Morris Group to Develop Townsville’s First Luxury Hotel

Hospitality developers Morris Group have revealed images of the first luxury hotel in Queensland’s tropical north city of Townsville. 

The $88-million Ardo is under construction on Townsville’s foreshore. The resort development includes “world-class dining”, a day spa and a rooftop pool deck with uninterrupted views to Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. 

Morris Group founder Chris Morris said Ardo would put Townsville on the map as a luxury destination in North Queensland’s tourism industry. 

“We know that North Queensland has so much to offer as a destination, so there is huge demand for domestic and international visitors to travel here,” Morris said.

“But what we’ve discovered is there is still a gap in the market for luxury accommodation, so what we’re doing with Ardo is building on what we already do so well, providing another opportunity for high-end experiences in this very special part of the world.”

See inside the luxury hotel

Townsville is home to about 200,000 people and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. 

Morris said the rooftop restaurant, Marmor, would capitalise on the region’s top-quality meat and seafood with a contemporary Australian cuisine, while a Japanese restaurant was mooted for the ground floor. 

The 132-key hotel would be nestled alongside Morris Group’s other Townsville resort, The Ville, which Ardo guests would also be able to access– including the iconic oceanside swimming pool and swim-up bar, gym and casino. 

“While The Ville provides relaxed, tropical surroundings and casual sophistication, Ardo will offer a luxury accommodation experience for travellers seeking a more high-end stay,” Morris said.

“With Ardo joining The Ville, and the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on the Breakwater, what we’ve created will enhance the precinct, and become the region's leisure and entertainment hub.”

Morris Group’s collection of boutique accommodation offerings also includes Orpheus Island Lodge, Mt Mulligan Lodge and Beechmont Estate, as well as a fleet of superyachts.

Bookings will open for Ardo later this year, and the hotel is due to open at the end of 2023.