La Vie Hotels & Resorts has secured the management rights for the highly anticipated Lindeman Island Hotel revival project in Queensland’s Whitsundays.
This milestone marks a significant step in revitalising one of Australia’s most iconic island destinations. Lindeman Island is steeped in history and holds a special place in Australia’s tourism story. Lindeman was a favourite among holidaymakers, the resort thrived through the 1980s and 1990s, attracting thousands of visitors and contributing significantly to Queensland’s tourism economy.
Club Med announced it was closing its Lindeman Island resort in 2011, claiming tourists want more upmarket experiences. Cyclone Yasi and a downturn in the tourism hastened the demise of the 218-room three-star property, 30 minutes from Hamilton Island by boat.
The resort , set among 690 hectares of World Heritage National Park, is being developed by Well Smart Group, a Singapore-based investment company that acquired Lindeman Island in 2023. Well Smart Group is spearheading a multi-million-dollar transformation of the former Club Med site.
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Craig Davidson, said Queensland’s beautiful tropical islands are a unique and important tourism asset for the state.
“Our distinctive, pristine islands have helped shape Queensland’s standing as a global tourism leader and we are excited to see the revitalisation of Lindeman Island which has always been an iconic part of Queensland’s tourism story,” he said.
“This important investment, breathing new life into Lindeman Island, will bolster Queensland’s international reputation as a world-class holiday destination providing an exceptional visitor experience.”
The redevelopment aims to restore Lindeman Island to its former glory while embracing sustainability and modern luxury. In addition to managing the property, La Vie Hotels & Resorts will secure an international luxury brand for Lindeman Island in 2026, further elevating its global profile and positioning the resort as a flagship destination for eco-luxury travel in the Asia-Pacific region, phase one of the development is partly funded by the Queensland Government’s Growing Futures Tourism Program.
A decade ago, plans were revealed for a $600 million redevelopment of Lindeman Island by White Horse Australia Lindeman in a bid to revive the island getaway as an integrated resort. They never eventuated.
Features
- A five-star hotel with approximately 200 accommodation rooms and 9 Suites
- Multiple restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, and a luxury spa and gym
- Conference and Wedding/Event spaces
- Staff accommodation and eco-friendly infrastructure, including a solar farm
- A new 50-metre jetty
The initial stage of works, including the jetty, is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the resort opening shortly thereafter. The full redevelopment, estimated at $40–$50 million for the first phase, is part of a broader $583 million master plan approved under Queensland’s co-ordinated projects framework, which includes ecotourism facilities and environmental enhancements such as native vegetation restoration and renewable energy initiatives.
“La Vie Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to partner with Well Smart Group on this landmark project,” La Vie chief executive officer, Jerry Xu, said. “Lindeman Island is more than a tropical paradise -it is a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism heritage. First developed for visitors in the 1920s, Lindeman became one of the earliest Whitsunday islands to offer accommodation, paving the way for Queensland’s rise as a global holiday destination.
“Lindeman Island holds a special place in Australia’s tourism history, and together we will deliver a world-class resort experience that celebrates the Whitsundays’ natural beauty,” he added.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts is a leading independent hotel management company operating across Asia Pacific.
“Our vision is to create a sustainable, luxury destination that redefines island hospitality in Queensland. With La Vie’s expertise in resort management, we are confident Lindeman Island will become a beacon for eco-luxury travel,” Well Smart director Jack Jia said.
The redevelopment is expected to generate hundreds of jobs during construction and approximately 500 ongoing roles once operational, boosting tourism and economic growth in the Mackay and Whitsundays
