CameraPro founder Jesse Hunter has grand plans for Eaglehawk Neck’s Lufra Hotel

The new owner of the Eaglehawk Neck’s Lufra Hotel is following in the footsteps of family in the acquisition, where he has big plans to amp up the luxury. See what’s planned.

Eaglehawk Neck's Lufra Hotel is under the new ownership of e-commerce pioneer Jesse Hunter. Picture: Supplied

The beachfront Lufra Hotel is under new ownership and he’s no stranger to Tasmania.

CameraPro founder Jesse Hunter is following in his great Grandmother’s footsteps, who ran Devonport’s Formby Hotel for decades.

“It’s exciting to carry forth some of that family legacy,” Mr Hunter said.

The Eaglehawk Neck business joins his other sustainable-tourism ventures, which he said included a significant pipeline of projects across several Tasmanian regions.

Eaglehawk Neck's Lufra Hotel is under the new ownership of e-commerce pioneer Jesse Hunter. Picture: Supplied

“Our goal is to provide an offering across the state’s most spectacular locations to the demand we know is there and remains untapped,” he said.

While building off what previous owners, Dave and Lou Griffiths, had started, including retaining all staff, Mr Hunter says the hotel would be revamped to a luxury standard.

An expanded number of rooms, renovation of the hotel, a large extension of the restaurant/bar area to include alfresco dining, an infinity pool are expected to be part of a staged transformation project.

The new owner fended off competition from several other bidders including local, interstate and international interest, he says, with settlement expected in early December.

Eaglehawk Neck's Lufra Hotel is under the new ownership of e-commerce pioneer Jesse Hunter. Picture: Supplied

“Reg Ansett was not exaggerating when he said that the Lufra Hotel had the best view of any hotel in the world when he opened it” Hunter said.

“I’ve travelled to close to 60 countries and can say with confidence that not many places even come close to the spectacular outlook and location enjoyed by the Lufra Hotel. It was a visionary person who created the first hotel here almost 150 years ago”

Originally published as CameraPro founder Jesse Hunter has grand plans for Eaglehawk Neck’s Lufra Hotel