interiors, styled by Sydney company Pike Withers, feature natural Australian hardwoods, subtle ocean tones and textured reed-grass blinds and screens. Edwina Withers describes the tents, which are constructed of steel frames, canvas and curved PVC roofs, as 'laid-back holiday shacks' with all the comforts of a hotel room. Each tent has timber decking, king-size beds, deckchairs , battery-operated lights, insect screens, storage chests and, of course, uninterrupted ocean views. The Longhouse follows the same edict of 'comfortable and functional' design and features a sand floor, recylced timber, ambient lighting and comfy banquettes. All meals are cooked fresh on the island. Guests may dine at the Longhouse or order a gourmet picnic. Menus change daily. Excellent Australian wines, beer and soft drinks are included in the tariff, as are all activities, boat transfers and two nights on Heron Island.
WHEN TO GO
Wilson enjoys year-round temperatures of around 27°C, with most rain falling in December and January. It is closed each February
WHICH ROOM TO BOOK
The six tents are identical, offering private ocean and reef views
CONTACT
Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia www.wilsonisland.com; P & O Australian Resorts 020 7805 3875). Five-night packages from A$1, 690 per person (based on two sharing)
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