Karma Royal Group has made its long-awaited Australian debut with the signing of Rottnest Lodge on Western Australia’s Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Lodge will form part of Chakra, a new four-star lifestyle brand currently in development by the group to complement the world-renowned five star resort brand, Karma Resorts.
This is a significant step in the ongoing expansion of the group’s global network in 2011 and 2012 and Karma Royal Group’s vision for Rottnest Lodge will see significant upgrades and reinventions throughout the resort, with a focus on renovating the restaurants and bars to a new level and revamping the food and beverage throughout the property.
Rottnest Lodge will play host to a program of cool and aspirational events such as top DJs, fashion shows and wine weekends throughout the year, with plans to add a spa to enhance the experience of its guests.
“I have long held a love for Western Australia and a desire to share its unique beauty with the many international clients of the Karma Royal Group,” said Karma Royal Group CEO John Spence. “Australia is my second home and I am passionate about expanding our property portfolio in this market.
“Rottnest Island is a special place for Western Australians and a popular destination for domestic and International visitors alike.
“Working closely with the Rottnest Island Authority and the Heritage Council of WA, we look forward to developing Rottnest Lodge with our own unique stamp on lifestyle experiences and service,” he said.
An important holiday destination for over 50 years, Rottnest Island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world, with a choice of over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays.
According to Spence, the vision of Karma Royal Group is to develop the Lodge so that it is accessible to all, with quality product options at a wide range of price points.
“We see the enormous potential of not only Rottnest Lodge, but also Rottnest Island as a growing destination for international travelers,” he said. “With the worldwide network of the Karma Royal Group we feel we can bring our exciting lifestyle experience to the island, which will serve to attract the discerning leisure traveler.
“We also recognise the potential for attracting strong MICE business, particularly within the neighboring mining sector.”
Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia near Fremantle and is accessible by air (12 minute flight from Perth) or by sea, via ferry or private boat.
Currently, Rottnest Lodge comprises 80 rooms with six styles of accommodation and a total capacity of 239 people. There are two conference room facilities with 80 and 25 person capacities respectively. For larger functions, Rottnest Lodge regularly partners with other venues on Rottnest Island, including Picture Hall and the Golf Club.The property also features popular restaurant and bar venues.
“Bankwest is delighted to announce the imminent appointment of the Karma Royal Group as the new operator of The Rottnest Lodge,” said Jon Sutton, Bankwest Managing Director. “This marks the conclusion of our long-term strategy to transfer the asset to a company with the specialized skills needed to manage The Lodge. Karma Royal Group have a long track record of effective and successful hotel management, which we believe will ultimately benefit the WA community.”