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.
The world’s most renowned naturalist, David Attenborough, has embarked on one of his most compelling journeys yet with the forthcoming screening of his documentary of the world’s largest living structure, the mighty Great Barrier Reef.
Attenborough had this to say about the prospect of returning to the reef to film the documentary: “The most exciting natural experience of my life was the first time I dived on a coral reef. Being on the Reef is a revelatory, thrilling and unbeatable experience and with this project, we are going to be able to share it with millions.
“As I entered the water I remember suddenly seeing these amazing multi-coloured species living in communities – just astounding and unforgettable beauty. So I’m very excited to be returning to the Reef with all the latest technology and science to see one of the most important places on the planet in a whole new way.”
Attenborough has also said to The Guardian.com of the Great Barrier Reef that, “It is fantastic, better than travelling to the moon.”
Attenborough first visited the Reef in 1957 using the first scuba-diving equipment and has been back several times since but never for a documentary of this nature.
The three hour-long programs will have eventually aired in 130 countries to around one billion people.
Daydream Island’s Living Reef Manager and resident marine biologist John Gaskell says that the reef continues to fascinate visitors to Daydream and the Whitsunday region.
“We’re lucky to be located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a constant source of wonderment to our guests, no matter whether it’s their first visit or one of many,” he said.
“This documentary will shine the light on the amazing variety of marine life to be found, many of which can be seen whilst snorkeling just off our own fringing coral reef.”
Daydream’s on-island Living Reef attraction is one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons, 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.
Comprising a north and south lagoon and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water, the Living Reef lets visitors learn about and get up close to the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef.
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