Journey Beyond, Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, today announced a new era of barefoot luxury for Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, with a major refurbishment set to reimagine the beloved eco-luxury stay.
Sal Salis will undergo extensive works and will re-open in late March 2027, further elevating Journey Beyond’s portfolio of incredible travel experiences and unique stays across Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Guests can look forward to stunning new eco-luxury Wilderness Tents with ensuite bathrooms, brought to life with a marine-inspired colour palette echoing the vivid blues and turquoise hues of the neighbouring Ningaloo Reef. Thoughtfully designed furniture, statement lighting and indulgent soft furnishings complete the transformation.
From the moment guests arrive, a beautiful reception will set the tone for the relaxation that awaits. At the heart of the property is a beautiful central sundeck and lounge, the social hub where guests gather and share stories of their day’s adventures. It also features a striking new dining area with banquette-style seating and an all-inclusive open bar.
Nestled among the dunes of Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef features 16 eco-luxury Wilderness Tents designed to sit lightly within the landscape. At Sal Salis, luxury is defined by its setting – an immersive experience where days unfold at your own pace, from exploring the reef and coastline to simply slowing down and taking in the natural surroundings. Just steps from the beach, guests have direct access to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing reefs.
Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond, says the over $5 million refurbishment is driven by the group’s unwavering commitment to guest experience, marking a defining moment for this unique accommodation, the only one in Cape Range National Park.
“The new look and feel remains true to the natural beauty of Sal Salis, with a refurbishment that is sensitive to the environment and designed to sit harmoniously within its surroundings. The evolution of Sal Salis reflects our commitment to continually elevating the guest experience and is about making an already special experience even better. We’ve focused on the details that matter to our guests, while keeping the barefoot luxury that makes Sal Salis so unique,” Mr Tallent said.
“It’s far more than a redesign, it’s an evolution to continue the legacy of this landmark property with a vibrant new chapter.” Tallent added.
The project has been designed by renowned global design firm Woods Bagot, who has a strong history with Journey Beyond, most recently delivering the acclaimed Aurora and Australis Suites – the latest evolution in luxury rail travel.
Woods Bagot Director Rosina Di Maria says the design draws its colour palette directly from the surrounding landscape: coastline, land and sky grounding the space in a genuine sense of place.
“Materiality plays a central role, with colour and pattern reflecting the terrain’s tactility and hues borrowed from the maritime environment. Authenticity is expressed through timber, including teak and reclaimed jarrah, alongside raw edges reminiscent of erosion and refined metalwork detailing. Coastal references appear in woven rope and knot details, creating textural envelopes throughout the space. And rather than resisting the elements, materials are chosen to weather gracefully durable enough to sit with the salt air and designed to silver naturally over time.” says Di Maria.
The project includes enhancements throughout which spans the entire guest journey; from arrival to rest, lounging and dining. From the moment guests are welcomed upon arrival, time slows down, a sense of calm prevails where guests feel at ease, Sal Salis feels like home where guests can enjoy quiet moments of reflection and equally create hubs for social activity.
Key enhancements include:
- New Eco-luxury Wilderness Tents including louvered windows
- Each tent features its own private en-suite bathroom
- Unique interiors with a colour palette embracing bespoke, custom textiles, unique patterns and joinery
- Refreshed reception to welcome guests on arrival, immediately setting the tone for the relaxation that lies ahead
- Fully upgraded central sundeck and lounge – the social heart of the lodge where guests mingle throughout the day
- New communal main dining area with banquette-style seating and an all-inclusive open bar
- New furniture that encourages relaxation for solo travellers, couples and groups
- New luxury soft furnishings, all the little touches that make your journey feel like a home and not a hotel
Second to the visual transformation is a refined culinary experience. Expect contemporary plates featuring fresh, seasonal produce, locally sourced with hints of the bush and ocean, paired with fully inclusive Western Australian wines, regional beers, and other beverages.
This is a unique experience that sets Sal Salis apart. Beyond the on-site offering, the team at Sal Salis also runs guided experiences that evolve daily. Guests can join sunrise gorge walks through Cape Range National Park and snorkelling experiences along the Ningaloo coastline, home to more than 500 species of colourful fish and 250 coral types. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available for guests to explore the coastline directly from camp.
For those seeking a more immersive encounter with the region’s marine life, optional whale shark and humpback whale swims can also be arranged. Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where these experiences are possible, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside these iconic species in their natural environment.
