GH Properties, owner of the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, has welcomed Noosa Council’s decision to approve its application to build a boutique luxury hotel on part of its resort property.
Ellen Guan, managing director of GH Properties, said the development application – initially lodged in late 2021 – follows nearly four years of extensive consultation, redesign and refinement.
“We’re excited to introduce this new component of Noosa Springs with a hotel that offers luxurious, high-quality accommodation with a strong focus on wellness and rejuvenation,” Ms Guan said.
“We genuinely believe this thoughtfully scaled-back design achieves a harmonious outcome—one that respects the surrounding environment, honours community sentiment, and reflects the site’s unique character.
“We’re humbled by this outcome and will move forward with the same care and responsibility.”
Throughout the process, GH properties worked collaboratively with residents, authorities, and planning staff. Significant changes to the design were made recently that include:
• Reducing guest rooms from 106 to 69.
• Removing one building entirely to reduce encroachment into the Recreation and Open Space zone and areas mapped in the Noosa Plan as having biodiversity values.
• Downsizing swimming pools to provide greater emphasis on the natural landscape;
• Enhancing the tennis complex, including a court upgraded to International Tennis Federation standards.
• Expanding landscaped areas to promote passive recreation and reinforce the site’s natural character.
Concerns raised during the approval process—such as traffic, parking, noise, building height, odour, and koala habitat—were fully addressed through expert assessments and Council’s own planning evaluations.
The approved design features four low-rise buildings, terraced into the hillside and carefully designed to remain below the tree line.
The hotel will be managed by an international hotel operator and offer premium furnishings, themed interiors, and exceptional service. Importantly, the hotel will complement—not compete with—the existing resort facilities, creating synergies and enhancing the overall experience for hotel guests, residents and members alike.
“Noosa Springs’ residents and members will benefit directly,” Ms Guan said.
“Improvements to the clubhouse will offer more services and choices. We remain committed to ensuring that no decisions compromise members’ rights or enjoyment of the resort.”
The project represents a substantial private investment in Noosa’s tourism infrastructure, generating employment opportunities and addressing the region’s growing demand for premium short-stay accommodation.
Project Manager Phil Starkey, whose family originally developed Noosa Springs, said the hotel was always an important element of the Noosa Springs masterplan and would deliver lasting community benefits.
“This is a landmark project that will strengthen Noosa Springs as the premium place to live and visit,” Mr Starkey said.
“It will diversify and elevate the local accommodation market while creating long-term economic and lifestyle value for Noosa Springs and the region.”
