Iluka Beach Surf & Yoga resort plans revealed

Owner of proposed 40-room resort speaks for the first time in three years about what’s happening at the central Iluka site

The site of the proposed Iluka Surf & Yoga Resort that was approved in 2018 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2020. Picture: Adam Hourigan

The site may have been dormant for years, but the owner of the proposed Iluka Beach Surf & Yoga Resort is still excited about bringing the bold concept to life.

Approved in 2018 by Clarence Valley Council, the facility would provide 40 rooms, an 18m lap-pool, gym and rooftop yoga deck.

The site of the proposed Iluka Surf & Yoga Resort that was approved in 2018 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2020. Picture: Adam Hourigan

There will be a range of accommodation options available from spa rooms to bunk rooms all with basement parking.

The multi-million dollar resort and a la carte restaurant and bar is to be built on a former service station site that had been derelict for more than 14 years.

Great video produced from the vdBent's concept for the site. Plans and video concept by architect and musician Gino...

Posted by Iluka Beach Surf & Yoga on Tuesday, November 28, 2017

CEO of Surf & Yoga Resorts Derk van der Bent said there had been many delays due to Covid, bushfires and floods, and it was perhaps a blessing in disguise they didn’t open in 2020 as planned.

“We have dodged a couple of expensive bullets that could have crippled the first years of operation,” Mr van der Bent said.

“It is of paramount importance to me that this project succeeds not just for us but for the whole community.”

CEO of Surf & Yoga Resorts Derk van der Bent talks about the building of the resort in Iluka. Picture: Supplied.

He said they had made some minor design changes and had them with several building companies to update costs.

However, with Covid border constraints affecting building availability, the earliest the project could start was in 2022.

“The builders are crippled – everybody’s closed their books off,” he said.

“It’s a problem that can be solved however, and we’ll keep chipping away at it.”

Concept design of the Surf En Yoga Resort planned for development in Iluka.

The company was also planning similar style resorts in Sri Lanka and Bali, and said Iluka fitted their style.

“It’s a top surfing destination, it has a great reputation, as does the rest of Northern NSW,” Mr van der Bent said.

The site of the proposed Iluka Surf & Yoga Resort that was approved in 2018 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2020. Picture: Adam Hourigan

“What I find great about Iluka is if you google it and go to YouTube, there’s all these characters the place just attracts, and it’s all about fishing, kayaking, and the river is one of the best in the world.”

Mr van der Bent said despite the holdups and changes in plan, they were committed to building the resort in Iluka, and had received constant inquiries from the community keen to see progress.

“We’re very excited and committed to Iluka and to the site, and committed to the surfing community,” he said.

“We’ve had a great response from people hitting our site from day one, and I think even with these delays people understand.”