Dunk Island and Bedarra Island Resorts $10 Million Upgrade Underway

Nov. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Rupert Greenhough, chairman of Hideaway Resorts, said that the extensive upgrade program would be completed by mid 2011, and would serve to unlock the potential of both the islands.

“We were excited by the opportunity to take the iconic Dunk Island www.dunk-island.com and Bedarra Island www.bedarra.com.au resorts back to the top of their competitive sets, where they deserve to be. The freehold ownership and extensive development approvals on both islands also provide the option to extend the existing offering and take advantage of the islandsʼ unique and beautiful rainforest settings and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

At Dunk Island Resort, around $6.5 million of structural and interior design changes are underway. “Liveability and comfort across the board are the key factors of the refurbishment, as well as offering more accommodation options for groups and families in the Garden Cabanas and Lower Banfields,” says Rupert Greenhough. “For couples, the newly romantic Upper Banfield spa rooms with daybeds overlooking the gardens will provide a lower price point alternative to the Beachfront Rooms and premium Beachfront Suites.” Updates to common areas include a soft refurbishment of restaurant and bar areas and new lighting, air conditioning and extra seating.

Dunk Island Resort has undertaken a raft of initiatives in readiness for the upgrade program, including providing WiFi connectivity throughout the resortʼs common areas and pool environs as well as being the first island resort in Australia to introduce 3G iPads for guests to use anywhere on the resort. The resort has just taken delivery of 4 new catamarans and a water trampoline, and is set to add other major activity assets as part of the planned upgrade in the coming months.

In response to feedback received, Dunk Island will be changing its tariff to full board from 1st April 2011, with rates including lunch/dinner as well as bed/breakfast.

“Travel industry and guest feedback received during the past year we have owned the resort have lead us to this full board concept, which we believe will enhance the guest experience in tandem with the resortʼs full refurbishment,” said Rupert Greenhough.

At Bedarra Island Resort, a $3.5 million makeover program has commenced this month. Key changes include:

• exterior paint of whole resort
• reseal and polish all floors inside and outside (including decking and tiles and slate)
• new furniture, fixtures and equipment - which will include new dining tables and chairs in the restaurant
• new motorised guest dinghies, new kayaks, new gym equipment
• upgrades to staff facilities and staff equipment
• adding gas flares around the resortʼs key areas for accent
• complimentary WiFi in all Villas, as well as elsewhere on the resort

“Re-modeling three split level villas to value add to them by extending the deck and adding a semi flush fitting jacuzzi on the deck which will optimise guestsʼ enjoyment of the wonderful ocean views,” said Rupert Greenhough.

The Hillside villas will also change with the beds repositioned to capture the sea views. Lounge furnishings will be reupholstered and a new dining setting, an extra ottoman and a new daybed for the deck will be added for more comfort.

The premium Point Villas and Pavilions will have a soft furnishing update, new day beds and new dining suites. Directly out front of the resort at Hernandia Beach, the addition of two day bed pergolas will be ideal for couples dining and weddings.

The resortʼs gym overlooking Wedgerock Bay is being modified to become a complete wellness centre with the addition of a heated plunge pool with spa swim jets and a combination steam room/sauna.

The main dining room at Bedarra will be refreshed with new fabrics and cushions, dining tables and chairs chosen for comfort and luxury, all designed to match Bedarraʼs reputation as the original barefoot luxury resort.

Subject to planning approval being secured, a new helipad will make the journey to Bedarra an experience in itself.

Artist impressions of the reburbished rooms are available in high resolution - please email media@hideawayresorts.com.au .

For other high resolution downloadable images of Dunk Island Resort and Bedarra Island Resort, visit the media image galleries at www.dunk-island.com and www.bedarra.com.au

For interviews please contact: Rupert Greenhough, Chairman, Hideaway Resorts
Phone +61 7 4047 4700  Email: media@hideawayresorts.com.au

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Libra Communications is a PR consultancy based in Cairns, Tropical North QLD, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia.