Source : Perth Now news
A luxury resort in WA’s north is finally reopening its doors after a tropical cyclone wiped out a quarter of its villas.
Berkeley River Lodge in the Kimberley region is a four-star luxury accommodation that has received critical acclaim in recent years — with the lodge earning the title of ‘Australia’s most remote luxury resort’.
As the resort neared the end of a scheduled refurbishment in late November, it faced the wrath of Mother Nature when tropical cyclone Fina tore through the site, leaving it unrecognisable in less than 24 hours.
At the time, Saltwater Properties owner Chris Banson told PerthNow that Fina caused “significant damage” to the uninsured Berkeley River Lodge, with five of the 20 guest villas bearing the brunt of the category three storm’s destructive path.
After 153 days, 38 tradesmen and another tropical cyclone hitting the region, there is an incredible update for explorers wanting a remote WA adventure: the lodge has been rebuilt and is finally ready to reopen its doors for the 2026 season!
Hannah Wark, general manager of Berkeley River Lodge, told PerthNow the rebuild was “the most remarkable milestone” for the accommodation.
“We were fortunate that the majority of villas and our central lodge area were able to be restored,” she said.
“It has been an emotional rollercoaster with lots of tears and challenges along the way, which is all part of operating — and rebuilding — a premium product that is only accessible by air or sea.”
Contractors including electricians and builders were flown to the luxury lodge within a week of cyclone Fina, with eight barges and 54 flights arriving at the site across a six month period to deliver new furniture and upgrades to the resort.
The contractors were also able to complete the original refurbishments that were disrupted by the wild weather, including upgrades to the pool deck and on-site dining at Dunes Restaurant.
“To bring our vision of a refined, remote sanctuary to life, we collaborated with Perth’s Empire Home to curate a reimagined experience that marries rugged authenticity with sophisticated comfort,” Ms Wark said.
“From the grandest custom furniture and exquisite one-of-a-kind items to the smallest vanity accessory, nothing was overlooked — even in the most surprising locations for our guests.
“The refurbishment is a celebration of raw materials and artisanal skill across all villa interiors, balconies and open-air ensuite vanities.”
The resort said while there may still be some scars left from Fina’s path of destruction, the experience is even more luxurious than before — with a range of “curated experience” added for guests visiting after the reopening.
The new Morning Movement Sessions allow visitors to partake in some pool-side yoga, pilates or breathwork as the sun rises over the Timor Sea, cloaking the resort in a golden hue.
The luxury resort has brought back their revered Kimberley Spa in a brand new mobile form, with the spa providing guests with one hour treatments using native botanicals.
