Parlour X’s digital content director Alison Izzo shares her guide to Lizard Island, in Far North Queensland. Follow her at @ali__izzo.
Describe Lizard Island in 5 words:
Pristine, luxurious, remote, tranquil, relaxing.Top 5 must-pack items?
A Zimmermann one piece swimsuit, a wide-brimmed hat by Eugenia Kim, a Vita Kin embroidered peasant blouse, a pair of leather sandals that you can simply slip on, like these, and a fabulous earring for dinner. EK Thongprasert do the best.Top 3 MVP beauty products?
A 50+ sunscreen. I like Aesop’s, as it isn’t greasy and smells great. A nourishing body oil to moisturise after spending the day in the salt water. This Skinny Tan Body Bloss gives just the right amount of sheen to arms, legs and décolletage. And Guerlain’s perfect, glitter-free bronzer – to give you that holiday glow.
Where to stay?
For visitors, there is quite literally only one place to stay on the island – the Lizard Island resort. To get to the island, all guests must take a one-hour private plane transfer from Cairns; so if privacy is important to you, this is the vacation spot for you.Favourite restaurant?
Salt Water Restaurant is the only place on the island for dinner, but don’t be worried about the lack of choice. The elegant menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce and the wine list is frankly impressive.Must-order dish?
If you have the time, book in for the beach-side degustation dinner. Everything is made with your personal preferences in mind.
Most Instagram-friendly spot?
It’s a tie between the first glimpses of the island from above as you fly in, or the view at sunset from The Pavillion suite.Best place to take a stroll and see the sights?
Get up early and hike up to Cook’s Look. It’s the highest point on the island and the view is definitely worth the effort.What is the one experience unique to Lizard Island?
It's rare to have the tranquillity multiple deserted beaches, complete with crystal blue water and white sand, with the luxuries of a five star resort at your fingertips.
Any local buys to seek out and bring home?
Lizard Island is not a shopping destination, but you can pick up a new swimsuit or kaftan in the resort shop if you really need a retail fix. I would however highly recommend booking in for a relaxing massage treatment at the Essentia Day Spa.Go-to outfit for a day of sight-seeing?
If you’re feeling active and want to circumnavigate the island, a pair of Nike flyknits, a comfortable pair of dry-fit shorts and loose tank, and a MATTEAU swimsuit underneath so you can easily take a dip when you feel the urge.
