Elysian Retreat Finds Its Place Among Finalists

With just 20 guests at a time and no day visitors, Elysian Retreat gives holidaymakers a quiet corner of Long Island to themselves. Behind that stillness is a small team whose persistence has earned a finalist place in the Unique Accommodation category at the Tourism Whitsundays Awards.

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“We’re truly honoured,” said General Manager of Elysian Alice Caulfield.

“We’re often so busy in our own little world on the island, always looking for ways to improve the experience for our guests, that recognition like this comes as a bit of a surprise.”

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The resort had fallen on hard times before Cyclone Debbie caused significant damage. Siblings Charlton and Laureth, with Laureth’s husband Wayne Rumble, spent a year refurbishing the property before opening in April 2019.

Since then, island life has demanded ingenuity, with retreat managing its own power and water, while weather can rewrite plans without warning. Local suppliers have helped, with helicopter partners even delivering linen when stocks ran short.

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A substantial solar battery upgrade has been a particular source of pride, strengthening the reliability of services guests might otherwise take for granted.

For visitors, the hope is that those efforts translate into a stay where they feel cared for.

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“We hope they leave lighter,” Alice said.

Having qualified through Best of Queensland recognition, Elysian sees its finalist selection as encouragement to keep going.

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“We’re a small team that keeps showing up, keeps learning from our mistakes and keeps caring about the detail, even on the days the island has other plans,” Alice said.  

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