Justin Hemmes re-opens Narooma’s Whale hotel after three-year revamp | The Canberra Times
The Hemmesification of Narooma continues with Sydney bar czar Justin Hemmes officially reopening his adopted home away from home, The Whale, on the South Shore on Friday.
Perched high above the town and overlooking Wagonga Bay, the hotel has undergone a three-year renovation, much of it done by Canberran craftsmen.
The 18-room boutique hotel has been “redesigned by Merivale Design Studio paying homage to 1970s coastal design and paired with contemporary details.”
The Merivale hospitality company also owns the Quarterdeck, Lynch’s Hotel, The Inlet and The Surf Park in Narooma.
“There are a few things going on in Narooma. I’ve been visiting most weekends for years and our interest in the area has grown over that time,” Hemmes said.
“I’d like to think we’ll continue to invest in and promote Narooma. It really is a very special place.”
Hemmes says Whale is “as much about showcasing Narooma as it is about creating a memorable guest experience.”
“This is our first resort-style stay at Merivale, and it’s a very different skill than creating a hospitality venue because there are so many more layers. You have to encompass the guest’s experience 24/7, and there’s a lot of complexity to get that right,” he said.
“With The Whale we wanted to create something special where people could come and experience the beauty of Narooma and all it has to offer in a beautiful setting with great food, staff and service. But Narooma is the hero.”
Hemmes addressed the Canberra tradesmen involved in the project.
“We’ve had such great local support, including many tradesmen and suppliers from Canberra. I don’t want to name some and miss a few, so I will just say that everyone we’ve worked with has done an incredible job and it’s been a pleasure working with them,” he said.
The Whale features Dan Hong’s Queen Chow modern Cantonese restaurant, which returns with “refreshed interiors and menu.”
Hotel amenities also include wellness amenities such as a traditional sauna, ice bath, heated magnesium pool and pickleball court.
Whale general manager Erin Proud said the hotel was about reflecting the spirit of Narooma.
“Narooma has a real sense of character and originality that is becoming increasingly difficult to find, and that is something we want to preserve,” he said.
“The Whale is about creating a place where people can properly unplug while remaining connected to the town and community around them.”
So is Hemmes worried that too many people will discover the secret of Narooma, with its turquoise waters, lazy seals and old-school feel?
“Never!” he said. “The area is amazing with so much for everyone to enjoy, there is no secret in that. I will always sing the praises of Narooma and plan to support the area and its people through our venues and businesses for many years to come.”
