This incredible retreat is perched hillside overlooking Catseye Bay on the secluded side of Hamilton Island, the crown jewel within the group of Whitsunday Islands, in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Ala Moana is named after the Hawaiian term “ocean pathways” a reference to the winding path that circumnavigates the house before arriving at the entry. Designed by Omiros One Architecture as both a holiday home for businessman Martin Wagg and his family, as well as a part-time rental destination. Designed around its coral sea views, the home has five spacious bedrooms with open plan en-suites featuring views of the ocean or the surrounding lush tropical gardens.

The master bedroom encompasses the top floor the home, boasting a wraparound deck, private bar and lounge, complete with a remote control that operates electric blinds that pull back to reveal 360-degree views of the island and the sparkling blue ocean. The home features an open plan kitchen, dining area for dinner parties and a separate living area with Aboriginal artwork. With its plush furnishings accented with earthy greens and browns; ample wood and Pietra Grigio marble traversing throughout the home helps to bring the outdoors in. There are cowhide mats in the bedrooms, and luxurious contemporary rugs in the lounge and entertainment den. A soothing water feature flows through the building’s core into a bubbling spa and infinity-edge pool.

The design of the home responds to the orientation and micro climate of the site, drawing in the cooling ocean breezes from below via the rosewood-framed folding glass doors which open onto generous outdoor terraces, the infinity-edge pool and a lush garden backdrop.

Summer shade is maximized by the generous roof overhangs, slatted cedar screens and strategically-placed trees which protect the privacy of the occupants within. Together with the harmonious exterior color scheme, these elements diffuse the perimeter and help to integrate the building form with the natural character of the site. Wherever possible, materials were selected to meet sustainable criteria such as low embodied energy, low environmental impact and recyclability.