Marooned in the Coral Sea 80km from Bundaberg on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef lies Lady Elliot Island, a remote coral cay accessible only by plane. It’s an unspoilt paradise amidst breathtaking isolation, with pristine sandy bays and crystal clear waters teeming with marine life making it one of the best snorkelling and diving locations in the world.
The resort owners had fearlessly ventured into the new frontier of eco tourism via a series of suites, units and cabins. Seeing themselves as mere ‘custodians’ of the island, the eco resort was designed to enable the pristine environment to “be preserved as nature intended, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience it in an economically and ecologically viable way”. Yet with the island’s ageing accommodation in need of renovation, the client required a cost-effective “glamping tent” solution that allowed the resort to maintain room capacity while aligning with the island’s bold eco philosophy.
Eco Structures Australia was called upon to bring this vision to life. Starting with two 4.2m Eco Tent structure, the client ‘made their own’ masterpiece by adding an extra bathroom and secluded balcony. Fully customised to suit the surroundings and prevailing breeze, the island now boasts two exclusive, spacious eco tents set amongst stunning natural flora overlooking a spectacular lagoon. It’s a truly unique glamping experience that changes through the seasons as birds nest in surrounding vegetation and green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs just meters from the guests’ doorsteps.
The design and aesthetics of the Eco Tents complimented the Lady Elliot Island vision so perfectly they have quickly become one of the eco resort’s best-selling accommodations. Purchased on August 2017, delivered in November and installed within two weeks, the investment cost just $68,000. Since taking guest bookings from 9 March 2018, the glamping tents have averaged 85% occupancy*. Based on 420 nights at $165 per person/per night (twin share), that equates to an approximate return of $138,600 with a payback period of 7.5 months.
* Figures based on the nine months from March 2018 to November 2018
