Kingfisher Bay Resort
This stylish, high-tech marriage of glass, stainless steel, dark timber, and corrugated iron nestles in tree-covered dunes on the island's west coast. Lodgings include standard rooms with balconies, spa rooms, one- to three-bedroom villas, beach houses sleeping up to 13 people, and basic wilderness lodges. Rangers conduct informative 4WD ecotours, free nature walks, spotlighting tours, Segway adventures, and cruises (in season) to spot whales, dugongs, and dolphins. Children can join junior ranger or kids' club activities. Rent canoes, catamarans, and snorkeling gear, or get pampered at the day spa. There are medical facilities, an ATM, and a general store and post office on-site, and free Wi-Fi in common areas. Seabelle's excellent menu ($$$) showcases native ingredients and local seafood, with vegetarian options; Maheno restaurant is big on regional produce, and puts on elaborate buffet dinners on Friday and Saturday night. The new Rainforest Bar offers island-inspired cocktails with bush tucker flourishes. Accommodation-meal packages are available, as are regular special deals on the resort's website.
