Merivale has appointed hotelier Erin Proud as general manager their upcoming boutique hotel, The Whale, in Narooma which is set to open in the first half of 2026 on NSW’s far South Coast.
With two decades of luxury hotel experience across London, Asia, the United States and Australia, Proud joins The Whale from luxury award-winning hotel, Spicers Peak Lodge, where she served as general manager.
Proud’s career spans key roles at The Savoy London, Raffles Beijing, Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Rosewood Miramar Beach, where she built a reputation for elevating operational standards, designing exceptional guest experiences, and cultivating high-performing teams.
As general manager of The Whale, Proud oversees all aspects of the property’s pre-opening, launch and operations from guest services to wellness and leisure experiences, recruitment, and community engagement.
The ‘70s-inspired boutique hotel will feature 19 newly designed rooms along with wellness facilities including a heated magnesium pool, traditional sauna and ice bath. Thoughtfully designed rooms offer sweeping views across turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean and Narooma Inlet along with the adjacent national park. Room types include a garden penthouse and nine suites. Each room has an eclectic, retro feel with terrazzo floors and custom furniture crafted by both local and global artisans and makers.
The adjoining restaurant, Queen Chow also reopens alongside The Whale with spectacular water views. Queen Chow celebrates locally sourced produce and fresh seafood with bold Cantonese flair.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Merivale and bringing The Whale to life,” Proud said. “It’s rare to get the chance to shape a property from the ground up, and Narooma’s stunning location and energy make it an extraordinary place to do just that. I’m looking forward to working with the team and the local Narooma community to create a destination that feels welcoming, wonderful and memorable.”
“We are thrilled to have Erin join Merivale as General Manager of The Whale,” Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes said. “Her expertise in luxury and regional accommodation is exactly what we were looking for to ensure The Whale becomes a destination that sets a new benchmark for Narooma and the far South Coast.”
The Whale Narooma is set to open in the first half of 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed. Merivale’s other venues in Narooma include Quarterdeck, Lynch’s Hotel, The Inlet and Surf Beach Holiday Park.
