Southern Ocean Lodge

The rooms are outstanding, with amazing views through floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and the setting is one of the most beautiful I've seen. In my opinion, a luxury lodge here could be an iconic destination. We were willing to return despite our service experience, but only if new management were in place and delivered what's advertised. We were sold luxury, but the stay felt like an expensive, industrial tourism experience. Activities had groups of ten or more, went ahead rain or shine, and couldn't be made into private tours. Changing assigned groups was difficult. For example, our dramatic walk around admiral arch in the national park went ahead in rain and fog, with no accommodation or alternative. We had to scramble with our travel advisor to arrange an independent guide and trip, which turned out to be pretty sensational. Private tours like the one we arranged are essential if you want to understand and enjoy the island. The staff were generally smiley, but we had an incredibly rude interaction with the “sommelier”. The GM gave us some bored excuses, but nothing more. The wine list could be interesting, and you can go into the cellar and pick an Australian wine, but the bottles retailed for $12 - 20. At around $4k a day, I'd expect a more respectful offer. The food was overdone, with the current chef overcomplicating dishes. Sashimi on sweet apple sauce looked and felt like corporate cafeteria food. Management seems intent on making the experience less than optimal despite the incredible scenery. Based on our brief interaction with the GM, the problems weren't surprising. Be prepared for an industrial tourism experience, and hope management fixes the mess. They owe it to the natural wonders around.

The food was average at best, maybe a 5 out of 10, and the spa massage was one of the worst I've had. The spa toilet was dirty too. Dead flies were everywhere in the rooms and common areas. They seemed to kill them from time to time but left them on the floors and room terraces. Cleanliness didn't seem to concern the team or management. It also felt understaffed, as if there were no GM in charge. This is a very remote spot in South Australia with a great Southern Ocean view and good chances to see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, seals, and sea lions. The lodge has 25 rooms, but it feels crowded. Everyone eats at the same time in one dining room, and the space is laid out in a way that adds to that feeling. Animal tours are in large groups, so the experience doesn't feel exclusive. There's no luxury feel, especially at one of the world's top hotel rates. Hugely overpriced in my opinion.

The tours to Seal Bay, Remarkable rocks, and the Arch were excellent. Simone was brilliant, kind and respectful to the dead koala, and Luke was very good too, with lots of knowledge about island history. We ate well at the top, and the gin and tonics were great, though some of the “recommended” wines were dodgy. I was in the very comfortable room 2, the Cape Willoughby shipwreck. The march uphill was terrible for an old disabled man, maybe 500M, and reminded me of Mau's long march. There were delightful Italian boys and girls everywhere!

I've admired this hotel for years, so I went in with high expectations. My wife and I were blown away by the setting, service, staff, food, and wine. We've stayed at beautiful resorts around the world, and in my opinion none compare. Sensational. Couldn't recommend it more. 11 out of 10.