There are many, many posts about Lizard Island on this board, but not many about Orpheus, which sounds pretty similar but is a bit less expensive. Has anyone stayed at Orpheus in the last year or so? Is there anyone lucky enough to have stayed at both?

Hi..<BR><BR>Have been to both...they are totally different experiences.<BR><BR>Orpheus is my choice: Less glitzy and very laid back. Shorts and T-shirts are over dressed at Dinner! Much less stuffy. Food better and the island prettier. They are like chalk and cheese really!!<BR><BR>Lizard is more similar to Hayman or Bedarra. <BR><BR>Orpheus is the best!<BR><BR>Hope that helps..Alex

Hi..<BR><BR>Have been to both...they are totally different experiences.<BR><BR>Orpheus is my choice: Less glitzy and very laid back. Shorts and T-shirts are over dressed at Dinner! Much less stuffy. Food better and the island prettier. They are like chalk and cheese really!!<BR><BR>Lizard is more similar to Hayman or Bedarra. <BR><BR>Orpheus is the best!<BR><BR>Hope that helps..Alex

We stayed at Orpheus a 3 years ago and had a great time. The food was great, but we did think that the rooms could be updated a bit.<BR><BR>I was a bit dissapointed that there wasn't much snorkelling from the beach (might have just been the tides), but they did organise a daily trip in one of the boats.<BR><BR>Can't see myself returning though as have since discovered Fiji!

Lizard Island was amazing. It was a once in a lifetime place. The rooms are unbelievable...mostly glass, but the foliage gives you privacy. The water is the best in the world. They pack you wonderful picnic lunches to take on the motorized boats where the rule is..."if there is someone on the beach..keep going". Where else can you get your own private beach? The food and service was spectacular. THe only drawbacks are that there is no nightlife and you must be ready for romance!<BR>Kim

Orpheus Island Resort <BR><BR>With just 30 rooms, studios and beach bungalows, there are usually fewer than 40 guests at this tranquil and private luxury resort. Swing in a hammock in front of your cabin, dine under the stars on the jetty or take your own tinnie for a picnic on a deserted beach. <BR><BR>Name: Orpheus Island Resort.<BR><BR>Location: 24 km off the coast, in the Palm Island group, between Townsville and Cardwell.<BR><BR>Access: by seaplane from Townsville or Cairns.<BR><BR>Size: 66 guests.<BR><BR>Appeals most to: international visitors and honeymooners; nearly 40 per cent of guests are back for their second or third stay.<BR><BR>Children: none under 16.<BR><BR>Highlights: award-winning restaurant, especially magical when dining under the stars on the jetty; daily boat excursion to new coral snorkelling spots, private motorised dinghies and seafood picnics.<BR><BR>Drawbacks: the pool is not up to the standard of the other resorts.<BR><BR>Cost: $610-$699 including meals, transfers and activities. <BR><BR>Best package: $3480 Romantic package including six nights and meal and transfers from Townsville.<BR><BR>Contact: (07) 4777 7377, www.orpheus.com.au <BR><BR><BR><BR>Lizard Island<BR><BR>Best experience of them all (at a price). The most northerly resort, right on the outer reef, is endowed with natural beauty both above and below the sea. Magnificent coral, giant clams, white-sand beaches, stunning views, blue seas and warm weather define Lizard Island.<BR><BR>Name: Lizard Island Resort. <BR><BR>Location: 230 km north-east of Cairns.<BR><BR>Access: small plane from Cairns.<BR><BR>Size: 80 guests. <BR><BR>Appeals most to: well-heeled honeymooners, older couples, wealthy American marlin fishermen.<BR><BR>Children: none under 10.<BR><BR>Highlights: paradise found.<BR><BR>Drawbacks: tropical and hot between December and March.<BR><BR>Cost: $640-$1040 including meals and activities. <BR><BR>Best package: $3980 Romantic Moments includes five nights, all meals, champagne and $150 drinks voucher. <BR><BR>Contact: 1800 737 678, [email protected], www.poresorts.com.au.<BR><BR><BR>

Sorry, I have to chime in here... We stayed at Lizard and Orpheus last November. I don't agree with Alex's post at all. Lizard isn't Glitzy by any means. The decor is contemporary, clean, minimalist with lots of light woods, cream colors and brushed metal. It's the Northernmost resort on the GBR and it really is ON the GBR. Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed Orpheus as well, but there were 2 things that made Lizard the better choice for us: 1) location - the snorkeling and diving are superb. There's reef and great snorkeling right of f the hotel beach - the water is crystal clear and teeming with sea life - Orpheus pales by comparison, even when we took the boat out with the staff and went to their best snorkeling spot. Lizard is pristine nature; Orpheus is close to the mainland and as a result much of the reef has been affected by coral bleaching polution and mud run off. 2) staff and guests - the staff at Lizard seemed genuinely happy to be working there, whereas the staff on Orpheus, although they were competent, seemed like they were just doing their time there until they could transfer to another island (like Lizard). The guests and Lizard seemed to be of a slightly how shall I say, better class. Nicer people, carefree, whereas on Orpheus there were a few people who seemed like they were trying to show or prove how rich or exclusive they were. Put it this way - on Lizard there are no room keys - the thought of someone (guests or staff) taking anything from your room isn't even a consideration. Food on Orpheus was a tad better than Lizard although Lizard was still excellent. I didn't find Lizard stuffy at all and thought Lizard was a much prettier location. Lizard is truly about getting away from it all - they cater to your every need and really pamper their guests. Orpheus was competent, but the staff and standard services at Lizard anticipates what you might need, whereas on Orpheus, they're certainly willing to provide the same services, you just have to ask them for them. Trust me, you can't go wrong with Lizard. Sorry Alex!<BR><BR>One last thought - there are biting flies at Orpheus!<BR><BR>Satoru

I just re-found this thread after starting it nearly seven months ago. We had (reluctantly) decided on Orpheus because it seemed much less expensive, but it looks as though we are switching to Lizard because the transportation is better (more convenient). We'd have to charter a helicopter ($$$) or spend a night in Cairns to get to Orpheus, so the price differential is getting very small.

Diane,<BR>I really think you've made the right decision. If you review the last several years of the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List (my personal bible), you'll find that the Lizard Island resort is always one of the highest rated properties in Australia. As for Orpheus - I can't remember it even making the list.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful, wonderful time!

I agree completely; as I said above, you can't go wrong with Lizard. I promise you won't be disappointed, unless you're looking for nightlife. <BR><BR>My wife and I are SOOO jealous! We were just talking about what a wonderful time we had at Lizard. Enjoy!<BR><BR>Satoru

Yes, we are really looking forward to it. Our stay at Lizard will come after almost 2 weeks of trekking in Tasmania, and I'm sure we'll be ready for some rest (and luxury). Thanks, everyone!