Bedarra Launches New Villa, Helicopter and Private Scuba Charters

Bedarra Island

The noisy grumble of the generators is long gone but there's a new buzz in the air at Bedarra Island in Tropical North Queensland.

The resort's sleek new helicopter touched down last month, giving guests the option of direct heli transfers from Cairns.

The 45-minute scenic flight is perfect for time-poor travellers or those wishing to make a rock star entrance to the secluded island, off the coast of Mission Beach.

This season also sees the unveiling of the resort's eighth villa – The Beach House – increasing guest numbers only marginally to 16, keeping the intimate vibe of the resort intact.

The absolute beachfront, split-level villa replete with plunge pool has been designed and styled to match the barefoot luxury ethos of the private island. Breezy wall-to-ceiling louvers, polished floorboards, indoor/outdoor shower, a sprawling built-in day-bed on the loft level and silent, energy-efficient Haiku ceiling fans complete the Robinson Crusoe-meets-luxury design.

Other new additions this season include private scuba charters – where couples are escorted to dive nearby Otter Reef in total solitude – as well as private fishing charters and a SeaLegs amphibious boat tour.

Australian style icon and star of E! and The Style Network's Fashion Bloggers, Amanda Shadforth aka Oracle Fox, is on Bedarra this week filming for an upcoming episode and shooting editorial content for her blog – broadcasting the island to 555,000 Instagram followers, 140,000 Facebook followers and 60,000 unique monthly blog readers.

Bedarra Island

Bedarra was recently voted as one of the Top 25 Hotels in Australia in three separate categories (luxury, romance and small hotels) in TripAdvisor's 2015 Travellers' Choice Awards and was the only Australian hotel to feature in Travel and Leisure magazine's 'It List of the best new hotels in 2014'.

Previously the hedonistic playground of the likes of Elton John and the Duchess of York, a two-year makeover and removal of debris following Cyclone Yasi saw the resort switch from '80s excess to pared back, sustainable chic.

Rates start at $1090 per villa per night, all inclusive. Cairns-Bedarra or Bedarra-Cairns helicopter transfers cost $925 per couple one-way or $1,850 return.

Visit bedarra.com.au

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