Fodor's Expert Review Brampton Island

Editor's Note: This property is currently undergoing renovations.

As if in recognition that its greatest assets are outside, this resort has kept its rooms airy and functional, with neutral decor. Beachfront ocean-view rooms have luxe appointments: flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players, espresso machines, private hammocks, and bathrobes. The Bluewater Restaurant is a plus, serving big buffet breakfasts, smorgasbord lunches, city-quality table d'hôte dinners and a terrific weekly seafood buffet. You can also order balcony meals, beach picnics, and eight-course candlelight dinners on the sand (A$130). After-dark entertainment is low-key but sociable: think karaoke and trivia nights (or in-house movies in your room). Many outdoor activities, from aqua aerobics to volleyball to fish-feeding sessions, are included in the rate, as is the use of non-motorized water-sports equipment. For a fee, you can also take archery lessons (A$15); guided walks (A$20–$50); various aquatic tours, and trips to nearby beaches, isles, and golf courses (up to A$526). If it rains, join in an art class, beer tasting, or cocktail-mixing workshop, or have a power-boosting facial at the Sea Spa. The resort has Internet and phone access but no mobile phone reception (though you may get a signal from the opposite end of the island).