Who was the architect and design team commissioned to do the Lizard make-over?

DBI (Desmond Brooks International) Design Corporation was appointed as architects, with Stuart Shakespeare and Interior Designer Susan Rossi. Their professional expertise coupled with P&O Australian Resorts own in-house talents and passion for design integrity has ensured that each guest takes away a sense of place.

James Baillie (Managing Director P&O Australian Resorts) oversaw the project and was responsible for the design briefing and much of the refurbishment.

The Project Management of Lizard was undertaken by Mike Wrighton of MEW Wrighton and Associates and Multi Construction Services (a medium sized Qld builder who has undertaken considerable work for P&O Australian Resorts over more than a decade), and has significant experience in remote construction management carried out the building works.

DBI projects have included the new Melbourne Westin, a number of Sheraton ITT properties including Mirage, a number of Marriott, Rydges, Accor and SPHC properties though Lizard was a very different project.

How was the brief inspired and then achieved ? The vision for the design was to create a unique guest experience which would reflect sophisticated beachside Australia . Using a subtle blend of local imagery, colours and textures - all woven through a simple contemporary style. The spirit of beachside Australia was to be captured through architecture, interiors and landscaping. The Lodge is reminiscent of a large Australian homestead, with a dramatic aquamarine vista drawn across the sweeping verandah. Textured linen fabrics feel comfortable and relaxed and draw their tones from the Island�s rocks, parched driftwood and cool white sand.

A major original work by renowned Australian artist, Frank Hodgkinson, dominates the area brining to life a collage of the Island�s natural history. Furnishings are in a relaxed style using timbers and wicker , fabrics of vibrant blues add local colour and life and are also in natural materials .

Accommodations also reinterpret the transitional living of a coastal Queensland house -the private timber doors open to reveal a cool fresh mix of colour and texture.

Who did the interior design ? A number of Neil Burley sofas were sourced and purchased for Lizard - the interior design was created primarily by James Baillie and Susan Rossi (DBI) - the vision to create open facilities that would welcome guests in the relaxed style of a Queenslander beach home

What are the various timbers used? Spotted Gum is used in the flooring of the Anchor Bay Suites, European Beech in the joinery The timber used in tables on the verandah and the day beds in the Anchor Bay suites are stained hardwood - designed and treated to achieve a look reminiscent of weathered driftwood.

Where were the various occasional tables dotted through the main lounge and dining area sourced/designed? Coffee tables are European Beech and glass designed in house in consultation from DBI.

The sofa tables and consoles are made from recycled hardwoods sources from a Brisbane Wharf - also designed in house - sourced by James.

Lizard is big on details - the various stone bowls, 0s and Xs sets, glass vases, etc - who sourced those and from where?

All design items were sourced by James Baillie and the POAR in house team.

O&X by Misken Gallery (Brisbane), Stone bowls Hand Made By Hannah (Sydney) The vases are a selection of Orrefors and Kosta Boda - again sourced by James and in-house POAR team

The outdoor dining and pool areas - how do they differ from original - what were the intentions there - theme, design, functionality ? Lizard essentially offers two outdoor dining areas - Ospreys restaurant a chic, wide open verandah area and beach pavilions which offer guests intimate dining on the beach. However other popular options include gourmet beach picnics - guests board the Island's dinghies with a picnic and head to a private beach. Island etiquette is that if guests see a dinghy on one beach they boat round to another of the 24 Lizard offers.

The Ospreys verandah area is twice its previous size and the refurbishment has focused on accentuating natural light and opening the area to spectacular ocean views. The new Ospreys embodies the resort's understated elegance and focus on contemporary design.

The philosophy was to create a simple, relaxed, understated and elegant atmosphere as well as deliver the quality and functional expectations guests have of an international resort - all the elements for a relaxing island holiday are provided in an inviting interior which maximises views of it's beautiful surroundings.

The pool area is certainly much more inviting. Previously accommodation blocked views of the sea, now the pool area and ocean draw a visual connection. The deck area is also new - spotted gum - offering guest greater opportunities to relax on lounges and take in the views.

The Pavilion, which provides a central focus for guest activities, now overlooks the pool with facing views to the sea.

The boardwalks and plantings - what is the philosophy on the outdoor environment ? Lizard Island is a National Park. Philosophy which primarily governs outdoor environment s the use of native species. During the refurbishment many exotic plant types were removed from the Island. There is now a limited use of non spreading exotics primarily around the Lodge and accommodation areas to lend colour accents. Prior to the refurbishment, native seeds were collected and plants were grown on the Island.

Elements on Lizard were designed to provide guests with a 'sense of place'. Rather than corridors, timber walkways link guest accommodations with the central facilities - walkways weave their way through the uniquely Australian seaside landscape.