Construction of Santai is now 50% complete at its north Casuarina Beach location and is due for completion in August this year ahead of the busy Christmas season.
Its 114 apartments, 240 sq m restaurant and bar; 50sq m conference facility; and 145sq m guest lounge on the pool deck and stunning pools and sun decks have been created by John Lea, now design director with its developer, Resort Corp.
John Lea has outlined his vision to create a Balinese-inspired, Aman-style hotel.
“Aman is the world’s leading resort company with 18 boutique resorts in unique, exclusive locations in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and France.
“There’s no doubt that Santai pays homage to the Aman approach and sense of style in that it seeks to capture the spirit of its beautiful beachside location,” “we have embraced a unique integration of sensuality and serenity to create a distinctive experience” he said.
The living areas…
The open plan layouts will seamlessly integrate with the living, sleeping, and bathing activities within the apartments.
The extensive use of natural materials such as the marble tile floors and timber and stone throughout will create a comfortable and calming environment.
The high 2700mm suspended plasterboard ceilings in living areas will maximize the spaciousness of the apartments.
The muted colour tones will create a contemporary yet timeless ambience.
The built-in Media unit with data cabling will allow simple computer connection for those that cannot leave work behind.
There will be recessed low voltage light fittings throughout.
The reverse cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fans will ensure maximum comfort at all times of year no matter what the weather outside.
The bathrooms…
The large bathroom layouts will be evocative of Balinese courtyard style rooms.
The dual showers incorporating one “rainhead” shower rose will evoke the feeling of bathing in the rain during a warm tropical downpour.
The large spa baths enhance the transition from bathroom to bedroom, lounge and the views beyond.
They will also feature spacious double vanities.
There will be full height marble tiles on all bathroom walls.
The kitchens…
The contemporary galley style kitchen will incorporate sink, dishwasher, combination microwave oven, cook top and range hood for those occasions when dining in is preferred.
Laundry facilities…
There will be the ability to install combination washer / dryer for those that want the option of washing clothes when on holiday.
Santai is located adjacent to the planned new Town Centre with its exciting array of restaurants and shopping.
Off the plan pre-sales of its 114 apartment began in late 2004 with 65 now sold, with over 80% sold to local Tweed and Gold Coast investors.
Mr Lea said the resort facilities would express the same five-star feeling of the hotel design itself.
“ No expense will be spared in ensuring we create a premium atmosphere matched by the finishes and interior design.
“ The guest lounge will be situated on an “island” surrounded by the pool and lush tropical landscaping. It will also be completed to the highest standards, capturing the essence of Balinese-style luxury consistent with the great resorts of South-East Asia,” he said.
Mr Lea said that Santai was being delivered at a time when Casuarina Beach was nearing full maturity with the announcement of the long awaited Town Centre.
“ Nearly 1156 apartments, villas and homes are either completed, underway or in planning.
“ This equates to $772.5 million in sales and infrastructure – so the promise of a new town is becoming reality,” he said.
The current status of homes and projects is:
• Homes
200 built, 60 underway and 35 being assessed by the architectural design committee.
• Apartments and villas
60 Mainwaring apartments valued at $15 million
114 Santai resort apartments valued at $45 million
340 Multiplex Living Cotton Beach apartments valued at $350 million
114 Drift apartments and villas valued at $75 million
23 Unison Properties apartments valued at $12 million
37 Resort Corp Beach Shacks valued at $15 million
And another 9 apartments valued at $4.5 million
Resort Corp is undertaking a $150 million collection of seven “uber luxury” five star projects on the Tweed Coast including The Beach at Cabarita; Nor Nor East and Sea on Marine Parade Kingscliff; The Beach Shacks also at Casuarina Beach and Soraya and Zen on exclusive Murphys Road, also at Kingscliff.