Hayman Island overhaul into full swing

Hayman Island overhaul into full swing
By admin


Hayman Island is set to make significant changes to its accommodation offering as the One&Only brand takes the next step in its plans to upgrade the destination into an uber luxury resort, with well heeled foreign visitors a key target demographic.

Work on the island's current accommodation will see the total number of rooms being reduced from 210 to 160. The existing Pool Wing rooms will be developed into suites, with allotments of two rooms essentially being redeveloped into single suites with expanded floorspace.

The island's Lagoon Wing will be refurbished first with the initial phase estimated to be completed by April 1. The reconverting of the Pool Wing is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Hosting assorted media at Sydney's upmarket Aria restaurant this week, recently installed general manager of Hayman Island Guenter Gebhard told Travel Today that he was pleased with the progress being made. "We are looking at close to 100% capacity on the island over the Christmas period from December 20th to January 6th, which is encouraging," he said.

Gebhard also said that attracting further foreign visitors was a key priority once the renovation work was complete as was retaining the high number of repeat visitors that One&Only's global properties have attracted.

Also hinted at by Gebhard were a series plans as part of the quest to elevate Hayman Island to the top echelon of luxury in the Australian market. Potentially on the cards are an improved method of welcoming and transfering guests, who arrive via the gateway of Hamilton Island airport. VIP seaplane and helicopter transfers are undertsood to be under consideration.

Elsewhere, Gebhard alluded to a potential alliance with a celebrity restaurant or personality. "The One&Only Cape Town has benefitted from a tie up with chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and his Nobu restaurant. We would certainly look at doing something similar on Hayman Island," he said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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