New luxury resort is another reason to visit paradisiacal Palau

Palau Sunrise is the first major resort to open on the island of Melekeok in over two decades

Palau Sunrise has opened on Melekeok in Palau more than 20 years after the island’s last resort debuted, filling a long-standing gap in luxury accommodations in Palau. The opening represents a strategic addition to Palau’s hospitality offerings and confirms Palau – an under-the-radar archipelago nation of over 300 islands in the western Pacific Ocean – is on a mission to become a luxury travel destination.

“Palau Sunrise is a dream realised – a sanctuary where luxury meets the unspoiled beauty of Palau,” stated Raymond Yang, General Manager of Palau Sunrise. “We are thrilled to open our doors and invite guests to experience the magic of this island through the lens of refined elegance and impeccable service.”

Palau Sunrise offers a variety of upscale accommodation options, with 59 contemporary guest rooms and 14 ocean-view villas available, each featuring views of the surrounding ocean and landscape. The rooms have been designed to meet a demand for high-end lodging that complements Palau’s natural setting, enhancing the island’s appeal among luxury travellers.

The resort offers a range of dining options intended to highlight both international cuisine and local seafood and include Star Light Ocean View Restaurant & Bar: a 100-seat all-day restaurant; Moon Shadow: Palau’s first Cantonese dining option, featuring chefs from Guangdong preparing a variety of dishes focused on Palau-sourced seafood; and Sky Roof Bar: a relaxed evening venue serving wines and cocktails with views of the ocean.

Palau’s government has been vocal about its goal to reposition the island nation as a luxury destination with fewer, “quality” tourists. “We’re working to protect our island beauty while attracting those who spend more, so that we won’t be a crowded destination and that opportunity to business and economy will go to the Palauan people, who will continue to benefit from it,” Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. stated back in 2017. Palau Sunrise’s design and services respond to the demand among holidaymakers for sustainable luxury tourism offerings.

Airline carrier Nauru Airlines launched a weekly direct flight from Brisbane to Palau in May 2024, making accessibility for Australians to the island nation, which has historically been challenging, easier than it’s ever been.

To mark the opening of Palau Sunrise, the resort is currently offering a 60 per cent discount on select bookings.