A Dream Becomes Realilty

In the tradition of Huka Lodge in New Zealand and the Amanresorts of Asia, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia is set to take luxury experiential travel in Australia to new heights.
21 luxe suites and a spellbinding lodge and spa facility are taking shape atop a secluded stretch of wild coast in south west Kangaroo Island. With the first two stages complete, work is well underway and on track for a March 2008 opening.
“The most difficult stages are behind us and our dream for Southern Ocean Lodge is fast becoming a reality,” said James Baillie. “The staff village and Spa are finished, as well as an incredible boardwalk to our beach and the establishment of access roads and paths.” “Our focus is now on creating our spectacular guest suites and the main dining, lounge and bar facility; all with breathtaking views of this rugged and pristine stretch of coast.”
“With our first guests booked to arrive from March 29 next year, we’re planning a soft-launch in early March so we can satisfy demand from international and Australian media as well as tourism industry and trade who are desperate to experience the property and help us spread the word.”

Max Pritchard Profile

The unique environment of Kangaroo Island and the site James and Hayley Baillie selected for Southern Ocean Lodge demanded an equally unique architectural design. Born and bred on “KI” and acclaimed as one of Australia’s most distinctive architects, Max Pritchard was the ideal choice to guide the development of an iconic luxury wilderness lodge.
The recipient of the Institute of Architects President’s Medal in 2004 and a Commendation by the Civic Trust for his “extensive work in raising community awareness of the benefits and opportunities of coastal regeneration based on propagation of native plants”, Max had a truly innate understanding of the vision for Southern Ocean Lodge.
As our artist impressions reveal, Max’s sensitive, environmentally astute design will ensure a lasting legacy that will influence likeminded developments throughout Australia and overseas. For a sneak preview, click here for a 2 minute virtual tour

Howe Good is Spring for Travel?

Spring has sprung on Lord Howe Island, making it an ideal time to visit and to witness this amazing paradise at its natural best. September through to November are when we see rare sea birds such as petrels, shearwaters, terns and the large masked booby arrive to nest on this island, fussing studiously over their exclusive suitable nursery site to rear their young.
As the days warm up, it’s perfect weather for exploring the pristine waters of the world’s southern-most coral reef. To encourage guests to make the most of this natural wonderland, Capella now features a new glass-bottomed sea kayak for discovering the secrets of the reef’s abundant marine life up close and personal.
Spring also influences guest palates and the cuisine of the Capella Restaurant with chef Matt Upson enjoying the fresh spring Island produce to create light, clean and always exquisite contemporary cuisine for which Capella is celebrated.
For more information on Capella Lodge and our array of Spring-time experiences, click here

Australia’s Galapagos

Kangaroo Island is a place of extraordinary contrasts. With a rich heritage and a world-class food and wine culture, Australia’s third largest large Island offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Southern Ocean Lodge General Manager Mat Daniel has developed an exceptional itinerary of guided adventures which are included in the nightly tariff and deliver a complete Kangaroo Island experience. “The Lodge activity program allows guests to experience Kangaroo Island in a stylish, relaxed manner with our guides providing expert commentary and sharing experienced, personal insights,” Mat said.
“We’re situated right in the heart of KI’s major natural attractions so places like Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Seal Bay and Kelly Hill Caves (to name a few) are just a short drive away.”
Mat’s itinerary for Southern Ocean Lodge includes no more than 10 guests per group and customised vehicles travelling during off-peak times, ensuring an intimate, private safari style experience.
Experiences range from sunrise or sunset encounters to half day explorations, as well as après dining activities such as wildlife night walks, star gazing or natural history talks.
For a copy of the Southern Ocean Lodge Experiences and Adventures Fact Sheet, click here

Travel & Leisure Innovators Award

James and Hayley Baillie were recognised by Travel + Leisure Australia in their second annual Travel Innovators Awards, standing alongside luminaries such as Neil Perry (Restaurateur), Marc Newson (Designer), Trevor and Geraldine Haworth (founders of Captain Cook Cruises) and Tom McLoughlin (Per Aquum Resorts).

