Constructions begins for $70 million One Whitsundays Resort

The One Whitsundays resort apartments at Airlie Beach have construction. The resort is the first to be built since the global financial crisis (GFC).

The project includes 75 bedroom apartments and two penthouses. Entry price is $395, 000, however a penthouse costs $3.2 million. It will also include a lagoon pool across three levels, a 300-seat conference centre, day spa, gym and the Cafe Del Mar restaurant.

While the resort was purchased before the GFC, there was reluctance to invest in developing infrastructure in the area.

One Whitsundays CEO John Zappia said the GFC then affected Airlie Beach and some planned property developments. However, he said that things are now looking up for the Whitsundays.

“Things are on the up and up if tourism statistics and property prices are any guide,” Mr Zappia said.

“In the past year tourism has risen by 20 per cent and property prices are on the rise, up to five per cent in that period.”

He said the One Whitsundays was designed for investment, anyone wanting to capitalise on property growth and increasing tourism.

He also said projects underway in Airlie Beach shows the confidence investors now have in the Whitsundays.

A hotel operator will manage the resort and apartment buyers will be able to either live at the resort full-time or rent.