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.
Southern Ocean Lodge guests remember their stay
0 comments
Posted on 8th September 2010 by southernoceanlodge in Guest Comments
Guest feedback, Kangaroo Island
GUEST FEEDBACK:
We had a wonderful time. We filled out the card in the room in such a hurry, mentioning Mel, who made a real impression with her relaxed and friendly style and good knowledge of the wines. However, we did omit to mention some of our most important impressions. The lodge is obviously a spectacular and beautifully designed property, but it was the relaxed and knowledgable attention of all the staff that made our stay so memorable. There were many examples, such as always being greeted by name, or our room always being serviced when we were out and about, (I do love it when the fairies come) or Nathan finding a jacket for me when we went to the seals – I was rather unprepared for where we were off to – a bit of a mystery destination. Finally, we didn’t meet the chef – does he sometimes come out to circulate? However, please pass on that we thought the food was fabulous, and so clever, (given that it is a full board deal, and therefore guests might be eating more than they would at home) to keep the menu so fresh, essential, local, and, apart from the marvellous, and thankfully optional, breads, low in carbs, healthy and totally enticing, and the portions small while the whole meal was perfectly balanced and satisfying to all the senses.
We would love to come again, and maybe visit Lord Howe. I am happy for you to ask me for further comments, and you can call on me for my vote in any award poll!