Queensland’s Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays will, subject to Government approval, be sold to China Capital Investment Group for an undisclosed sum.
It is currently intended that the sale by Daydream Island’s long-time owner Vaughan Bullivant will take place in mid-March 2015.
The new owners intend to continue to operate Daydream Island Resort and Spa and invest money into the gradual refurbishment of the popular resort.
“I’m delighted that we’ve found an investor that can continue to operate Daydream with the current management team and take it securely forward,” Bullivant said.
“Daydream Island has been a huge part of my life and I’ve put so much passion into making it a great tropical island experience but have known for some time it’s best for another owner to continue my vision.
“This is a great day for Daydream and whilst I’m sad to be parting ways the island has a very bright future.
“The new owners also have an opportunity to develop further the southern end of the island and offer new accommodation experiences,” he said.
China Capital Investment Group, based in Shanghai, has several tourism assets in its portfolio with Daydream Island representing its first investment in Australia.
“We look forward to improving the property and providing both domestic and international guests with a continued high level of quality service and enhancing their holiday experience,” said Chairman of CCIG Chuanyou Zhou.
Vitamin and health magnate Bullivant bought Daydream Island in 2000 and immediately reinvigorated the resort with an extensive overhaul to bring it up to international standards and become one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Australia.
“It’s business as usual at Daydream and we’re pleased to welcome a new owner who will continue to develop the tourism experience for our guests in our key markets,” said Daydream Island Resort and Spa chief executive officer Scott Wilkinson.
“We’ve just experienced a busy holiday period and look forward to building on the positive guest feedback we continue to receive.
“Our leisure, weddings and conferencing sectors all have strong forward bookings for 2015. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead.”
Four and a half star Daydream Island Resort and Spa has 296 rooms and suites, each offering views of tropical waters or rainforest.
The island features white coral beaches and lush rainforest and has been the recipient of numerous tourism and hospitality awards including the 2014 Whitsunday Tourism award for Best Deluxe Accommodation, subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame, and a prestigious silver award for deluxe accommodation at the 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards.
Daydream Island is home to The Living Reef which is the largest open air aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere and is located within the resort and comprises two lagoons with over 80 varieties of coral and more than 140 species of fish including sharks, stingrays, giant barramundi and many tropical marine fish including the much loved clownfish.
Guests can also indulge and be pampered at the world-class Rejuvenation Spa. The refined elegance of this spectacular facility is reflected in its 16 private rooms offering the latest in naturopathy, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy or reflexology to stimulate the senses and bring harmony to mind, body and soul.