In a world where luxury brands are constantly finding new ways to extend their presence beyond their products, few have mastered it quite like Veuve Clicquot, which has established a reputation for curating some of the most unique experiences in the world. In 2022, they opened the doors to Noosa’s Hotel Clicquot, followed closely by the Cellar In The Sea, and now with their latest offering, Le Picnic.
Langford Island, a tiny sandbar enclosed by the Great Barrier Reef’s crystal-clear waters has become the latest destination for Le Picnic – a global series of pop-ups that celebrate solaire art de vivre, or, the enjoyment of life under the sun.
In partnership with InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, the Maison has crafted an experience that truly spares no expense. Champagne, cuisine, and impeccable styling have come together to create what can only be described as Australia’s most exclusive picnic, distilled into a few blissful hours on a sandbar.
The experience is now bookable in multiple variations through InterContinental Hayman Island and will without a doubt be snapped up faster than you can say santé.
The Picnic
From Hayman, it’s a short boat ride to Langford, and with a bit of luck, you might even catch a whale or two breaching while they frolic in the safety of the shallow island waters. You’ll then spot the iconic yellow-and-white striped umbrellas dotting the horizon. As you draw closer to the sandbar, gentle strumming from a private musician begins to occupy the silence, and the inviting fizz of freshly popped champagne lures you in. There it is in all of its glory: a picnic set up on top of the Great Barrier Reef.
As you depart the tender, you’ll struggle to ignore the magnetic glow of the bright Veuve Clicquot yellow bar as the sommelier offers you your first glass of what promises to be a very memorable afternoon. A turn of the head and you’ll notice that the island itself has been thoughtfully dressed by Provençal brand Souleiado, with deck chairs, linens, and bespoke picnic serviceware. All elegantly arranged just for you.
Once you’ve collected your dropped jaw from the pristine sand, it’s time to eat. The menu, inspired by World-renowned chef Analiese Gregory, is filled with exquisitely constructed dishes that celebrate local ingredients and seasonal eating. Standouts include the light and fluffy mud crab finger sandwiches as well as the chargrilled octopus with smoked and pickled currants – our personal favourite of the day.
Each course is complemented with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, poured by the very attentive private sommelier. Dessert follows as the sun begins to ease; a shell-shaped rainforest honey madeleine with cultured cream and strawberries, paired with some Brut Rosé to close the lunch perfectly.
The Packages
We got to experience the largest package, where groups of twenty can exclusively command the sandbar with private transfers, live acoustic music, and three nights at the luxurious InterContinental Hayman Island with daily breakfast, starting from $75,000 (or $3,750pp, depending on how you choose to look at it).
But couples can still enjoy the solaire art de vivre with a modified package for two starting from $5,500, including three nights accommodation. Existing guests at the InterContinental Hayman Island can also join in on the fun and add Le Picnic for two to their stay for just $650.
Time is of the essence, as this unique opportunity is only available for a limited number of months before Le Picnic charts its course for a new destination.
