Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays has commenced its demolition program ahead of its long-awaited redevelopment with the cleaning out of damaged facilities as construction gears up to commence in November.
The redevelopment program is on track for an October 2018 soft opening after a $65 million redevelopment following damage caused in March by Cyclone Debbie.
Daydream’s Director of Sales and Marketing Jayson Heron said that bookings will be reopening for Daydream from 16th October 2017 for stays from October 2018 onwards.
“We are very pleased to be able to reopen bookings for the resort,” Mr Heron said.
“The interest level is high and we look forward to unveiling final details of the redevelopment in the near future.
“We’re proud to once again become a premier Queensland destination of choice for not only holiday makers but also for weddings and conferences.”
Daydream is opening up a sales and marketing office located at Chatswood in Sydney.
Major works already announced will include redevelopment of the Arrivals pavilion, Reception, main Atrium area, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all room types and Mermaids Restaurant. Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian-inspired restaurant will be built. The resort’s conference facilities will also be significantly revamped and expanded.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s owners China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) has announced a more than $50-million-dollar redevelopment which will see significant infrastructure upgrades to the popular Whitsunday tropical island resort.
The works will see the resort closing in early 2018 for a period of time to ensure renovations can occur in the shortest possible time and with minimal disruptions.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa general manager Dawson Tang said the major redevelopment would see accommodation refurbishments as well as renovations to existing attractions and installation of new features which will transform Daydream into an upscale 4½ star world-class resort.
“This is a very exciting development in the history of Daydream Island and for The Whitsundays,” Mr Tang said.
“Our owners have recognised the need to revamp Daydream’s facilities especially as we embark on a greater push into international markets including the lucrative China market.
“Prior to commencing the redevelopment in 2018 it will be very much business as usual this coming year.
“With well-over 100,000 guests staying on Daydream Island each year we recognise the need to continuously improve our product and we will be improving the guest experience based on recent feedback right up until the redevelopment.”
“As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we will continue to deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef and the Living Reef on-island experience.”
Major works will include redevelopment of the Arrivals pavilion, Reception, main Atrium area, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all room types and Mermaids Restaurant. Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian inspired restaurant will be built.
One of Daydream Island’s signature attractions, the Living Reef lagoons, will also be upgraded and receive some brand new features which will enhance interaction with guests.
The resort’s conference facilities will be significantly revamped and expanded.
To ensure minimal disruption to guests, some strategic projects will be implemented in 2017 on the South End of the island. Fish Bowl bistro, Boat House Bakery and Ginger’s Hut will be closed for a period from the first week in February this year. Alternative food and dining facilities will be provided. Access to South End facilities including swimming pools, the outdoor cinema, motorised watersports and the Endeavour Wedding Chapel will not be affected.
CCIG purchased Daydream Island in March 2015 and has since completed many accommodation and facility upgrades and refurbishments plus a renovation to the resort’s main restaurant, Mermaids.
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5 star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 beautifully appointed rooms, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience.
Daydream Island has unveiled a new website to lead their brand refresh as it undergoes a transformation by owners China Capital Investment Group. The resort’s brand direction places even more emphasis on one of Australia’s most unique interactive attractions, the Living Reef — a 1.5-million-litre, free-form coral lagoon system that courses through the resort. A wide variety of Great Barrier Reef experiences also underpin the new direction that focuses on Daydream’s extraordinary position as a pristine jewel in the Whitsunday Passage. Daydream Island Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wilkinson, said that Daydream’s rich natural habitat, with abundant reef activities both on and off the island, was well positioned to provide guests with a unique tropical island and reef experience. “We have advantages in being an island with a high concentration of Australian marine and land wildlife and activities,” Mr Wilkinson said. “The condition of Daydream’s fringing reef is regarded as one of the healthiest and best in the region and we are passionate and committed to sharing all of our natural assets and making it easy for visitors to share in the experience and learn. “Being a small island for guests means that everything is easy to get to, safe, intimate, personal, and provides a welcoming environment.” The Living Reef attraction is constantly evolving, with Daydream Island investing further in its development for the benefit of guests and their interactions with marine life. The Living Reef north and south coral lagoons allow guests learn about — and encounter at close range — the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef. Home to more than 140 species of marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs, new varieties of sea life are continually being uncovered here. Daydream Island’s director of sales and marketing, Jane Hermann, said, “We’ve looked to create a brand expression that uniquely positions and differentiates us, especially as we move forward with a greater focus on international markets. “As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef surrounding Daydream and the Living Reef on-island experience. “We will be utilising all the benefits that new technology can deliver for us in complementing these attractions. “The new website brings all this to life, showcasing the range of Living Reef, fringing coral reef and Great Barrier Reef experiences and tours. “We’re the little island that offers the most potent combination of reef and natural experiences.” Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5-star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 luxurious rooms and suites, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience. For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com
Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s resident marine biologist and Living Reef manager, John Gaskell, is so impressed by the diversity of marine life found around Daydream Island that he decided to document it in a new book, Beneath Daydream Island.
