Southern Ocean Lodge to Open on Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island, widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, offers outstanding natural beauty, an abundance of wildlife and a protected natural environment boasting 21 national parks which cover a third of the island.

Southern Ocean Lodge, which sits on the south west coast at Hanson Bay and adjoins two national parks, offers stunning ocean views and will feature a modern spa, customised tours and activities and locally sourced gourmet food and wine.
Commenting on this new development, James Baillie of Baillie Lodges said "With Southern Ocean Lodge we aim to exceed the traditional five-star expectations of our guests by fusing design and nature, glamour and wilderness, and by offering impeccable service, sophisticated dining and exceptional touring. The end result will be both luxurious in style as well as uncompromisingly sensitive to the environment."

The 21 LUXURIOUS SUITES will each have a sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom, outdoor terrace with daybeds and a lavish sleeping area. There will be a twice daily housekeeping service, complimentary room bar, under floor heating, music system, internet and air conditioning. A variety of styles will be available, including the premium Osprey Pavilion which will feature an open fire and private plunge spa.

SPA - The spa will offer a range of traditional and cutting-edge treatments as well as a spa cuisine programme alongside a steam room and chill out lounge.

DESIGN - Southern Ocean Lodge was designed by local architect Max Pritchard. Born and raised on Kangaroo Island, Max’s aim was to create a design sensitive to the location and climate. With low visual impact the building appears to float on the landscape and uses a signature palette of materials – primarily local limestone, recycled timbers and glass – which blend seamlessly within the landscape. Combined with designer furnishings and custom artworks, the property aims to be fresh and contemporary but with a glamorous undertone.

CUISINE - With aspirations to be a South Australian culinary landmark, the Lodge restaurant will showcase the island’s freshest, seasonal produce with a convivial open bar and walk in cellar. A spectacular sweeping panorama of Hanson Bay provides a dramatic backdrop for savouring the Lodge’s contemporary menus, whilst elegant interiors and personal service will ensure a memorable dining experience.

Kangaroo Island, home to 30 vineyards and 18 labels, is already gaining recognition for its dynamic food and wine culture - pure Ligurian honey, exceptional seafood, cheese, olive oil, the list goes on. Earlier this year Kangaroo Island was named Australia’s best regional food destination at the “Vogue Entertaining and Travel Audi Produce Awards”.

ACTIVITIES & TOURING - In addition to resident naturalist staff who will be on hand to provide interpretative presentations, guided coastal and local touring, activity options will include coastal trekking expeditions, food and wine experiences, beach fishing, aerial and nocturnal tours, kayaking, mountain biking, surfing, wildlife and marine viewing and star gazing.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING - At 155 kms long and 55 kms. wide, Kangaroo Island the third largest island off Australia, is one of the best places on the continent to see native wildlife in its natural habitat. The island’s isolation has allowed it to retain a rich diversity of flora and fauna, much of which is not found on the mainland. Wildlife which can be easily viewed includes koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, fur seals, sea lions, penguins, Southern right whales and dolphins.

A TOURISM AND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP – In a joint initiative to demonstrate how tourism can aid conservation, Baillie Lodges, the company behind Southern Ocean Lodge, and the State Government of South Australia, has agreed to establish a fund supporting environmental projects on Kangaroo Island. Expected to generate between A$20,000 and A$50,000 annually, projects likely to benefit include the ongoing restoration and management of the glossy black cockatoo’s habitat and the further research into the 15 threatened plant species on Kangaroo Island.
PRICES – Bridge and Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk, 020 7483 6555) has a three-night package from £1,445 per person including return domestic flights from Adelaide, all meals, some drinks, a full day private touring by 4WD, a bottle of Bollinger on arrival and a A$100 spa voucher. Flights to Adelaide start from £745 per person.

For general information visit www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

Southern Ocean Lodge is part of Baillie Lodges, a collection of intimate luxury lodges based in locations of natural or cultural significance of appeal to discerning global travellers. Created by the dynamic partnership of James and Hayley Baillie in 2003, the venture sets new benchmarks for premium experiential travel in a unique Australian style.

Kangaroo Island can be reached by air - Kingscote Airport is a 30 minute flight from Adelaide. Scheduled flights are operated by Regional Express (Rex) or Air South. Charter flights from Adelaide or Melbourne are available to a private airfield just 20 minutes drive from the Lodge. The Lodge operates luxury vehicle transfers connecting with all flights.

Sealink operates regular 45 minute ferry transfers between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Cape Jervis is an easy two hour drive from Adelaide.