TROPICAL ISLAND RESORT ON THE MARKET

Expressions of interest are being sought for Palm Bay Hideaway, a low-key, eco-style resort on Long Island in the Whitsundays (Australia).

Owner Denis Gillen says he has taken the resort as far as he can and is keen to find a buyer who can realise its full potential.

”Island resort opportunities rarely become available,” says farmer-turned-developer Gillen. “And this island resort is a little more special than the others.”

Gillen believes Palm Bay Hideaway is “the ultimate South Pacific idyll” with everything right on its doorstep: a sparkling blue all-tide lagoon teeming with marine life, a sandy beach fringed with swaying coconut palms, lush, tropical gardens and an adjoining national park with abundant wildlife and nature walks.

The resort consists of 14 refurbished/refurnished Polynesian-style, bures, an open-plan central complex (reception, dining and lounge areas, fireplace, kitchens, bar, general store and offices), high-set manager’s residence, pool, staff units, amenities block for visiting yacht crews, recreation and conference facilities and ten deep-water moorings.

A Town Planning application has been lodged for the addition of 12 resort bures and 13 private houses, all with breathtaking ocean and national park views. Currently, Hamilton Island is the only Whitsunday island with private homes.

Owner Gillen is prepared to consider three purchase options: the entire perpetual lease; the resort only; or the adjoining development site.

One of the key selling points is the recent addition of state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly sewerage, water and electricity services.

Working closely with Whitsunday shire council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Natural Resources and all other relevant government departments, Gillen has been able to make the resort virtually self-sufficient.

“In terms of services, Palm Bay Hideaway is ahead of its time,” he says.”It’s a great opportunity for investors to cash in on the phenomenal growth of the Whitsundays.”

The region is experiencing a $390 million building boom. Tourism numbers rose 22.7% last year. Holidaymakers are staying longer and spending more.

“The past 12 months has been a watershed for the Whitsundays,” says Christie Leet, of PRD Realty Whitsunday, which is handling the sale of Palm Bay Hideaway. “And there’s still a lot more to come, although opportunities such as Palm Bay Hideaway are rare indeed.”

Expressions of interest close on December 15 2000. They should be forwarded to PRD Realty Whitsunday, 350 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach Qld 4802.