Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Islands - Resort Review

Edgy Lodge on the Edge of the Earth

by Alain Gayot

Southern Ocean Lodge, perched on a beachside cliff

Upon checking in at the Southern Ocean Lodge on Australia’s second largest island, visitors truly feel a sense of respite. Simply getting to the lodge from the local airport in Kingscote can take over an hour, especially if you stop on the way to check out the wildlife (your driver doubles as a nature guide).

Set on 250 acres, surrounded by coastal national park and perched on a cliff near Hanson Bay, this exclusive lodge greets guests with open arms via their attentive and friendly staff. This property might be a little rugged for some, but we think it is ideal for a true getaway. Twenty-one cantilevered suites are set up along a continuous lineup of masterful rooms, some with indoor wooden tubs, others with hot tubs situated on decks and many with ethanol-burning fireplaces. The Pavillion suite has it all including sunset to sunrise views and is well worth the price tag. The lodgings are connected via elevated plank walkways so as not to disturb the natural scenery below.


Ocean-view dining	The indoor/outdoor area

The property is managed by the Baillie Lodges Collection, who are very experienced with luxury remote experiences. They abide by a sustainable management policy and always offer outstanding service and food. Rates here start at $900 per person, all inclusive. Guests receive three gourmet meals per day inclusive of beverages and liquor, island airport transfers and guided tours and adventures like a Seal Bay Sunrise, a visit to the Kelly Hill caves, a session with the Kangaroos, all concluding with a glamorous stargazing opportunity. Visitors will definitely want to check into the Southern Spa for one of the many locally-inspired treatments. There is also a media room that doubles up as a local art gallery or boardroom for those all too important meetings.

The island features an impressive lineup of wineries—including a project by the famous Lurton family from Bordeaux—whose wines are all served at the property, along with a liquor made from the honey of surviving Ligurian bees. Heirloom tomatoes and local peaches will fill your mouth with intense flavors, as do a number of diverse dishes from the expert kitchen. Local seafood is a delicacy and won’t disappoint, from abalone, oysters and lobster to freshwater crayfish. We encourage anyone with means to experience the Southern Ocean Lodge and all it has to offer. It is certainly one of the great destinations in the luxury hospitality world.

Southern Ocean Lodge
via Kingscote
Kangaroo Island, SA 5223
61-8-8559-7347 | Make Hotel Reservations
www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

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(Updated 08/04/10 CT)