Simply the best

It was always the ultimate stay for nature enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors. A setting so extraordinary, it had its own sense of place. Once again, it sits p on a rugged cliff overlooking the wild and windswept Southern Ocean – a new standard for luxury travel, a testament to human resilience and the enduring allure of nature's beauty: Southern Ocean Lodge, or SOL 2.0 – if you will. 

For those unacquainted with the property, the summer bushfires of early 2020 ravaged Kangaroo Island, decimating flora, fauna, and all properties in its path. Southern Ocean Lodge, a beacon of luxury tourism and a significant contributor to the local Kangaroo Island economy, was not spared, the lodge's destruction a poignant symbol of the fire's widespread devastation. For many, it seemed like the end of an era. But for the lodge's founders, James, and Hayley Baillie, it was the beginning of a new journey – a journey to recreate a lodge that not only matched but exceeded its former glory.

Today Southern Ocean Lodge has well and truly risen from the ashes, embodying a new chapter of luxury, sustainability and rolling coastal wilderness. The flora and fauna is regenerating and while the lodge experience starts on route through a plethora of eucalyptus trees (many donning visible bushfire scars) there’s a renewed yet vibrant slew of greenery which blankets the immediate surrounding area thanks to fire-retardant native succulents and Kangaroo Island's native juniper, which were more recently planted. It’s a sight to behold, much like the rebuild of the lodge itself. 

The Baillie’s vision for the new Southern Ocean Lodge was clear: to create a place where luxury meets sustainability, where guests can connect with nature without compromising on comfort. The reconstruction was approached with an innovative mindset, integrating cutting-edge design with environmentally conscious practices.

The lodge's original architect, Max Pritchard along with his partner Andrew Gunner designed the rebuilt property and with 25 luxury guest suites, all offering the same uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean stretching toward Antarctica, this near-exact 55-million-dollar replica lodge sits low and comfortably cradled by the island’s rugged southwest coast. 

The architecture pays homage to the natural landscape, with materials and designs that blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, local limestone, and recycled timber which creates an ambiance as opulent as it is organic.

Of course, the team took the opportunity to make a few clever design changes from the original layout, while still retaining those best bits of the first lodge.  

Thoughtful extras include a pool on the Great Room Terrace, while the Southern Spa now encompasses a gymnasium, three treatment rooms, a sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools with views across the coastal terrain. But it’s the addition of the ultra-premium Baillie Pavilion (previously named Ocean Pavilion) which provides guests with an even more exclusive experience of the clifftop site. This single owner’s residence can be used as two separate suites to create a sanctuary for families and groups of friends travelling together. And it’s sensational.

But the sensations don’t stop at the front of house, one of the most notable aspects of the rebuilt lodge which opened in 2023 is the lodge's commitment to sustainability. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and state-of-the-art waste management ensure that the lodge operates with minimal environmental impact. The lodge also plays a vital role in the conservation efforts on Kangaroo Island, supporting local wildlife recovery programs and habitat restoration projects.

Ultimately, anyone who's experienced Southern Ocean Lodge in previous years, will know that it’s the guest entry into the Great Room which envelopes the ultimate ‘aha we’ve arrived’ moment.

Reminiscent of the lodge’s original beating heart, the Great Room is back virtually unaltered in scale and layout. From the moment the oversized doors are opened and you’re welcomed to this stay, you’re met with an unparalleled view that takes centre stage and the distinctive black suspended fireplace in the sunken lounge. It’s incredible and non-too surprising how quickly you slip into ‘I could get used to this’ mode. 

From the ultra-stocked self-serve bar and an incomparable food offering to, (honestly) the softest and most comfortable bathrobe and slippers of any stay, little luxuries are found right throughout Southern Ocean Lodge. 

I should say here that all dining, drinks and signature experiences are included in your accommodation rate (as they were in the original property), and sans ongoing room charges, the little luxury here lies in this exceptional property feeling like it’s your own home for the couple of days you’re lucky enough to enjoy it. Fancy a drink in the lounge room anyone? My shout.

More than just a place to stay, it provides an immersive experience that captures the essence of Kangaroo Island. Here, guests can indulge in gourmet dining that showcases the island's fresh produce with the in-house restaurant sourcing local seafood, organic vegetables and artisanal products to create a menu that celebrates the flavours of the region. 

For those seeking adventure, the lodge offers a range of activities that allow guests to explore the island's diverse ecosystems. From guided hikes through lush forests and rugged cliffs to close encounters with kangaroos, koalas and sea lions, every experience is designed to foster a deeper connection with nature. Across its experiences and stay, Southern Ocean Lodge is ultra-luxe yet understated which is indeed, the Baillie way. 

Originally opened in 2008, Southern Ocean Lodge is just one of the Baillie Lodges portfolio, a group of luxury lodges on some of the most pristine, natural landscapes Australia has on offer as well as stunning international properties. From Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Longitude 131° in Uluru, The Louise in the Barossa and Silky Oakes Lodge in the Daintree Forest, each Baillie Lodge property is a testament to the founders' dedication to creating extraordinary experiences that honour the natural environment and local culture.

In celebration of the reopening of Southern Ocean Lodge and the continued excellence of Baillie Lodges, myAudi members have the chance to be part of this extraordinary narrative enjoying Audi Experience exclusive benefits and discovering the unparalleled beauty of Baillie Lodges' exceptional properties.

Whether exploring the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island, the spiritual landscapes of Uluru, or the serene waters of Lord Howe Island, MyAudi members can indulge in the ultimate luxury getaway. Visit myAudi for more details on these exclusive offers.