Saffire Freycinet to reopen its doors to Tasmanians on June 19

As coronavirus restrictions begin to lift one of Tasmania’s most famous resorts is offering special deals to stay in luxury and hang out with Tassie devils – there’s just one little catch.

TASMANIANS could have the opportunity to see their own backyard in a luxurious new light as intrastate travel restriction ease.

The renowned Saffire Freycinet resort will reopen for Tasmanian guests from June 19, with special deals expected for locals.

General manager Ross Boobyer said the resort had been named Australia’s best luxury hotel three times, had been named the world’s best boutique hotel, and had brought people from all over the world to the state since it opened about 10 years ago.

Saffire general manager Ross Boobyer rode out COVID-19 as the caretaker of the Tasmanian accommodation icon. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“It’s certainly been a challenging time for the team at Saffire, but we’ve used the COVID-19 shutdown to further refine our strategies and service,” he said.

“There has been a lot of maintenance activity to undertake since our last guests checked out in March, to ensure we can re-open as soon as demand returns.”

Federal Group Tourism general manager Matt Casey said Tasmania needed to use the strength of its iconic tourism attractions to reignite the visitor economy.

“A lot of experts in the travel and aviation sectors are tipping luxury tourism will lead the rebound of the visitor economy, when COVID-19 restrictions start to lift,” he said.

“Places like Saffire are aspirational venues that generate lots of interest; so even if people don’t stay at Saffire they’re often inspired to look at what else is available in the area.”

Tasmanian devil expert Dominick Del Vecchio and Saffire guiding manager Chella Armstrong have been tasked with looking after the four Tasmanian devils that live permanently at Federal Hotel's Saffire accommodation at Coles Bay. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

He said the reopening of places such as Saffire would also benefit other local businesses.

“Saffire partners with several local businesses to provide unique experiences for guests, for things like beekeeping, oyster farming, quad bike rides and fly fishing. We know many of these business operators are looking forward to visitors returning to the region.”

A former Parks and Wildlife employee was one of about 25 people able to ride out the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the luxury hotel.

Though resort had been closed since March, someone had to stay to take care the resident devil population.

Tasmanian devils Mabella, Noah, Melrose and Possum are spending their retirement at the resort in a free-range enclosure, as an attraction for guests and to raise awareness of the Save the Tasmanian devil program.

"Melrose" one of four Tasmanian devils that lives at Saffire on Tasmania's East Coast eating lunch. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Dominick DelVecchio, a former devil keeper with the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, moved into staff accommodation at Saffire to care for the devils during the coronavirus shutdown.

Mr DelVecchio is using the hotel’s shutdown to create new pathways, structures and dens, mapping projects, and undertake general maintenance to give the retired-breeding devils a change of scenery.

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“I was actually the one who brought down the last two devils (from the state breeding program) and spent a lot of time with them when they moved here four years ago,” he said.

“It was really touching to see they recognised me, even the shy ones came out – it was like a big reunion.”

Mr DelVecchio has been sharing his knowledge with Saffire guide co-ordinator Chella Armstrong, to allow more staff to help care for the devils.