Silky Oaks Lodge, located in Tropical North Queensland, is set to close for four months to make way for a new luxury experience.

The lodge will close for works from April 22, 2020, before reopening on 7 September, 2020 will a contemporary look and feel.

The news comes after Baillie Lodges assumed ownership of the property in April this year.

The $10 million transformation project aims to align the property with Baillie Lodges’ existing portfolio of Australian luxury lodges.

Room refresh

Port Douglas-based architect Gary Hunt and interior designer Amanda Pike of Pike Withers will lead the hotel’s transformation, including the 40 guest rooms, or treehouses.

A new ultra-premium suite, the Rainforest Pavilion, will deliver a new level of luxury with floor-to-ceiling glass and skillion ceilings.

Three enhanced Billabong Suites will each offer king bed, generous indoor areas with built-in desk and lounge, extensive outdoor decks with a daybed and open-air bath tub. Private outdoor plunge pools overlooking the river complete a premium rainforest experience.

The makeover will also extend to the River Treehouse categories, which will see new furnishings and outdoor bathing options.

Local builders and tradespeople will be sought for the refurbishment, while indigenous artworks and custom furnishings by North Queensland designers will feature throughout the lodge.

Event spaces

The property’s event spaces and Treehouse Restaurant will undergo soft refurbishments, while the riverbank area will be re-imagined to offer a new outdoor venue with a firepit.

The pool area will also be modernised, with loungers and cabanas added to offer a cool retreat.

Ideal for incentive retreats and special events, Silky Oaks Lodge can be hired exclusively to give groups sole use of the property and its facilities.

New Daintree safari experience

As part of the project, Silky Oaks Lodge will continue to work with local operators to evolve its adventures of the surrounding Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation to offer a more personal, high-end experience.

The lodge will also develop its own full-day private safari of the Daintree region, complete with gourmet dining and a personal guide.

On reopening in September, a schedule of new rates will reflect enhanced inclusions at the property: gourmet breakfast, evening sunset drinks and a four-course daily changing dinner menu with premium wines to match.