Looking onto the barrier reef.
Photo: Spa Qualia

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

Inside the Great Barrier Reef's newest ultra-private luxury resort, Spa Qualia has an understated architecture and a magnificent island setting. Six treatment rooms--including couples' rooms with sunken baths offering sweeping views from the ocean to the islands beyond--fan out from a covered courtyard and are linked by wooden walkways. Treatments range from the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($150) to the Bularri Yarrul, or "warm stone" in the Kamilaroi Aboriginal language, massage ($210), and all are designed to dissolve stress. Book ahead: The place gets busy (massages, $140-$210).

Further reading:
* Hot List 2008.