A former Isle of Wight holiday camp is being transformed into a luxury coastal resort, with more than 30 jobs and a £2million annual economic boost promised.
The Isle of Wight Resort, overlooking Atherfield Bay on the Island’s south-west coast, is set to welcome its first guests in April 2027 following a multi-million-pound investment by Evergreen Escapes Group.
The development will feature 63 luxury lodges, alongside a range of leisure and wellbeing facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
The company says the resort will bring a new level of luxury to the Island’s self-catering accommodation sector, combining high-end lodges with sea views and facilities more commonly associated with hotels.
Bookings are now being taken for stays from April 2027, with 38 lodges currently available to book. The remaining accommodation will be offered for sale or rental as part of a second phase of development next year.
At the heart of the resort will be The Wight Isle Lounge, a café and restaurant serving teas, coffees, pastries, alcoholic drinks and freshly cooked pizzas.
The venue will welcome both holidaymakers and local residents, while a limited number of leisure memberships will also be made available to Islanders wishing to use the resort’s health and wellbeing facilities.
The development is expected to deliver a significant boost to the local economy, with Evergreen Escapes Group forecasting an additional £2million in annual visitor spending.
More than 30 jobs are also expected to be created across the resort.
Geoff Cowley, CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group, said:
“The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the Island’s already thriving hospitality scene when it opens.
“Not just because we’re investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we’ll be investing in the resort team.
“We’ve already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the Island has to offer for guests and owners alike.”
A recruitment open day is being planned for early 2027, with opportunities expected across housekeeping, maintenance, administration and food and beverage.
Those interested in joining the team are being encouraged to register their interest through the resort’s website.
The investment has also been welcomed by Visit Isle of Wight, which believes the development could help attract more visitors to the Island outside the traditional summer holiday season.
Dominic Wray, Interim CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, said the resort closely aligns with the objectives of Wight BID 3, a 5-year initiative aimed at strengthening the Island’s visitor economy.
He said:
“The Isle of Wight Resort could not be more in line with what we’re trying to achieve through Wight BID 3.
“There’s very little visitor accommodation on the Island’s south-west coast, so a high-quality destination here gives people a reason to stay in the area rather than just pass through on a day trip.
“That means more overnight stays in the off-peak months and more spending in the pubs, cafés, shops and attractions nearby – a real boost for those businesses looking to mitigate financial pressures usually associated with seasonal trade.”
The Atherfield Bay site was granted planning permission in 2022, but the proposed resort never opened under its previous owners.
Evergreen Escapes Group says its long-term ambition is for the resort to make a positive contribution to the Island’s economy and become a flagship destination.
