NEW South Wales-based boutique hotel operator Peppers Retreats and Resorts has been contracted to manage Caves House in Western Australia’s South West and, after closing it for renovations later this year, will reopen the property as Peppers Caves House next June.
The Busselton Shire Council approved an $8 million makeover of the Yallingup-based retreat early last year which is expected to take place in October.
Peppers has been expanding its hotel portfolio in recent months and the Caves House acquisition gives it 16 properties.
In January the hotel group announced it had won the management contract for Tasmania’s Seaport Hotel, which will open as Peppers Seaport Hotel in Launceston in November.
In February Peppers announced the launch of its first South Australian property, Peppers Hermitage, in the Barossa Valley.
According to Peppers managing director Rolf Krecklenberg the hotel group’s expansion into WA is a natural progression.
“Peppers’ origins lie in the Australian wine country,” he said.
“Our first property was Peppers Guest House in the Hunter Valley which opened some 19 years ago.
“Since then we have cemented our links with wine regions with the addition of Peppers Convent, also in the Hunter Valley, Peppers Delgany on the Mornington Peninsula and Peppers Hermitage in the Barossa Valley.
“The contract for Peppers Caves House in the Margaret River region further strengthens this connection.
“It also fits with our philosophy of managing properties that are located in tourist high spots and that provide unique experiences to guests.”
After the renovation Caves House will offer 64 guest rooms and suites and a new restaurant and bar.
Peppers operates seven properties in NSW, four properties in Queensland, two properties in Victoria and one property in both South Australia and Tasmania.
