Gary has an excellent understanding of the Tourist Industry and equally importantly the testing conditions of designing for the tropical climate.
We have worked together on numerous projects for some 30 years and I have no hesitation in commending Gary and Hunt Design as Architects and Master Planners that provide exemplary service and masterly design capabilities.”
The Brief
Hunt Design was initially commissioned to provide a Master Plan for new owner CCIG. The Master Plan was to revamp the island’s much loved facilities. Whilst the Island had produced many favourable memories for Australian families it had become dated and tired.
In March 2017, devastation hit in the form of Cyclone Debbie. Wind gusts of up to 260km/hr and a tidal surge tore through the resort resulting in its immediate closure.
For Hunt Design and CCIG, this meant a complete change of plan. The owner required a fast track program to get the resort operational again. Following an extensive $140 million redevelopment, a revamped resort is open and operational providing new memories to the next generations of Australians.
The Results
The stylish and tranquil island resort offers a range of refurbished spacious and modern rooms and suites with stunning views overlooking the pool and garden landscapes or with panoramic ocean views.
There is an expanded food and beverage offering across the island with three restaurants and three bars including an exciting new Asian Fusion restaurant which compliments the buffet and modern Australian outlets.
The Resort offers a revitalised swimming lagoon that sweeps through the lush tropical gardens across the resort allowing guests to swim and enjoy unparalleled views across the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef seascape. The Resort also offers unlimited access to a variety of non-motorised water activities.
The Living Reef
The Living Reef is the main centrepiece of the island. It is a unique free form coral lagoon located in the heart of the Island. Winding between 3 buildings and holding over 1.5 million litres of water, the Living Reef connects the main dining space ‘Graze’ with the Reef Exploration Centre and the Underwater Observatory.
A truly unique view into the reef lagoon, the Underwater Observatory has an entire floor to ceiling wall of crystal clear acrylic allowing unparalleled views into the living coral where you can spot lobsters, fish hiding, and other reef dwelling creatures going about their daily routine.
A multi-functional space, the Underwater Observatory has the ability to transform from an observatory to an educational space or to a unique and intimate hospitality venue for dining or cocktails looking into the underwater world. Guests may also sleep within the Reef, as the underwater observatory also boasts a luxurious ensuite with a floor to ceiling window into the lagoon, to allow the whole space to be transformed into an extraordinary suite for a spoilt few to enjoy an overnight stay with the backdrop of the Reef.
The Living Reef is home to over 100 species of marine fish, over 80 species of coral and a variety of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs. Guided snorkel tours with a Marine Biologist allows guests to get up close and personal with sea rays, fish and reef sharks.
Resorts
(Gary Hunt) He is extremely professional, grasps things quickly and has a degree of pragmatism and flexibility not often found amongst his tribe. He understands costs and works well with builders. We drive a project team where things arrive on budget and he gets that. Built on top of that he is a great creative talent. A true visionary.”
Resorts are embracing the spa culture, providing guest programs tailored to experiential activities, and offering cuisine that can be a cultural adventure in its own right.
Plunging into the resort pool from a private over water sundeck can capture the essence of the tropical lifestyle.
Guest suites now need to be a sanctuary and not just a place to sleep. Romance is back and privacy is a given. Languid time in a luxurious bath, set in beautiful surroundings, is as important as a comfy chair in which to read a novel.
Hunt Design knows Resorts. We have worked with developers to create extremely private luxury resorts that give discerning travellers an appreciation for the creative and elegant , infused with the simple pleasures in life and the indulgence of the finest local products.
At the other end of the scale we have produced family focused resorts, that combine a simplicity and elegance that allows the guest to immerse themselves into the adventure of a holiday whilst allowing themselves to be unplugged from the rigours of daily life.
It is this understanding that gives Hunt Design the foresight to help our clients realise a marvellous dream.
A Complete Service
At Hunt Design we consider ourselves as partners with our clients, invested in their business, and we have developed a co-ordinated group of industry leading experts to help developers in the early stages of planning right through to the successful operation of the tourism offering.
Our understanding of each clients Vision early in the process will help us unlock the potential of each unique tourism offering, capitalise on the provenance of local produce to provide guidance for an extraordinary, curated food experience, reflect the natural beauty of the site in our architectural solutions and immerse guests into the myriad of available regional activities.
With seclusion and uniqueness also comes challenge. Working in the tropics or on islands involves a whole new set of skills and planning. Whether it is dealing with logistics for Island or Outback construction, planning for extremes in seasonal weather, or understanding materials for longevity in testing climates, Hunt Design has the proven experience to have solutions that meet or exceed such challenges. Our clients have a guiding partner in Hunt Design to ensure that their overall Vision is achieved and make sure the end product is highly profitable, captures the imagination of guests and stands the test of time as an exemplary contributor to the Tourism Industry.
Tourism in the Tropics
Hunt Design has been servicing the tourist industry for over 30 years and has developed enduring links with esteemed operators, owners and investors. Our experience ranges from small boutique properties through to luxury wilderness eco-resorts and major tourist establishments.
Travellers are increasingly aware of the importance of environmentally sustainable design and we constantly strive to ensure our designs have a soft footprint and empathy with the natural surroundings.
We seek to provide guests with spaces that allow them to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of their everyday life and connect with their inner self. The tropics is the perfect stage for our holistic approach to Tourism Architecture. White sandy beaches, vivid blue water, lush leafy landscapes, whisper quiet service, intimate plunge pools.
‘The perfect recipe for unplugging.’
