Thala Beach Nature Reserve recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating general manager Johan Klindt’s 25 years of dedicated service with a warm and heartfelt morning tea joined by past and present staff.

Johan began his journey at Thala in 2000, taking on the role of restaurant supervisor not long after arriving in Australia. 

“Having just moved to Australia I vividly remember my first day as the views from Ospreys restaurant simply blew me away,”  Johan said.

“Thala had only been open for two years when I started, and I was struck by the meticulous care and planning that went into designing a property that so perfectly complements its natural setting.

“Rob and Oonagh Prettejohn had a vision for an environmentally sensitive resort long before ‘eco-tourism’ became a buzzword, and that has always stayed with me.”

Over the years, Johan embraced many roles across the resort, moving from food and beverage into accommodation, reservations, front office, and operations before stepping into his current position in 2006. 

His diverse experience has given him a deep appreciation for every corner of the resort and the team that keeps it running.

“Thala is so much more than a beautiful property perched on a private headland in Far North Queensland,” he said. 

“It has a soul, one shaped by the family who built and still own it, and by the dedicated staff I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years.”

Reflecting on all the changes he’s seen over the years - from growing trees and renovated bungalows to refreshed menus - Johan said the one thing that’s never changed is the passion of the people who work at Thala.