Polin Waterparks
Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…
read moreOne of Australia’s most renowned resorts, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, has been sold for $41.7 million to the Australian hospitality holdings of Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud.
The acquisition of the Byron Bay resort, owned by retail entrepreneur Gerry Harvey and a Harvey Norman Holdings subsidiary, who pioneered its development in 2005, will see it transition to the Crystalbrook Collection brand.
The resort, set in 18 hectares of subtropical rainforest just outside the NSW north coast town of Byron Bay, was listed for sale in May.
With its beachfront location, the resort has regularly been named among the top 10 best luxury resorts in Australia. It features 92 stylish suites, an infinity pool, day spa, tennis court and one-hatted restaurant.
Dubai-based entrepreneur Aboud initially made his money in the automotive and logistics industries and in recent years has invested more than $100 million into Australia’s resort market, developing and opening two luxury resort hotels in Cairns. A third opulent hotel dubbed ‘Flynn’ is set to open in the North Queensland town next year.
The acquisition of Byron at Byron brings Crystalbrook Collection’s portfolio to over 1,100 rooms in operation or under development across seven properties in NSW and Queensland.
Other properties owned by Aboud include The Crystalbrook Lodge and Crystalbrook Station. They were acquired from Port Douglas businessman John Morris in early 2017 and include a 34,000 hectare cattle station.
About 220 kilometres west of Cairns, the Crystalbrook Lodge features five suites and charges $1800 per room per night, all inclusive.
Commenting on the acquisition, Aboud advised “this is a momentous (move) for the Group. We are thrilled to be introducing The Byron at Byron to the Crystalbrook Collection, providing the opportunity of an outstanding leisure experience for our global customers.
"The acquisition of this fantastic asset signifies our continued quest for growth in Australia and the region.”
Crystalbrook Collection acting Chief Executive and Group Director, Hotels, Geoff York added “Byron at Byron fits seamlessly with our existing personality-driven hotels and resorts. Its environmental stance, connection to its exquisite location and local creativity, authentic style and passion for wellness is an excellent fit.”
16th August 2019 - Hayman Island regeneration heralds ‘new era’ for Whitsundays
21st June 2019 - Global Wellness Institute names top five international hot springs trends
5th June 2019 - Byron Bay named among world’s worst locations for overtourism
3rd April 2019 - Tourism ‘the best partner for governments’ to generate jobs and economic growth
21st December 2018 - Byron Bay Beach Hotel replaces poker-machines with eco-friendly environment
4th September 2018 - Expanding Australia’s High Net Worth appeal a positive for tourism
24th August 2018 - NSW sets ambitious regional tourism target
9th August 2018 - Conference to explore tourism business and investment
4th June 2017 - Byron Bay resort launches Conference Wellness Program
7th June 2015 - Tired island resorts hurt the appeal of Great Barrier Reef tourism
12th May 2015 - Australian tourism investment reaches $53.7 billion in 2014
6th November 2012 - Federal Government introduces tourism investment facilitation service
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…
read moreTicketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…
read moreHidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…
read moreIntelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…
read moreCentaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…
read moreNow TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures
read moreKnown as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!