New Ibiza-Inspired Motel Opens in NSW
The Whale opened in June in Narooma on the NSW far South Coast after a development process lasting nearly three years. The design prioritizes a slower pace of life over quick photography opportunities. Natural, earthy materials create an atmosphere that blends 1970s Ibiza with the traces of a traditional coastal motel.
Materials and Rooms
Original features remain intact where possible, including the shape of the retro pool overlooking Wagonga Inlet. The pool was refinished with magnesium to preserve its original form. A former car park now supports a garden filled with palms, frangipani and hibiscus.
Rooms are furnished differently, with pieces sourced globally. The Palm Room features Japanese tiles, a custom mix and bespoke lighting by Lana Launay. The Double Sea Grass Rooms include rugs hand-woven in India. Mountain View Rooms combine knitted lights from Morocco, Italian terrazzo, bed heads woven in Indonesia and art from Papua New Guinea.
The Ocean View Penthouse includes a rooftop garden with a wall-hanging mix, hand-crocheted lighting and a vintage Featherston sofa. Its bathroom contains a custom lava stone basin set beneath a circular skylight.
Read Also: 1930s Apartment Restored with Modern Twist in Elizabeth Bay
Wellness and Dining
A wellness area houses a sauna and an ice bath framed by a circular porthole window. The site also features a restaurant called Queen Chow, where a sunroom encourages guests to play board games. A sunken lounge uncovered during construction now opens to ocean views and includes a record player.
Design Director Nasim Koerting led the project through Merivale’s in-house Design Studio. Koerting noted that the team gathered materials from dozens of artists and craftspeople to avoid a generic feel.
Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes conceived the project with his sister Bettina. Hemmes described the creation of accommodation as more complex than running a hospitality venue. He said it requires managing the 24/7 guest experience and addressing many detailed details.
Project Vision and Development
The Whale opened in June in Narooma after just under three years of development. The project began modestly before growing more ambitious.
