Daydream Island’s $50 million redevelopment brought forward

Daydream Island Resort and Spa has announced that, in the wake of the recent Tropical Cyclone Debbie, a major refurbishment, originally planned for 2018, has been brought forward.

Having sustained substantial damage caused duing the Cyclone, the popular Whitsundays resort will now stay closed ahead of a continuing clean-up and the beginning of works later in 2017.

Daydream Island Resort & Spa announced in January that more than $50 million would be spent next year a significant refurbishment which would see major infrastructure upgrades including accommodation refurbishments as well as renovations to existing attractions and installation of new features.

However, in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Daydream Island Resort General Manager Dawson Tang said that following an assessment it was not feasible to invest money in reopening Daydream Island in the next few months only for it to close again for the refurbishment.

Tang advised “we are determined to bring Daydream Island back to its spectacular best.

“The level of support we have received from past guests and the community has been overwhelming.

“This decision for an extended closure has not been an easy one but will enable us to concentrate fully on restoring Daydream Island back to the top of the Queensland tourism industry.”

Daydream had previously announced that it would not accept guests until at least 30th April 2017 while it carried out a full assessment of the impact of Cyclone Debbie.

Following today’s announcement, guests with forward bookings are being contacted to arrange the provision of refunds.

Major works will include redevelopment of the arrivals pavilion, reception, main aAtrium 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 overlooking Mermaids Beach while the resort’s conference facilities will be significantly revamped and expanded.

Following Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Daydream Island’s management team have met extensively with representatives of the Queensland Government and other tourism industry bodies.

As part of these discussions the Queensland Government has offered to assist in developing processes that will allow the Resort to fast track the redevelopment of Daydream Island, particularly in relation to the various approvals that will be required.

Tang explained “we want to work together with the Queensland Government to get the newly renovated luxury Daydream Island opened as soon as possible.”

In line with this closure decision, Daydream is in the process of reviewing its resource and staffing needs to carry the resort through the refurbishment process.

Many staff have already moved on to other jobs, and Daydream is working closely with other operators including Hamilton Island to assist with possible redeployments.

Tang added “our staff and resort managers have to be commended for the professional way they implemented our cyclone procedures in very difficult circumstances.

“We have received so many positive comments from guests about how they were looked after and reassured by our resort staff.

“Whilst some redundancies will be necessary in the short term, we are doing everything possible to minimise this.

“We look forward to welcoming many of our staff back as well as guests old and new to the rebuilt Daydream Island next year.”

It is anticipated that the newly refurbished Daydream Island Resort & Spa will be opening for guests in mid-2018.

Images: Daydream Island (top) and architect's renditions of Resort's planned new atrium (below).

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