Airlie icon changes hands
by Joscelyn O'Keefe 19 Nov 2018 22:30 PST
Abell Point Marina aerials © Brooke Miles Photography
Paul Darrouzet, owner of the multi award-winning Airlie Beach marina precinct, Abell Point Marina, last week exchanged unconditional sale and purchase contracts for the acquisition of the iconic Coral Sea Resort. This strategic move is the next step in Darrouzet's plan to continue developing Abell Point as a leading international marina.
Abell Point Marina over recent years has experienced a $30 million upgrade and now hosts 520 wet berths, berthing to accommodate vessels up to 80m in length and award-winning restaurants and venues.
With impeccably maintained grounds and a beautiful new 2.5 hectare garden opening in the new year, the marina already boasts a resort-like feel. The addition of first-class boutique accommodation and an enticing array of facilities – including an award-winning oceanfront restaurant, a private dining seaside gazebo, cocktail lounge, fitness room, private jetty, 25 metre pool, wedding chapel, 200 seat function room, resort shop and tour desk – will contribute to the marina precinct becoming a premier mainland destination resort.
Of his recent acquisition, Paul Darrouzet says, "Over the course of the past two years the Whitsundays have faced a great deal of adversity. However, that said, we are all greatly confident in the future of the region and I have a sincere and deep interest and investment in the ongoing development of the Airlie Beach community. I am truly excited about this next phase on a number of levels, from our superyacht strategy through to every aspect of our business; this acquisition makes sense."
Greg Waites will continue as General Manager of the Coral Sea Resort, working closely with Abell Point Marina General Manager, Kate Purdie, who will oversee the integration of the resort into the marina precinct.
Kate explains, "Coral Sea Resort is a well-run, excellent asset, in arguably the best location in Australia. It is a natural addition to the marina precinct portfolio. We partner regularly on special events and the businesses already have great synergy. We're looking forward to offering our marina customers the same world-class service they have come to expect, along with a new array of resort benefits to accompany their berthing."
Greg is equally optimistic, saying, "Paul's proven commitment to excellence in quality and value has been evident throughout the redevelopment of Abell Point Marina. I am confident that he is the right owner to take Coral Sea Resort into the future and further enhance the destination experience for our combined guests."
The Abell Point Marina team look forward to working together with the team from Coral Sea Resort to ensure a smooth and successful integration over the coming months.