Australia’s Great Barrier Reef region will welcome a new luxury accommodation next month with the opening of The House on Lizard Island.
The House – a multi-level 3-bedroom residence – and its adjoining residence The Cottage are part of the award-winning Lizard Island Resort. Combined, the properties can accommodate up to eight guests.
Opening on July 4, The House is positioned on a private peninsula of Lizard Island – an exclusive, pristine island situated 27 kilometres off the coast of northern Queensland, boasting over 1000 hectares of National Parkland and surrounded by a protected Marine Park.
Surrounded by three white-sand beaches, guests can opt to go snorkelling, diving, fishing and more during their stay.
“Our goal is to give the guests of The House a lifetime ‘bucket-list’ experience in this magical part of the world,” said The House Resort General Manager, Leon Pink.
The House Owner, Brisbane-based businessman and philanthropist, Steve Wilson, wanted to build a property that adequately paid respect to the sacred land and its Aboriginal and European histories while also ensuring minimal disturbances to the environment during construction.
The House honours his late father, John Wilson, who built the first resort on Lizard Island in the 1970s and who instilled the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the area.
“Luxury to me is more about authenticity and experience rather than ostentation,” said Owner Steve Wilson.
“The luxury is witnessed in the position of the house, the thought behind the details and of course, the views, but that’s not to say we’ve denied it any luxuries in design and interiors. Every single piece chosen for The House has a sense of place. Much of the furniture was hand built by a local craftsman, while other renowned international pieces stand as functioning works of art. An iconic table by B&B Italia sits alongside a piece of art by an indigenous artist from far north Queensland. I wanted guests to be captivated but also not feel uncomfortable walking inside with sand on their feet.”
A team of experts have been recruited to lead guest experiences at The House, including a private chef and sommelier, a facialist, and masseuse, yoga instructor, and a naturalist to lead hikes. The property also comes with 56’ Riviera Motor Yacht which can be used for fishing trips or exploring the reef.
Queensland architect Dr James Davidson of JDA Co. is responsible for the design of the buildings and masterplan for the site, while Sophie Hart was commissioned as the interior design consultant to celebrate Australian artisanal talent.