Image: George Apostolidis
Another iconic South Australian has come away with a haul of trophies this week, as Southern Ocean Lodge continues to capture the world’s attention. Earlier this month, the Kangaroo Island spot was awarded the American Express Travel One To Watch Award ahead of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony, now the results have been announced and they’ve come away securing the No. 69 spot in the first-ever World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 Extended List.
Revealed this week by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Head of Content Emma Sleight during a live global countdown, the new 51 to 100 list celebrates an expanded collection of properties that define the future of luxury hospitality. Each hotel was chosen by a panel of more than 800 experts from all over the globe, known for their deep knowledge of the world’s top travel experiences. This recognition places Southern Ocean Lodge among the most exceptional and inspiring hotels across six continents.
This latest recognition adds to an already impressive month for the venue, which was also named Winner of Best Resorts in the World in the Australasia and South Pacific category at the Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards are all voted by the readers, making this recognition extra special.
Here, Southern Ocean Lodge joined iconic venues from all over the world including Raffles the Palm Dubai, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Four Season Resort Jackson Hole, and Eden Rock St Barths, each winning in their respective categories.
You’ll find Southern Ocean Lodge on the cliff tops of Kangaroo Island. This spot is celebrated as a pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia. The award-winning property was reimagined and reopened in 2023 after being destroyed in bushfires. The resort blends contemporary design, world-class dining and nature, with every suite capturing breathtaking views of the wild Southern Ocean.
Baillie Lodges CEO Michael Crawford said the recognition by The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 was incredibly exciting for the team. “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this global recognition and are very proud for two of our most iconic, recently reopened luxury lodges from across the Baillie Lodges collection to stand alongside some of the world’s most revered and applauded properties,” Mr Crawford said.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, added, “We’re thrilled to expand our ranking to spotlight fifty more of the world’s best hotel experiences. This extended 51-100 list celebrates a wider community of outstanding properties and the dedicated teams behind them, all shaping the future of global hospitality. Each hotel on the list has earned recognition from our newly expanded Academy of travel experts, a list which we hope inspires travellers as they plan their next trip.”
With these accolades, it’s clear that Southern Ocean Lodge continues to set the standard for immersive, sustainable luxury. So if you’ve been looking for a venue on our doorstep, that’s much, much more than your average hotel, this is the place to be.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Where: Hanson Bay Rd, Kingscote SA 5223
For more information, click here.
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