Spicers Retreats sale to Salter Brothers announced after Maleny fire

The sale of a luxury day spa in the Sunshine Coast hinterland that was destroyed by a blaze earlier this month has been revealed as part of a major estate acquisition.

A luxury Sunshine Coast hinterland day spa that was razed by a fire earlier this month has been sold as part of an acquisition of Spicers retreats.

Salter Brothers, an Australian-owned global fund manager, has acquired the Spicers Retreats business.

The 127-room sale includes Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville, Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny and Spicers Peak Lodge in Maryvale, Spicers Guesthouse and Spicers Vineyards Estate in the Hunter Valley and Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains.

Spa Anise, the day spa at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, was completely destroyed by a blaze on December 4.

It was declared a non-suspicious fire after a daylong investigation.

Firefighters at the Spicers Tamarind Retreat at Maleny on December 4 where the Spa Anise day spa was destroyed by fire. Picture: Lachie Millard

Jude Turner, the wife of Flight Centre co-founder and chief executive Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner, founded Spicers Retreats more than 20 years ago and said the business had been a labour of love.

“I’m pleased to see it going into the hands of someone equally passionate about Australian experiential stays,” she said.

Spicers Retreats founder Jude Turner created luxury accommodation stays in Maleny and Montville.

Spicers spokeswoman Sue Johnson would not disclose the value of the sale.

Ms Johnson said the fire at the award-winning day spa occurred before the acquisition took place and the new owners also intended to rebuild.

The spokeswoman said there were no architectural drawings or other plans available yet.

Ms Johnson said guests who still had vouchers for the destroyed day spa could redeem them at other Spicers retreats, restaurants or other Spicers day spas including Clovelly Estate in Montville.

The collapsed roof of the Spa Anise day spa. Picture Lachie Millard

Salter Brothers managing director Paul Salter said it was an “exciting acquisition” and a “great fit” for the Salter Brothers’ strategy to acquire luxury assets in “amazing” locations.

“The Spicers Retreat brand is well-established, and we are proud to continue Jude Turner’s vision for personalised ‘relaxed luxury’ experiences,” he said.

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“Salter Brothers also shares Spicers’ passion for the environment and will continue their vision to become Australia’s most sustainable organisation.

“In delivering these experiences across the entire Spicers portfolio we will manage for the Turner family the two urban retreat assets, Spicers Potts Point and Spicers Balfour Hotel, as well as Spicers Hidden Vale and Spicers Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland along with the recently renovated Spicers Tower Lodge, which is owned by the Hope family.”

Originally published as Spicers Retreats sale to Salter Brothers announced after Maleny fire