Private freehold island Louth Island in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf is now on the market as a potential eco-tourism destination. The 135-hectare property, located 17.5 kilometers northeast of Port Lincoln, a tuna fishing hotspot, houses the Rumi on Louth retreat. The resort was developed by Che and Natasha Metcalfe, who purchased the island in 2021 and transformed it into a six-suite wellness destination.
Property Details and Development Plans
Savills ANZ listing agent Nicholas Lower is seeking expressions of interest in the freehold island and resort. According to the listing, approval exists for expanding the current six accommodation units to 49, along with a day spa, enhanced solar infrastructure, and additional recreational facilities. The property features a two-hatted Samphire Restaurant that highlights local Eyre Peninsula cuisine for guests and short-term visitors.
Rumi on Louth operates with significant self-sufficiency, including a desalination plant, waste management systems, sewage treatment, and a 1 megawatt solar power installation. Lower described the resort as a premium tourism destination with established hospitality credentials and room for future growth.
Expansion Potential and Infrastructure
The approved development plan envisions substantial growth, increasing accommodation capacity from six to 49 suites. This expansion would complement existing amenities while enhancing the island’s appeal as a high-end retreat, with six single-storey buildings that together would include 15 guest rooms, a treatment room, a staff room, a hall and communal lounge, dining, kitchen, laundry and toilets. Up to 12 functions a year (including weddings) have been envisaged for the yoga and wellness retreat.
The sale includes all development approvals, allowing the new owner to proceed with the planned expansion immediately. The property’s remote location and existing eco-friendly features position it as a unique investment opportunity in Australia’s growing sustainable tourism sector.
The Circular Initiative withdrew its yoga resort proposal at Myponga Beach, citing the need for community consultation before resubmitting plans. Meanwhile, at Myponga Beach, 65km from Adelaide, the group had filed plans with the Fleurieu regional assessment panel for a yoga and health resort. The initiative aims to rewild an undulating 113.5ha former sheep, cattle and tree farm at 279 Sampson Road. The site, through which the Myponga River winds to the beach 1km to the south, was procured in 2020.
The proposed resort, designed by Adelaide architect Felicity Gartelmann, would sit on 264 acres [206ha] of Kaurna country, where native woody grasslands are being restored and a community-owned retreat centre is planned. Although the plan attracted 13 and 9 objections in two rounds of consultation, it had been recommended for approval. A spokesperson confirmed the application was withdrawn to allow time to “meet and collaborate with” neighbors, with plans to resubmit once community consultation has occurred.