Expedition Lord Howe

We have just concluded the 2007 series of Expedition Lord Howe at Capella Lodge, with both expedition groups once again fully booked with keen explorers and adventurers.
Glorious spring sunshine made exploring the island’s natural treasures a delight, and calm seas allowed an idyllic venture by boat to the intriguing Ball’s Pyramid.
According to John Griffith and Beth Jackson, two of our most recent “expeditioners”, the combination of informed guiding – walks, wildlife and sea, plus the comfort and cuisine at the end of each day were the highlights of their visit.
For the very first time Capella Lodge will host a single 10 day informative and inspirational Expedition in the 2008-09 season, allowing guests to relax and truly immerse themselves in the natural World Heritage listed environment that is Lord Howe Island. The continued popularity and success of the Lord Howe Expedition series has also led to their inclusion in the hugely anticipated Southern Ocean Lodge activity calendar in 2008 and beyond. With an equally breathtaking natural environment, past expeditioners will love the opportunity to explore what many visitors regard as Australia’s Galapagos. Watch this space for details of Expedition Kangaroo Island 2008!
For more information on Expedition Lord Howe, click here

Who’s Who at Baillie Lodges?

James and Hayley Baillie established Baillie Lodges in 2003 with the launch of Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island. Together they enjoy decades of experience establishing iconic Australian properties such as Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge, Heron Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge and Bedarra Island, as well as providing nature history programs for the world’s most prestigious expedition cruise lines: the force behind Southern Ocean Lodge’s design and construction.
To contact James or Hayley, email james@baillielodges.com.au or hayley@baillielodges.com.au

Mat Daniel first met James when he joined P&O Australian Resorts in 2000. Beginning as Purchasing Manager, Mat moved across to hotel operations as Assistant Manager on Brampton Island, before helping reinvent Lizard Island and steering the launch of the acclaimed Wrotham Park Lodge as its first General Manager. Now Baillie Lodges’ Operations Manager and Southern Ocean Lodge opening General Manager, Mat is focused on building the foundations from which Southern Ocean Lodge will grow its reputation as Australia’s first ‘super lodge’.
To contact Mat, email mat@baillielodges.com.au

Alison Richards joined the Baillie Lodges team in 2006 following a six month sojourn after selling her bustling North Sydney café and catering business. Prior to her hospitality career, Alison worked with leading law firm Minter Ellison and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Now, as James’ eyes and ears, Alison works across all facets of the business – administration, sales, marketing, PR, reservations and operations.
To contact Alison, email: alison@baillielodges.com.au

Sarah Shields came into contact with James and Hayley thanks to their patronage of her successful Avalon café – Swell. In between courses and strong café lattes, conversation naturally swung to careers and before long Sarah had joined Baillie Lodges in 2006 as, in her own words: “Reservations, marketing and all things Capella!” Her natural love of service, writing and the properties themselves is evident to anyone Sarah comes into contact with. Sarah will be responsible for Southern Ocean Lodge reservations and marketing and will also apply her passion for writing when working on PR/media projects.
To contact Sarah, email: sarah@baillielodges.com.au

Michelle Papas recently joined the team direct and manage inbound and incentive matters for Southern Ocean Lodge, positioning the property throughout our international markets and working with key wholesale and retail partners, as well as attracting high yield business or incentive travellers. Michelle’s experience with Park Lane, Starwood and ANA Hotels, as well as Fox Studios Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission will be invaluable in the lead up to March 2008 and well beyond.
To contact Michelle, email sales@baillielodges.com.au

Damien Hanger worked with Mat Daniel on the launch of Wrotham Park Lodge in 2004, as well as the luxury wilderness properties that made up the acclaimed Voyages Hotels & Resorts portfolio during his 5 years as PR Manager. Damien has recently joined the team to help launch Southern Ocean Lodge and will be responsible for all media enquiries, in particular working with international and Australian media to manage our visiting journalist program.
To contact Damien, email: media@baillielodges.com.au