Intrepid launches global accommodation expansion
Intrepid Travel launches global accommodation expansion with acquisitions in Australia and Morocco
June 2025
New properties are aimed at accelerating Intrepid’s strategic expansion plans into new experiential accommodation vertical
Intrepid Travel has announced the acquisition of two new properties, the 20-room Edge of the Bay resort in Tasmania, Australia and a 17-room Riad in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Edge of the Bay property is located in Coles Bay on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula and sits on 18-acres of land with views over Wineglass Bay. The property was established in 1980 by Jill and Ray Johnston and the family has operated it since then. The company will embed its Intrepid Foundation partner Greening Australia at the property, including through introducing new nature-based guest experiences, as well as fundraising for the NGO.
In Marrakech, Intrepid’s new traditional Moroccan guesthouse covers 470m2 and is located with 5 minutes’ walk of the famous medina. The property was acquired from a private owner and Intrepid will fully operate the properly from July 2025. Guests will be able to enjoy culinary experiences in the medina and onsite, with chefs being recruited via Intrepid’s foundation partner, the Amal Association, which provides culinary skills training to women in Morocco.
This is the latest move in Intrepid’s new accommodation strategy, which aims to create a portfolio of ‘boutique’ (small inventory) accommodation experiences that have community and impact at their core. These properties, which can be booked independent of Intrepid tours, will be responsibly operated, designed to give customers a true Intrepid experience while giving back to the community.
The two additions see Intrepid’s accommodation offerings grow to four. It has already purchased the Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland in 2023 and has a multi-year lease on a hotel in Hoi An in Vietnam. The company has plans to grow to 20 properties worldwide in the next three years.
“Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities and boosting travel’s economic contribution within the local community,” Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said.
“At the heart of this strategy is Intrepid’s accommodation philosophy: to offer an immersive stay that acts as a gateway to explore the destination and connect meaningfully to its community, culture and environment, while providing a comfortable base to relax,” add Celine Hurelle, Intrepid’s GM Accommodation.
For a full view of Intrepid’s business and future plans, head to their Integrated Annual Report.
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BACKGROUND ON THE DAINTREE ECOLODGE, QUEENSLAND
Intrepid acquired the Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland, Australia in 2023.
Since then, Intrepid has introduced a number of enhancements. This includes the lodge certifying as a B Corp, the introduction of solar power, advanced wastewater treatment with a bio-cycle system, composting, veggie gardens, and eliminating single-use plastics. The partnership between the lodge and Rainforest Rescue has led to $24,000 donated via the Intrepid Foundation in the first year. Commercially, it has achieved 81% occupancy in 2024, reached an NPS of 97% and its Average Daily Rate (ADR) has more than doubled since Intrepid took over.
BACKGROUND ON EDGE OF THE BAY, TASMANIA
The Edge of the Bay hotel is located in Coles Bay on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula and sits on 18-acres of land with unobstructed views over Wineglass Bay and The Hazards mountain range. The property was established in 1980 by Jill and Ray Johnston and has been run continuously by the family since then. Intrepid will develop nature and community-based experiences at the property in partnership with the local community and will also engage with the traditional owners of the land, the Palawa people, to conduct a cultural heritage assessment of the area.
BACKGROUND ON INTREPID’S RIAD
In Marrakech, Intrepid’s new traditional Moroccan guesthouse covers 470m2 and is conveniently located with five minutes’ walk of the famous medina. The property was acquired from a private owner and Intrepid will fully operate the property from July 2025. Guests will be able to enjoy culinary experiences in the medina and onsite as well as active and cultural experiences in the nearby Atlas Mountains.