Pelican Paradise Resort will encompass 464 keys, as well as a variety of premium facilities, on the northern coast of the southeast Asian nation, between Tasi-Tolu and Tibar.
Record investment
The US$700 million megaproject represents the biggest investment ever made in East Timor, and will sprawl across a 550-hectare area.
As well as the opulent hotel, which will be able to host conferences and exhibitions, Singaporean developer Pelican Paradise Group’s project will also house The Aery, comprising 228 luxury condominiums; a hospital; an international school; an 18-hole golf course; and three commercial hubs containing retailers, restaurants and offices.
Waterfront luxury
Singapore-headquartered DPA Architecture & Urban Planning was tasked with the resort’s architecture, while compatriot company Studio Epilogue created the hotel’s accommodation design, with each guestroom intended to seamlessly blend the interiors with their ocean views.
The designs harness a neutral colour palette accented with small pops of colours, reminiscent of the island nation’s abundant coral reefs.
Room quartet
Four accommodation options will be available, with three room types composed of: 51 sq m Club Rooms, featuring balconies, luxury bedding and bathroom amenities; 102 sq m Deluxe Suites, showcasing a living area as well as large bathrooms and balconies; and two 311 sq m Presidential Suites boasting two large bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, a study room, a kitchen and pantry, a dining area and two lounge areas.
Plus 10 two- or three-bedroom villas will be located directly on the beach and will have ensuite bathrooms, a living area, a kitchen and pantry, a dining area and a deck.
Dining delights
Pelican Paradise Resort will include three main specialty restaurants: Jade Mountain, serving Chinese dishes; Olive Branch, boasting Italian cuisine; and Fisherman’s Wharf (located in The Aery, the adjacent development), where guests can dine on fresh seafood.
Visitors can also enjoy bar bites and cocktails at Reflections, the hotel’s pool restaurant, or choose from a range of international and Timorese dishes at Sabor, an all-day dining restaurant. Furthermore, the Sunset Lounge lobby bar will offer drinks and light food options.
Wellness provision
Onsite wellness offerings will feature a 30,000 sq ft gym, outfitted with state-of-the-art modern equipment. It includes weightlifting platforms, cardio and weight machines, rooms for group classes, and a sled track. It also features a luxury sauna, steam and jacuzzi area.
Additionally the hotel’s spa will provide a range of pampering services such as facials, massages and body rituals.
Leisure lineup
For leisure, the hotel will boast a 50-metre infinity lap pool overlooking the ocean, surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas.
Guests will also have access to covered tennis courts and indoor badminton courts, plus younger travellers will be catered for at the resort’s the Kid’s Club, including a child daycare centre.
Meeting facilities
MICE facilities will include a grand ballroom with a capacity for over 1,000 people, along with a large convention and exhibition centre to host large events and a chapel for weddings.
The resort also has eleven meeting rooms to cater to a range of business needs.
Green credentials
Pelican Paradise Resort aims to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable, as well as offering a luxury experience. Around 82% of the masterplan is designated for reforestation.
Its green credentials will be typified by utilising cutting-edge technology such as solar panels, water filtration, bio-sewage treatment plants, composting food waste for agriculture, electric vehicle charging ports and zero plastic initiatives to achieve its environmental goals.
Project timeframe
Project discussions first began back in 2008, with the developer finally signing a special investment agreement with the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (East Timor’s government) at the beginning of 2022.
Phase one of the development’s build is centring on the hotel and the condominiums, with the groundbreaking taking place in November 2022. Construction is now well underway, with completion currently estimated in Q1 2026.
