Hells Bells
14 May 2014 | Laguna Quays
Paul
14/5/2014 After a pleasant nights sleep on board R&R it was up early to retrieve the gear that I had stored in the Bowls of the boat. Then after a search of Whitsunday Escapes Shed we found the Spinnaker, after some breakfast in Arlie Beach we where back on the road by 0930. Deciding already to try the inland route and having time on our hands we decided to stop and have a look at Laguna Quays.
Built by a Japanese based company Aqua Del Ray: of Kobe Japan.
The Japanese embarked on a transformation from native untouched coastal wilderness in the mid north coast of Queensland into a platform in which to view this native sanctuary firsthand. A woody scrubland was magically transformed with the very essence of the wilderness protected and nurtured. An abundance of native wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and a multitude of Australian water birds. Along with migratory birds that took refuge within this paradise.
The idilic surroundings were the backdrop for the five star service.
Although prior to construction numerous feasibility studies were carried out on the effects to local wildlife and possible impact on the local communities and economies by building such a development.
The Japanese pushed on with their Australian paradise at Laguna Quays to its completion in the 1990's.
The devastating affects of the Kobe earthquake saw the demise of Aqua Del Ray. Laguna was then picked up by Village Roadshow for $23 million.
Mr. David Marriner then purchased jointly with Cbus, A relationship that soured with goodbyes voiced in court. It left Marriner in complete control where he could wow his total lack of due care. The property was snapped up by a reported $13 Million (source). in 1997 and its been all down hill from there.
The history of Laguna is a fascinating journey from beginning to end. Aqua Del Ray, reportedly invested $250 million into the Laguna Quays resort at the foot of the Whitsundays passage.
Now as can bee seen from the picture it is fast becoming the property of mother nature again.
Kath, Ruth Phil and myself stayed here back in the late 90's We had a room in one of the Turrets seen in the background with Marble floors and Royal Dalton China for Tea and Coffee preparation. The grounds where manicured within an inch of there life back then, although there are signs of activity with gardening being undertaken and work down by the Marina, it might well rise from the ashes again some day.