Wyndham Hotel Group has added Shoal Bay Resort and Spa to the company’s expanding portfolio of Ramada properties in the South Pacific region.
One of New South Wales’ most historic hotels, the recently refurbished property will be branded the Ramada Resort Shoal Bay and managed through Wyndham Hotel Group’s South Pacific operations.
The property joins eight Ramada hotels currently operating in Australia.
“The opening of Ramada Resort Shoal Bay is a significant milestone in our rapid expansion across the South Pacific,” said Barry Robinson, managing director, South Pacific, Wyndham Hotel Group.
“Shoal Bay is known for its spectacular natural beauty and the iconic Australian property provides the ideal base for holiday and business travel and exceptional onsite conference facilities for meetings and events.”
Situated on five acres of beachfront, the property was formerly known as the historic Country Club Hotel, a legendary 20th century holiday establishment on Australia’s East Coast. The original club house played a pivotal role in World War II, when it was used as the headquarters for a major training operation involving 20,000 military personnel in the sleepy town of Shoal Bay. Today, the resort includes more than 200 luxurious self-contained apartments, villas and suites overlooking Shoal Bay on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
The hotel is the second joint venture between Wyndham Hotel Group and owner Jay McPhee, who is also collaborating with the company to develop Australia’s first TRYP by Wyndham hotel, which is set to open mid-2014 in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
“This property holds special meaning for generations of Australians who have enjoyed its hospitality over the decades. I am confident that, as a Ramada resort, it will exceed expectations as a premier holiday destination for years to come,” McPhee said.
After its recent restoration, Ramada Resort Shoal Bay now boasts four restaurants, five bars, three swimming pools and a convention centre for conferences and events. The resort is also home to a new AUD$5.5 million, Lattouf Hair and Day Spa, which features three Thalassotherapy mineral spa pools for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.
The resort, which recently received a bronze award at the 2013 New South Wales Tourism Awards for Deluxe Accommodation and Business Tourism, is located two hours’ drive from Sydney, or 30 minutes from Newcastle airport.
Ramada Resort Shoal Bay is one of the latest properties to be added to Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio of approximately 7,490 hotels in 70 countries. Wyndham Hotel Group operates under 15 brands including Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Days Inn, Night, TRYP by Wyndham, Dream Hotels and Planet Hollywood Hotels.