As if the Whitsundays weren’t already magical enough, the dreamy collection of islands off Queensland’s coast is set to score a brand new luxury retreat. Poised for a 2027 opening, the lavish eco-lodge will be located on the beautifully rugged Hook Island, which hasn’t had a resort since 2013 due to severe cyclone damage. The exciting revitalisation project aims to set a new standard for sustainable luxury travel in Australia, featuring nature-inspired cabins, a forest spa, an eco pool and a clifftop fine-dining experience. (2027 couldn’t come sooner!)
After being closed for more than a decade, the new accommodation will allow Hook Island to welcome overnight guests and day trippers to experience its rugged 58-square-kilometre landscape situated in the Great Barrier Reef. Think secluded bays, lush forests, deep fjord-like inlets and pristine fringing reefs – all of which have been untouched for years.
Australian hospitality group Epochal Hotels (which is behind the Harbord Hotel, Q Station and The Scarborough Hotel) is leading the revitalisation of this hidden island paradise. Sustainability is at the heart of the eco-lodge’s design, with construction unfolding in phases to minimise its environmental footprint. Strategies are in place to prevent erosion, manage waste and reduce noise pollution, while cyclone-resistant materials will be used to seamlessly blend with the island’s natural contours and preserve the native plants and habitats.
As for what we can expect from the highly-anticipated Hook Island resort? The eco-lodge will house 39 distinctive cabins, offering six accommodation options across forest and beachfront settings. Guests will be greeted in a grand arrival pavilion, with multiple family-friendly spaces to encourage exploration, including a storytelling Explorer’s Lounge, a kids’ nature play area and a tranquil yoga pavilion.
For ultimate relaxation, guests can retreat to the forest-inspired wellness centre, complete with an eco pool and Nordic spa. The resort will also boast a clifftop fine-dining restaurant offering sweeping views of Stingray Bay, alongside a more casual beach club offering all-day dining, an outdoor fire pit and a lounging deck overlooking Hook Passage. With construction set to begin soon, we’re already counting down the days until the eco-lodge opens its doors in 2027.
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