Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta, opens with The Race Week Residency at qualia, bringing internationally acclaimed chefs to the Whitsundays for a weekend of immersive experiences.

Michelin-starred chef Pascal Barbot of L’Astrance (Paris) and Australian chef Lennox Hastie of Firedoor and Gildas (Sydney) will take residence at qualia during the opening weekend.

Alongside qualia Executive Chef Joshua Hingston, both chefs will present a bespoke dining experience. Barbot’s residency marks qualia’s first collaboration with the Paris-based chef, while Hastie returns to Hamilton Island Race Week for a third time.

On Saturday 15 August 2026, Barbot will present a bespoke multi-course menu at Long Pavilion, presented by Volvo Cars. His Paris restaurant L’Astrance held three Michelin stars for more than a
decade. Trained under Alain Passard at L’Arpège, Barbot is known for cooking without a fixed menu, working instinctively with seasonal produce.

The following day, Hastie will bring his wood-fired approach to Pebble Beach, presented by American Express. After five formative years at Spain’s renowned Asador Etxebarri, he returned to Australia to open Firedoor in Sydney, one of the country’s most recognised restaurants, followed by a second venue with Gildas. Hastie has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and was named Chef of the Year in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Awards.

Presented by American Express, the program extends beyond the table. Guests will also experience the regatta from aboard the superyacht Rascal, in partnership with Ahoy Club, moving between the energy on the water and the calm of qualia’s private setting.

Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Customer Marketing and Member Experience at American Express Australia and New Zealand, said: “At American Express, we’re passionate about creating memorable experiences that connect people through travel, dining, live sports and entertainment. We are thrilled to partner once again with Hamilton Island Race Week and qualia for this year’s highly anticipated events and welcome such incredible culinary talent.”

“There’s a wonderful contrast during Race Week between the energy of the regatta and the slower rhythm of qualia,” said Rebecca Hamey, General Manager of qualia. “Barbot and Hastie each bring a very different perspective to dining, and it’s always exciting to see how chefs respond to the ingredients, landscape and atmosphere of the Whitsundays.”

During the opening weekend, qualia will also see renowned Australian jeweller Margot McKinney in residence. A fourth-generation designer known for her bold, one-of-a-kind creations featuring rare gemstones and exceptional South Sea pearls, McKinney brings a perspective shaped by a lifelong connection to the natural world, drawing on the colour and light of Australia’s landscapes and reefs. Her residency offers guests the opportunity to connect more closely with her work through a series of intimate encounters.

Packages for the Opening Weekend at qualia
Three-night stays are available 14–17 or 15–18 August 2026, including private pavilion accommodation at qualia, exclusive access to The Race Week Residency program, and time on the water aboard the superyacht Rascal.

Visit the qualia website for more information.
Reservations: luxuryevents@qualia.com.au | 1300 725 172