Personal Touch Earns Whitsunday Holidays Finalist Spot

Whitsunday Holidays Team. Photo supplied: Kristie Kaighin.

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Helping a family find the right holiday home takes more than a quick search and a booking confirmation. For Whitsunday Holidays, it means understanding the client, knowing their properties inside out, and adding personal touches that help guests feel at home before they even arrive on Hamilton Island.

That approach has helped earn the business a finalist place in the Accommodation category at the tourism awards, recognition its founder was overjoyed to share with the small team.

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“We were absolutely delighted to be named a finalist in the Accommodation category,” said Founder and Director of Hamilton Island Kristie Kaighin.

“We’re a small team who care deeply about what we do, so being recognised is a lovely reward for all the work that happens behind the scenes.”

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Founded more than 23 years ago, Whitsunday Holidays specialises in privately owned apartments and homes on Hamilton Island, helping visitors find the holiday that suits them, from romantic gateways to fun-fueled family vacations and anything inbetween.  

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The business has weathered cyclones, the pandemic and changing travel habits, but it’s the familiar faces returning year after year that stand out the most, with relationships with owners and guests growing over the years.

“Seeing families return with the next generation is particularly rewarding,” Kristie said.

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Choosing accommodation can be daunting, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the island. The team aims to take some of that uncertainty away through honest advice and personal recommendations, drawing on years of experience and knowledge of the properties.

“We want guests to feel genuinely looked after, from their first enquiry through to the end of their stay,” said Kristie.  

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“Choosing accommodation can be overwhelming, so we aim to make it easy with honest advice and personal recommendations.

“Most of all, we hope they leave with wonderful memories, feeling relaxed and already talking about their next visit.”

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Available seven days a week, Kristie is most proud of the unwavering support provided to guests and property owners through a busy year.

“From helping families choose the right property to responding quickly when plans change, the team consistently puts care into the little details,” she said.  

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Repeat guests and personal referrals suggest those efforts are appreciated. An award win would offer another reason to celebrate, recognising the people who keep everything moving behind the scenes.

“After more than 23 years, we still get excited about helping people plan their Hamilton Island holiday,” Kristie said.

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The business also credits the wider island community, from cleaners and valets to restaurants and tour operators, for helping make each stay memorable.

For the team, the best outcome remains a guest heading home relaxed and already discussing a return visit.

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“Even after 23 years, helping someone discover this beautiful part of the world never gets old,” Kristie.

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