Epochal Hotels has unveiled plans to open a new eco-lodge on Australia’s Hook Island, designed by Luxury Frontiers.
Epochal Hotels’ CEO Glenn Piper, alongside a small group of investors, acquired the leasehold in 2022 with the vision of restoring the island – located within Australia’s Whitsunday Islands – which was left severely impacted by cyclones. Now, the location’s 9.3 hectares are poised for revival.
Set to open in 2027, the eco-lodge will be home to 39 biophilic cabins, with six accommodation types nestled across forest and beachfront settings. An arrival pavilion will welcome guests with sweeping architectural lines that reflect the island’s natural beauty. Inside, amenities will include a fine dining restaurant as well as a beach club, complete with an all-day dining restaurant, bar, outdoor fire pit, pool and lounging deck. Wellness facilities meanwhile will take the form of a forest spa and eco pools.
Piper, in collaboration with Luxury Frontiers, has designed the resort to embody ‘barefoot luxury’. Architectural plans draw inspiration from nature, grounding the resort seamlessly within its surroundings. Inside, interiors will reflect Hook Island’s vibrant palette – from earthy browns, greens and ocean blues at the entrance to a vivid array of colours inspired by the island’s birds, coral and marine life.
“We are privileged to help bring this responsible eco-tourism destination to life,” says Graeme Labe, Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer of Luxury Frontiers. “We’re revitalising a beautiful location with a design ethos that aligns with an inspired vision for purposeful, adventurous travel. The design is grounded in the island’s natural, social and historical elements to create an authentic sense of place.”
In keeping with their commitment to conservation, Piper and his team are working closely with leading consultants to ensure the development aligns with the island’s ecological needs. Cyclone-resistant, modular architecture will blend harmoniously with the island’s natural contours, while extensive tree surveys have guided building placements to preserve native plants and habitats.
Development will take a phased approach to minimise its footprint, with comprehensive measures in place to prevent erosion, manage waste and reduce noise pollution. Once open, daily operations will emphasise water-efficient systems, recycled wastewater irrigation and eco-friendly appliances to sustain resources.
Piper comments: “Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world – its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm. Our vision is bold: to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature.”
Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, also adds: “We know we have some of the world’s most spectacular islands and this development will allow visitors from around Queensland, Australia and the globe to experience this natural beauty up close. After experiencing the natural wonders of Queensland, we know visitors will become passionate advocates to protect these fantastic areas.”