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When Bill and Janne Shead first took possession of their new Lord Howe Island property, it was euphemistically called, \u201czer dump\u201d. Now the Arajilla Retreat is one of only two 5-star properties on the island and a beacon for relaxation and tranquillity.<\/span><\/p>\n The exclusivity of the location is enforced by remoteness and isolation. The only airstrip, a short sliver of tarmac in the shadow of the two iconic 1000m peaks, Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird, was built by army engineers in 1974 amid some controversy. Rather than extend into the pristine lagoon, the islanders voted for a shortened strip with the knowledge that the smaller, less economical aircraft would keep visitations down – and the costs up.<\/p>\n Two hours by QantasLink Dash-8 200 carrying just 36 passengers is now the only means of arrival and departure, hence even a Super Saver return airfare is in excess of $800.<\/p>\n The Islanders, as Bill and Janne have become, continue to defend their patch against vulgar development with a parochial zeal. Only 400 guests are permitted onto the island at any one time and the once popular cruise ship visits are vigorously discouraged by a significant portion of the population of 350. A few expedition vessels land each year and receive a mixed welcome.<\/p>\n Arajilla\u2019s original, long-demolished house was once the island\u2019s curio shop, servicing the pre-war tourists, then delivered by steamer. It grew into a guest house of sorts offering rooms for the princely sum of $20. Outgoing proprietor, Hans \u201cSchmutz\u201d Ruekert boasted \u201c \u2026we haff everyzing zat shutz and klozes\u201d, but warned the new couple, \u201cyou vill hate zeez f..ing tourists!\u201d Not only was Schmutz\u2019s advice a little short of \u201cbest practice\u201d, sadly it was indicative of the state of tourism on the island at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just bought it on a complete whim,\u201d he confesses, \u201cand that\u2019s the way it\u2019s always been. It just called out to us and still does.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe began the transformation in 1988, pretty much straight away,\u201d recalls Bill, \u201cbasically it was a demolition. Now, a few mill\u2019 later it\u2019s just a refurb every so often.\u201d<\/p>\n When Bill refers to transformation, he really means it. Not only is the old building unrecognizable, but so are the hospitality, food and beverage standards of the whole island.<\/p>\n \u201cWe installed the island\u2019s first espresso machine and it was the start of a minor revolution. Things were pretty ordinary back then,\u201d continues Bill as we both tuck into a delicate chicken Caesar salad for lunch.<\/p>\n Daughter Kim, just back from an intensive Ayurvedic course, rejoins the family operation and will run the spa which opened this month. Set amongst imposing banyan trees and ferns on the 2.5 acre plot, the family is very excited about this new addition. Jo runs the superb restaurant, while the eldest, Emma, handles reservations.<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/lh3.google.co.uk\/rodeime\/RzUwf9ba92I\/AAAAAAAABqY\/fGXidVCaM-s\/s400\/LHI_Coral-Reef_230x280.jpg\")
<\/a>Lord Howe Island was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1982 and is described as \u201ca remarkable example of isolated oceanic islands, born of volcanic activity more than 2000m under the sea, these islands boast a spectacular topography and are home to numerous endemic species, especially birds.\u201d Its fame is growing exponentially as the travelling world seeks out new and unusual locations away from the mass-market crush. The locals, and many others, believe Lord Howe Island to be the last true Pacific Island paradise.<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/lh4.google.co.uk\/rodeime\/RzUwgNba93I\/AAAAAAAABqg\/-_JU9Uhcz9k\/s288\/LHI_3383.jpg\")
<\/a>Bill recalls his first visit to the island in the late \u201850s aboard one of the mighty Ansett flying boats that operated until 1974. He fell in love immediately. Bill\u2019s father, with him for the trip, was a prominent real estate identity with an uncanny nose for opportunity, but Bill refutes any influence from his father. An avid blue water yachtsman, Bill made numerous visits to the island before seeing an advertisement for the property by chance in 1987.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Two additional, brand new suites have just opened and feature two bedrooms and family facilities, further enhancing Arajilla\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n