During their extensive career in the hospitality industry, John and Jan Nicholls travelled to far-flung islands and entertained people from many walks of life. For 16 years they ran a charter boat business taking guests around the Western Pacific islands, (Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia) the Great Barrier Reef and many exotic locations. While John ran the boat, Jan battled the often-rough seas and limited space, to prepare delicious meals.
In 1987 they decided they could no longer continue to interrupt their young daughter's schooling, so they headed for calmer shores. After extending their catamaran and increasing its capacity from 25 to 80 passengers, the couple took on Sydney Harbour. Before long they had created one of the leading charter boat companies in Sydney and extended their fleet to four boats. Their daily schedules included coffee, lunch, cocktail and a la carte dinner cruises as well as private corporate charters. Just before they sold, the staff was approximately 80 and of the 100,000 tourists who joined them each year 50% were from overseas and included presidents, princesses and international stars.
In 1996 they hung up their "sea legs" and sold their business. But retirement was never to suit the adventurous and gregarious couple and before long they were looking for a new project. John discovered a 60-acre property and was immediately enchanted by its serene beauty.
The idea soon began to gel, what a beautiful private place to build a luxury lodge. His restless retirement was about to come to an end and Jan's peaceful life was also about to change. It is hoped that the many friends they made around the world during their years of chartering will one day join them at their new venture.
William and Alison Ewens are the Managers at the Lodge. After spending the last ten years working and traveling throughout Europe and New Zealand and taking a year out to travel off road around Australia, they are happy to settle down on the Gold Coast while their daughter Millie completes high school.
Previously Alison worked for John and Jan as one of their Cruise Directors on Sydney harbour and it was there that she met her future husband. William spent 20 years as an actor, 15 years where he became a well known face on NZ TV. He also spent 5 years in the UK where he worked in London's West End, 2years of which were spent touring the UK with the New Shakespeare Company.They are now both happy to call Ruffles home.
Ruffles Lodge & Spa’s reputation for relaxed hinterland dining has been further flavoured with the appointment of internationally-experienced Steve Houghton to the position of Executive Chef.
Steve brings an outstanding reputation for culinary excellence to his new role at the luxury Gold Coast hinterland retreat having honed his skills at fine dining restaurants in Australia, New Zealand the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Prior to joining Ruffles, the multi-award winning chef was Executive Head Chef at the Clarion Hotel in Mackay and Executive Head Chef of a leading Italian and French restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
Melisa Zammit joined us after spending the first three years of her apprenticeship in her home town of Inverelle NSW. She has now joined us under the watchful eye of Steve.
David Nicholls
David is Johns brother and is now back at Ruffles, looking after the large
gardens and maintenance after a 7 month break while he and his partner,
Janice went cruising in their 11 metre Catamaran "Jokers Wild". This time
they stayed on the Barrier Reef going as far north as Townsville. They
returned in December and David will be around for a couple of years before
the call of the sea takes hold again.
