Just a week after Mulpha shut down rumours of the sale of Hayman to Sol Kernzer, the company has entered into a management agreement with the South African magnate to brand the hotel as a One&Only resort.
Mulpha Australia has entered into an agreement with Kerzner International Holdings Limited to assume management following a multi-million dollar renovation and rebranding due for completion in April 2014.
“Hayman has long been acclaimed as an iconic Australian resort and Kerzner is the perfect partner to herald in a new era for the resort under their One&Only brand,” said Mulpha Australia’s Executive Chairman Seng Huang Lee.
“The transformational refurbishment combined with One&Only’s innovation and commitment to delivering an extraordinary level of service will redefine resort luxury in Australia.”
Showcasing the natural elements of the location, One&Only will present a number of unique guest experiences, enhanced accommodations, new culinary options and signature One&Only service throughout the resort.
According to Mulpha, the introduction of One&Only to Hayman will bring a renewed sense of vitality to the island underpinned by a strong sense of place through design and ambiance.
DBI Design, in partnership with the Kerzner International Development Team, has been engaged for the interior design and landscape architecture for the resort’s rebirth.
“I am thrilled to introduce One&Only to Hayman Island. It is the perfect destination for the first One&Only in Australia and I know the resort will be well received by our many loyal One&Only guests, as well as guests that have been enjoying Hayman for years,” said Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International.
“My personal commitment is to make One&Only Hayman Island a ‘must stay’ for the well-travelled to explore the wonders of this magnificent destination.”
The Pool Wing will be redeveloped and feature new all-suite living spaces offering either one or two bedrooms. New Hayman rooms and Hayman suites, featuring ocean and lagoon views, will be introduced with reimagined interiors and amenities. The iconic pool will offer a renewed life and energy, complete with cabanas and day beds. Some suites will provide direct access to the pool, allowing guests to enjoy the water straight from their private terrace. The exclusive Beach Villas, with secluded second bedroom Retreat rooms, as well as the one, two and three-bedroom Penthouses, including the Owner’s Penthouse, will continue to offer the ultimate in exclusivity, privacy, personalized service and experience.
True to the brand’s heritage, One&Only Hayman Island will offer a variety of world-class cuisines overseen by internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort will also house an indulgent One&Only Health Spa incorporating the incredible natural environment by utilising elements that are represented in the surrounding botanical gardens in addition to offering the latest in health and beauty. A new Beauty Salon concept will be introduced adjacent to the Spa. In keeping with the latest fitness advancements, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with expert personal training will be added for a comprehensive health and wellbeing offering.
As with all One&Only properties, One&Only Hayman Island will cater to couples and families alike – preserving privacy and serenity for those who seek it whilst also providing engaging activities for all ages. Innovative offerings for families include the KidsOnly Club and Teens Club, plus a separate family pool and children’s beach area. In addition, a new adult-only pool and chill-out lounge area will be introduced.
Guests will be able to enjoy a host of unique sporting facilities to discover the island and the Great Barrier Reef – one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world with over 33,000 species found off the coastline. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the reef and all the wonders around it through special programmes led by One&Only dive experts and marine biologists, as well as hiking and private island exploration. Private weddings, events and conferences will be catered for in style with ample space for both intimate and larger groups.
As part of the ongoing development and investment programme, Mulpha Australia will continue a staged rollout of the ultra-luxury Hayman Private Residences and Hayman Marina Residences offering private ownership opportunities for select clients and guests.
Hayman is located on the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. The island covers 726 acres and is named in honour of Thomas Hayman, the sea navigator who charted the island’s waters and has been an oasis for guests since the 1950s.
The change in management has been applauded by national industry body Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the agreement represents a significant investment in quality product at the top end of the Australian tourism market.
“Australian tourism operators are increasingly seeking out high-yield visitors and this investment will position Hayman as a world-class luxury destination for people seeking unique and exclusive experiences,” he said.
“Investment like this is essential to ensuring Australia’s tourism product is globally competitive, as resorts and destinations around the world constantly strive to improve their product and service offering.
“The world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most popular and iconic destinations, boasting a spectacular underwater ecosystem and a unique visitor experience.
“Hayman offers unparalleled access to this natural beauty, facilitating tours and dives that allow guests to explore the reef from above and below.
“Kerzner has an outstanding reputation as a world leader in luxury resort properties and will bring its expertise and innovation to Hayman positioning it as a leader in the Australian accommodation market.
“The One&Only brand is known for its distinctive style, outstanding service, beautiful locales and unique personality.
“In addition, the One&Only brand will enable Hayman to benefit from Kerzner’s marketing and distribution reach.
“Congratulations to Mulpha and Kerzner on this agreement which will ensure Hayman, Great Barrier Reef remains one of Australia’s most attractive destinations,” Morrison said.