One of the Whitsunday’s most iconic resort islands is under new management, following news that developer Glenn Piper recently acquired the leasehold and has plans to reinvigorate the property into a new world-class eco-lodge, with food and beverage at the heart of the experience.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Meridian Australia, Mr Piper has invested in over 90 properties and says he is committed to respecting the land and heritage while bringing his vision to life.
“There’s nothing quite like Hook Island - very few locations in the world can offer this level of natural wonder,” he said.
“I want to create an experience that befits the beauty of the Island, and the Whitsundays - respectfully and sustainably.
“I’m energised at the thought of creating a world class hospitality experience for this slice of paradise and cannot wait for the first guest to step onto the sand.”
Previously home to Hook Island Lodge which closed down in 2013, the island has been virtually abandoned for almost a decade.
The dis-used resort was severely damaged during Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and as part of a $25 million Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Island Resorts Rejuvenation Program the previous owners cleared the site.
During the process, they demolished 10 buildings and removed tonnes of asbestos, metal, concrete and other waste from the resort, creating an expansive 9.5 hectare blank canvas for the new developers.
Whitsunday Regional Council’s Acting Major, Mike Brunker, said the Council always welcomes investment in new tourism products and experiences to enhance the already unique portfolio of what the Whitsundays has to offer.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton also welcomed the development of a new eco resort on the island.
“The new eco resort will further enhance the reputation of The Whitsundays and Queensland both domestically and internationally as the must do destination in Australia,” he said.
Piper has partnered with a small syndicate of investors on the purchase and will receive the keys in August, immediately commencing his research and consultancy process to inform the future vision and concept for Hook Island.
The abandoned Hook Island Resort is a blank canvas for the developer
The fringing reef provides the ideal eco-tourism holiday
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