John Spence, Founder and Chairman of Karma Royal Group has signed a landmark Heads of Agreement with the WA State Government Rottnest Island Authority to develop a new Karma Resort on Rottnest Island.
“I am extremely exhilarated that after many years of work, this agreement has been solidified. Western Australia is very important to me, both personally and professionally,” said John Spence, Chairman and Founder of Karma Royal Group. “Our vision has been designed to honour every aspect of the stark natural beauty and history of Rottnest Island and will garner global media and industry attention to Western Australia.”
Mr Spence continued; “Rottnest Island is the perfect location to leave the world behind, go barefoot in the sand and celebrate the incredible sunsets of Western Australia. It has long been my dream to create a world-class resort on the island complete with a wide array of amenities and facilities and to share this with both Western Australia and a global audience of sophisticated leisure travellers who appreciate its history and stunning vistas, and will revel in the fun of its laidback luxury, where you can simply get lost or maybe – in the process – find yourself all over again. At Karma Resorts – life’s an adventure! Our philosophy pairs perfectly with Rottnest Island.”
WA Tourism Minister, Dr Kim Hames, said many visitors to Rottnest Island would welcome news that the development is proceeding with environmental sustainability, design and quality in mind.
“Rottnest is an iconic destination for a whole range of reasons and everyone has their own memories or expectations of a visit there. That of course means people want different things, and so now there’s new potential for holidays and business trips,” said Dr Hames.
“With its beaches, spectacular bays and fascinating history, the island appeals to a wide range of markets so a premium redevelopment of this sort is likely to expand the island’s attraction for visitors wanting a resort experience while still experiencing a unique Rottnest stay.”
The Resort will be open to all visitors on Rottnest Island and will include the following key elements: short stay holiday accommodation, beach club, licensed bar and restaurant, café and beverage venue, swimming pool and amenities, day spa and treatment rooms, kids club, gym and personal training facilities, retail outlet/gift shop, and conference and meeting rooms.
In 2015, John Spence has been honoured by the University of California (UCLA) by being awarded a Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design. Already in final stage development, key finishing touches to the resort planning for Rottnest Island will be incorporated into the course work that John Spence will present at the Advanced Topic Studio, “The Island, the Pods and the Glamourous – Contemporary Glamping in Remote Settings.” More details will be released on this collaboration in the coming months.
An important holiday destination for over 50 years, Rottnest Island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world, with a choice of over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays. The island is located 18 kilometres (11 miles) off the coast of Western Australia, near Fremantle. The island is 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) long, and 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) at its widest point and is accessible by air (12 minute flight from Perth) or by sea, via ferry or private boat.
Since Karma Resorts took over the lease of Rottnest Lodge in 2011, it is the choice for premier accommodation on Rottnest Island. Along with offering destination dining at Riva, its quality restaurant showcasing the region’s fresh produce, Rottnest Lodge features a choice of quality hotel-style apartments, sumptuous suites with private facilities and comfortable rooms. Karma Spa at Rottnest Lodge is the island’s prime wellness and relaxation destination, with a boutique menu of bespoke treatments. Rottnest Lodge has played host to a program of fabulous events such as top DJ’s, fashion shows, wine weekends and Karma Spa retreats throughout the year.
Further demonstrating its commitment to Rottnest Island and Western Australian Tourism, Karma Royal Group recently announced the naming rights sponsorship of the iconic Rottnest Channel Swim. Commencing this year the iconic sporting event will be known as the “Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim.”
“We at Karma Resorts have long been fans of the Rottnest Channel Swim and we are extremely thrilled to now play an active partnership role of a major sporting celebration that is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the premier open water swim events in the world,“ said John Spence. “The Rottnest Channel Swim epitomises what we embody as a company – a world-class sporting event profiling gorgeous Rottnest Island in such a stunning way, a celebration of love for the ocean and the beach, fitness and health and, ultimately, of people celebrating the joy of life and simply having a brilliant time, whether they’re actively swimming in the ocean or kicking back and relaxing on shore.”
Mr. Spence continued; “The Rottnest Channel Swim synergises perfectly with the ethos of Karma Resorts and those of our alpha lifestyle-driven guests from all over the world who relish challenging themselves, that of training hard, working hard and playing even harder. What better place to do all these than on Rottnest Island?”
