Architecture, Interiors
The hotel is located at the Northern End of the Esplanade boardwalk where the urban tourist-focused part of the Esplanade transitions to generous Parklands along the ocean’s edge.
A new iconic tower has been designed for the Esplanade frontage to create an iconic visual statement at this pivot point of the public waterfront, forming a gateway to the Northern part of the Esplanade with the creation of a high quality urban design form. The Esplanade public realm is enhanced with the active ground level café/bar facility responding to the Reef-meets-Rainforest character of the city and making a substantial contribution to the local identity.
Riley puts the guests at the heart of the design process, with features embodying the brands identifying characteristics – luxurious and effortless. The tropical environment can be experienced on the ground level with the resort style pool and activity spaces being the new focus of the hotel unifying the building language. A reef-inspired canopy is playfully linking all elements. A roof top bar located on the top level of the feature tower is perceived to be the main attractor to the hotel. It will be the first and only one in Cairns with unlimited views over the ocean, inlet and mountain hinterland.
