Lizard Island: The perfect setting for MICE travel

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If you thought you had to look overseas for a tropical island offering plenty of privacy for a corporate retreat, incentive or special event, you might be surprised to discover what Lizard Island has on offer. The Tropical North Queensland island is offering conference and incentive organisers as well as special event planners exclusive use of the Island, creating an unforgettable event experience. As the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers accommodation for up to 82 guests with 40 luxury rooms and suites. The island also offers 24 private beaches making it completely possible for guests to take their own provided dinghy and find a private beach with plenty of sea turtles swimming by. Guests arrive via the resort’s private airstrip after a 60-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, departing from Cairns. Corporate groups and event organisers, in particular, love the island’s all-inclusive activities, dining and beverage packages for no surprise budget blowouts. On the island, there are opportunities to enjoy scuba diving, big game fishing, snorkelling in the world-famous Cod Hole, hikes and guided nature walks, and spa treatments. For conference guests, meeting space can be set up within easy access to the main resort facilities, accommodating up to 30 delegates theatre-style or 12 boardroom-style. While privacy can be a concern with some hotel locations, especially for exclusive corporate retreats, a stay at Lizard Island is an ideal way to ensure events are completely private. The resort offers a variety of venue spaces giving event planners plenty of options including group dining in Salt Water Restaurant with seascape views or a barefoot beachside dining for groups. Marlin Bar also offers a casual indoor/outdoor beachside space allowing groups to kick back and relax after a day of conferencing or a special celebration. In particular, the newly renovated Pavilion has been a popular location for events at Lizard Island. Set high on the rocks above the Coral Sea, the Hecker Gutherie-designed space combines privacy with an incredible 270-degree panoramic view. With plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces and an expansive deck, it’s become a popular spot for special celebrations and corporate cocktail functions. Teambuilding options are plenty including guided snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, chartered fishing, nature hikes, dinghy hire and the list goes on. Event planners take note: your ideal tropical destination might not be overseas after all. Words by Gwen Luscombe

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