Jo Boundy will lead Journey Beyond’s resorts and lodges division, which includes properties like Ayers Rock Resort at Uluru, Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia, the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in the Northern Territory, Reefsleep and Reefsuites on the Great Barrier Reef and Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on the Western Australian coastline.
She moves over from Commonwealth Bank, where she has been chief marketing officer for the past four and a half years. Prior to her role with the bank, she also spent more than 12 years with Qantas, with her final role at the airline being as its chief marketing officer.
“Jo will lead our newly expanded resorts and Lodges division at an exciting time for the business,” said Journey Beyond CEO, Chris Tallent.
“Her deep commercial and customer experience expertise, combined with her proven track record of driving growth and leading high-performing teams, make her exceptionally well placed to strengthen our portfolio, grow demand across our destinations, elevate our guest and employee experiences, and deliver long-term value across the division.”
This week, Journey Beyond also announced a $5 million-plus refurbishment of Sal Salis in WA, with the 16 luxury tents that make up the offering to be replaced, and new marine colouring to feature. A new central dining area is also part of the refurbishment.
“The new look and feel remains true to the natural beauty of Sal Salis, with a refurbishment that is sensitive to the environment and designed to sit harmoniously within its surroundings,” said Tallent.
“The evolution of Sal Salis reflects our commitment to continually elevating the guest experience and is about making an already special experience even better.
“We’ve focused on the details that matter to our guests, while keeping the barefoot luxury that makes Sal Salis so unique.”
“It’s far more than a redesign, it’s an evolution to continue the legacy of this landmark property with a vibrant new chapter.”
Woods Bagot is in charge of the redesign.
“Materiality plays a central role, with colour and pattern reflecting the terrain’s tactility and hues borrowed from the maritime environment,” said Woods Bagot Director Rosina Di Maria. “Authenticity is expressed through timber, including teak and reclaimed jarrah, alongside raw edges reminiscent of erosion and refined metalwork detailing.
“Coastal references appear in woven rope and knot details, creating textural envelopes throughout the space.
“And rather than resisting the elements, materials are chosen to weather gracefully durable enough to sit with the salt air and designed to silver naturally over time.”
Sal Salis is located just off the beach at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, about 1,300km from Perth.
The luxury camp – all wilderness tents have their own ensuites – can be hired exclusively by groups, with an air link from Perth to Exmouth on Qantas.