Daydream is located just off Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast and only a two-hour boat ride from the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Gaskell said that Daydream has a rich diversity of marine life immediately off the island supported by a complex fringing reef habitat.
“You can view much of this by simply snorkeling around the island or by scuba diving,” Mr Gaskell said.
“If you’re experienced then a night dive reveals a whole other world of animals and colour.
“The fringing reef off Daydream is one of the healthiest ecosystems in the Whitsundays.”
There is a combination of tropical species found throughout the inshore and outer reefs and a diversity of life comparable to some of the densest Australian marine habitats.
From tiny coral polyps to seasonal humpback whale visits, most major marine animal groups are represented here. This includes corals, reef fishes, sea turtles, crabs, shrimps, octopuses, sea stars, sharks and rays.
Some of the amazing marine animals to be found include sea snails, sea jellies, marine worms, sea cucumbers, surf parrotfish, honeycomb cod, and everyone’s favourite, red and black anemonefish – commonly known as clownfish.
“One of the more spectacular events we’ve witnessed here at Daydream is the coral spawning which occurs each year in late spring at night, roughly four days after a full moon,” Mr Gaskell said.
“The stony corals around Daydream have such a high density which makes for a spectacular sight. The spawning can be compared to a silent underwater snowstorm where millions of pink, yellow and white specks rise slowly to the surface.”
Mr Gaskell took all the images in the book during his many diving and snorkeling trips around the island.
“This book was produced in the hope that many others will be inspired to experience Daydream Island’s wonders first hand,” he said.
Beneath Daydream Island can be purchased at any retail outlet on Daydream Island for $20.
Daydreaming of a tropical island getaway this summer? Now is the best time to book your next holiday at Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays with Daydream’s Getaway sale.
The Resort is offering a three-day package priced from $372* per person, twin share in a Garden Balcony Room – an amazing 20 per cent saving.
The package includes three nights accommodation, a scrumptious full buffet breakfast daily, a bonus $50 food and beverage voucher per room, per stay (children stay and eat breakfast free of charge), free shell necklace and mocktails on arrival, free Wi-Fi and a free holiday portrait during your stay.
Guests will also enjoy over 20 free guest activities including kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, stingray and shark feeding show, open air cinema, rainforest walk, gym and much more.
Guests can also upgrade to an Ocean Balcony Room from only $462* per person twin share (a 20 per cent saving) or a Coral Ocean Balcony Room from only $522* per person twin share (a 20 per cent saving).
The special is on sale until 30 November, 2015 and valid for travel from now until 23 May 2016 (block out dates apply).
Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s stunning Whitsunday Islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The multi award-winning resort is home to one of the world’s largest man-made living reef lagoons known as The Living Reef, a great selection of restaurants and bars, a fringing coral reef and Rejuvenation Spa offering a selection of health and beauty treatments.
For bookings free call reservations on 1800 075 040, contact your local travel agent or visit www.daydreamisland.com
*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. On sale until 30 November 2015. For travel until 23 May 2016 (Blockout dates apply). Children 0-14 years inclusive stay and eat breakfast free of charge when sharing a room with parents/adults and utilising existing bedding. Max capacity of 4 people per hotel room/suite. Max capacity of 8 people per family room. Cots can be provided free of charge. Launch transfers are not included and must be booked at time of booking accommodation. Free Wi-Fi in atrium and all room types 24 hours per day. Prices quoted in Australian dollars.
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