Charlie Octavia and James Simmons

Retreat Renovators & Hosts – Ikigai Bush Retreat

Partners that renovate together stay together!

Charlie and James are the duo behind Ikigai Bush Retreat; an ambitious renovation project turned thriving short stay accommodation in the Moore River region. Between them, they bring decades of hands-on experience in events, construction, styling, and people-focused problem-solving. What they didn’t outsource, they learned on the fly; and what they couldn’t do alone, they rallied 43 mates to help pull off in just 11 weeks.

From Project to Passion

The idea began with a simple brief: to create a place that could host large groups without the chaos, somewhere between a bush getaway and a city stay. They found the perfect spot in Moore River bare bones, dated, and full of potential.

Charlie led the charge on vision and design. With an eye for earthy tones, light-filled spaces, and practical elegance, she maintained a minimalist feel without sacrificing warmth. James oversaw the build side, coordinating trades, juggling logistics, and finding clever solutions to keep things moving under a tight timeline.

Their combined approach blended function with soul. They kept the materials tough, the layout practical, and the finish clean, making it easy to maintain and inviting to walk into. Every decision, from the white walls to the Eclipse Hybrid with Nazca flooring, was about durability without sacrificing feel.

Why They Work

What sets Charlie and James apart isn’t just their eye for detail or DIY ethic; it’s their commitment to doing things properly. When issues cropped up mid-install, they didn’t palm it off. They drove up from Perth at midnight to assess flooring variation and worked with the installer to get it just right.

Their values align with ours: good people, better outcomes, and no shortcuts when it comes to homes that are built to be lived in and shared.