Lizard Island, Australia�s first boutique island resort, has won another international accolade, being voted 11th in �The Top 20 International Resort Hotels� and fourth in the �Top 20 International Resort Hideaways� in the prestigious Andrew Harper�s Hideaway Report for 2001.

It is the second year running that Lizard Island has featured prominently in The Hideaway Report. The resort was named Grand Winner in the 22nd Annual Hideaways of the Year Competition in 2000. This advertising-free publication is billed as the �Connoisseur�s Guide to Peaceful and Unspoiled Places�.

Lizard Island has also earned accolades in Australia, most recently the Queensland Tourism Awards� Chairman�s Award for Excellence announced in July. It is only the second time in the history of the Awards that this discretionary award had been presented. In September 2000, Lizard Island was voted one of the world�s Best Destinations in USA Travel + Leisure magazine (circulation 1 million plus).

According to P&O Australian Resorts (POAR) Managing Director, Mark Campbell, there are several factors that elevate Lizard into a class of its own:

�The understated contemporary elegance of the resort, its beautiful tropical setting on the Great Barrier Reef and the fact that guests expect � and receive - the highest levels of service and hospitality are key features of the Lizard Island experience,� Campbell said.

�Additionally, Lizard Island offers only 40 villas and a more intimate Great Barrier Reef holiday. This, combined with privacy, is often something that discerning travellers cite as a high priority when choosing their holiday destination.�

�Lizard Island is certainly a secluded paradise with its own finely developed sense of style. The architecture and design of the resort blends harmoniously with the environment, as evidenced by the fact that none of the villas rise higher than the treeline. The Lodge, public areas and the guest villas, are modern and contemporary, furnished in neutral colours to reflect the surrounding seascape and of course it is all very comfortable.�

The food too is absolutely first class. Executive Chef, Mark Long, enjoys working with the local produce and sources the best he can to create menus for Ospreys Restaurant, beachside dining and for guests to enjoy on picnics as they visit Lizard�s secluded beaches. And as there are 24 palm-fringed sandy beaches to discover on this island, Long is kept busy coming up with innovative picnic hamper ideas.

As well as basking on secluded beaches, undoubtedly one of the other most indulgent activities guests can enjoy on Lizard Island is a relaxing treatment in the Pavilion Spa. There are plenty of other things to do as well � swimming, nature walks, beach fishing, star gazing and of course, water-based excursions to explore the wonders of the Reef, especially the famous Cod Hole, in addition to the many other spectacular diving and snorkelling sites around the island.

�Lizard Island is characterised by its proactive approach to achieving greater levels of guest satisfaction and providing an exceptional standard of quality throughout every aspect of the resort, � Mark Campbell added. �Guests have responded favourably to Lizard Island and happily the recognition for the resort, in the form of repeat visits and awards, is also an endorsement of its success.�

P&O Australian Resorts has operated Lizard Island since 1999. Last year the company invested AUS$15 million in the property, reaffirming POAR�s commitment to total quality and product integrity.

For bookings and further information about Lizard Island, contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 73 76 78 (freecall Australia only) or telephone 61 29277 5050.

Media Contact: (not for publication)

Julia Gauci, P&O Australian Resorts (02) 9364 8350 or julia.gauci@poresorts.com

P&O Australian Resorts offer premium nature-based holiday experiences in some of Australia�s most spectacular areas. Each property within the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australia�s World Heritage Listed areas. As well as Lizard Island, other P&O Australian Resorts include: Bedarra Island; Brampton Island; Cradle Mountain Lodge; Dunk Island; Heron Island and Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa.