Southern Ocean Lodge Kangaroo Island

Comfortable Luxury — Understated Excellence

We had VERY high expectations for our 4-night stay at Southern Ocean Lodge … and all of our dreams were surpassed. We booked an Ocean Family Suite almost a year before our arrival and memorized the website, poured over new reviews, and imagined whether any property could live up to the hype.

From the personable greeting at the Kingscote airport to the fond farewell from Ben, Lou, and the SOL staff, we enjoyed EVERY moment and experience. We hated to sleep, wanting to soak up the views and amenities, but we succumbed to peaceful sounds of breaking waves, contentment from superb food and wine, and unparalleled relaxation.

We wondered whether the property photos on the website were “touched up,” but open the doors to the lodge and it is readily apparent that NO photo could be enhanced enough do justice to the dramatic entryway and stunning views of Hansons Bay. The centerpiece of the lodge is the Great Room, which contains enough comfortable, spacious seating for twice the number of guests at capacity. Each evening we enjoyed drinks and canapés in the room and lingered by the ceiling-hung fireplace. Soft overhead lighting established an atmosphere that was more homelike than resort. At every turn the ocean and Australian bush landscape capture your eyes, calm your already peaceful mind, and transport you from reality.

Were it not for the Great Room and lovely adjoining dining area, guests would not want to leave their rooms. Each well-designed room faces the Bay and becomes much more than a place to sleep. With every comfort of home (and then some), the spacious guest rooms/suites are a place to slowly wake to the day, linger over beverages from the well-stocked minibar, gaze from the comfort of the secluded terrace, and nap after a tour.

During our stay we looked for ANYTHING “less than excellent,” but nothing surfaced. NOTHING. The service was always personable and friendly – guests and staff are on a first-name basis. We felt as if this was our personal, private retreat and we were part of the SOL family.

Yes, there is a bit of “sticker shock” with the SOL tariff, but on all counts it is worth the price – perfect setting, educational and enjoyable excursions, delicious food, unlimited beverages, attentive staff, comfortable facilities, and any request that we could imagine. The ONLY items on our bill at check-out were charges for a spa treatment, some laundry, and a few boutique purchases.

For our family, Southern Ocean Lodge was likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we will forever savor, treasure, and cherish memories of the place and people that define luxury, excellence, service, tranquility, and beauty.

From recent guest Lynn Robinson, reporting back to her travel agent on her stay at Southern Ocean Lodge:

This place is simply amazing. I have never stayed at something quite like it!
EVERYTHING is included! All excursions – well we paid $30 extra to go on a nocturnal thing tonight, but all other excursions are included.

All your meals and the food has been fantastic. Everything you can think of to drink – it’s all open and available 24/7. In your room there is also a completely stocked and copmplimentary mini bar.

Todays schedule: I ran at 7, had breakfast at 8, jumped on a bus with 6 other poeple at 9 for a discovery type tour – given by the deputy mayor of kangaroo island. He is also a geologist and has lived on the island his entire life. We saw kangaroos, wallabees, koalas, three types of sea lions, and many other things along the way. Returned to the lodge at 1:30 for lunch and took a walk along the coast at 2:30, manicure at 4:00 and now we have two more excursions starting at 6:30.

We’re going to miss dinner tonight to do this nocturnal thing. but they are going to have an antipasto waiting in our room when we get back! I highly recommend it!