We stayed on Heron Island for 5 nights from 2nd April and we enjoyed every minute.

The room we had was a Point Suite and had a fantastic position overlooking the reef with beautiful sunsets each night. The room is one of the more expensive rooms which we believe was well worth the money and very comfortable.

The diving and snorkelling is excellent and you see many of the larger turtles, rays and sharks when out. Unfortunately, there were very strong winds for a couple of days we were there which meant the dive boat could not go out, but it was still possible to snorkel from the beach. The white powder sand beaches are beautiful, and many walks around the island always ensure you discover different wildlife.

The staff were all extremely friendly to us and the service we received was excellent. The food in the restaurant was on the whole very good, although we felt they should do more of their wonderful fresh sea food buffets as these and the roasts they served on those nights surpassed some of the set menus by far.

Yes, there are a lot of birds on the island and they can be noisy and messy, but we went there knowing that we would have to share with hundreds of birds - if you don't like birds then go somewhere else!! It was great to watch them and see the various species.

We would love to go back one day.......

Heron Island is beautiful, no question about it. The water and beaches can't be beat. We saw sharks, turtles and manarays right at the shore. Our snorkel tour was very nice and the crew was great. We were lucky to get to snorkel as the weather had been poor and only divers had been going out.

Our room was a Reef Suite and the view from our balcony was amazing. Our room was kept very clean and the sound of the birds was actually soothing to listen to at night. There were a lot of bird droppings everywhere and a good power washing every day would have helped a bit.

The food was okay. Some meals were better than others. Breakfast always had something nice to offer and the lattes were quite good. Wine was about $50 a bottle minimum and beers started at $4.50. Stop by the boutique and do a little shopping and by all means, take the helicopter! If you have even a little bit of sea sickness, trust me and take the helicopter.

Wonderful beach as well as boat snorkeling.

We visited this resort a few years ago. We wanted to experience the Great Barrier Reef, but how?

* We wanted something that was part of the GBR itself.
* We wanted immediate access to the reef and to the diving.
* We wanted to avoid the jellyfish.
* We didn't want a yacht or live-aboard.
* Also, we didn't want the kind of mass-tourism diving experience you get in Cairns.
* We wanted a beautiful beach island experience.
* We couldn't afford one of the true luxury islands.

So by a process of elimination we realised this was the place that seemed to meet all the criteria.

And boy we were not disappointed. What an island. You can read the rest of the reviews, and look at the pictures, to get an idea of what it is like. We were fortunate to have great weather. 5 days of great diving. Reef walks. Wildlife. Warm crystal blue water in March. White powder beaches.

So now, in 2008, a few years after our trip, this resort is burned into my memory as one of the best places I have ever been to in my life. Whatever problems there were -- and for us there were very few -- are long forgotten and I remember this exquisite jewel of an island with the great diving and glorious beaches and whacky birds and plucky little turtles and mighty manta rays. For me, it truly was a trip of lifetime. I only wish I could go back. I envy those who are lucky enough to live close to islands like this and can go whenever they want. But I live in Europe and don't get many chances in life to experience this.

The negative reviews one reads about resorts like this are a little hard to interpret. There apparently are people who can be transported to a dream island and still find fault with it. It is possible for some to land on one of the most beautiful places on earth, and think that the maid is a little lax. Or that the birds are too loud. Or the food is not quite to their liking.

It now costs around €180 p.p.p.n., with food and transport included (but not the diving). That's a lot of money. In Europe that will get you a decent hotel. To put it in perspective, we paid about €150 p.p.p.n. for an all-inclusive 4/5 star resort in the Canaries (flight included). It was nice, but at Heron Island, for only a little bit more money, you get....paradise. Literally.

True, if you're not in the wealthy category, this island is a little more money than one would pay on an ordinary holiday. Perhaps because of this, some people have expectations that are impossible to match. That should be clear to everyone: this is not a 5-star resort. If you want a true 5-star resort in Australia, prepare to pay more. A lot more.

When you look back on it after a few years, as I am now, you won't remember any of that. I also think that sites like this encourage people to pour out their holiday and financial frustrations and dump them all on the hotel. I'm only sorry now that I didn't borrow money from the bank and stay for an extra week.

My advice: don't fret over things like boat rides and food and birds. Just go to this island if you have an opportunity to go and are lucky enough to be able to afford it. You will never forget it.