It isn’t every day that a tourism business wins one of the world’s most recognised travel awards while its doors are closed.
But Rumi on Louth isn’t your everyday tourism business.
This off-grid luxury retreat, located on the Eyre Peninsula, has just been named a recipient of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, placing it among the top 10 per cent of destinations worldwide, all while on an operational pause.
Unlike awards judged by industry panels, Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are determined entirely by guest reviews, making this recognition during its pause a reflection of the memorable experiences guests continue to look back on fondly.
“Receiving this recognition during our temporary operational pause made it even more meaningful,” the team shared.
“While our doors may currently be closed, it was a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact that Rumi had on so many of our guests. It reinforced that what we created resonated far beyond accommodation alone. It was the sense of connection to nature, exclusivity, and the unforgettable memories formed on the island that guests continue to remember and celebrate.”
The recognition comes alongside another recent accolade, with Rumi also taking out the Australian Good Food Guide Readers’ Choice Award for 2026.
For those who have heard the name Rumi on Louth before, these awards shouldn’t come as a surprise. Situated on the secluded Louth Island in Spencer Gulf, Rumi is well-renowned as one of Australia’s most remarkable luxury stays. Entirely off-grid, the resort combines contemporary architecture with untouched coastal landscapes, all while maintaining a belief that high-end tourism and environmental responsibility can co-exist. Powered by renewable energy and designed to leave a light environmental footprint, Rumi doesn’t take the incredible landscapes of the Eyre Peninsula for granted.
Yet this pause comes for good reason. Rumi is preparing for Stage 2 of its long-term masterplan – a significant expansion that will build on the resort’s existing accommodation with 22 new ocean-view cabins, allowing guests to wake up to uninterrupted sea views, with every cabin designed to immerse them in nature.
Guests can also look forward to a new Japanese-inspired wellness precinct featuring an onsen-style day spa, communal hot tubs, yoga spaces, and additional recreation facilities.
Plus, with plans including a second restaurant overlooking the water, this upgrade is sure to further cement Rumi’s position as a destination where food, design, and nature all come together.
“Everything we do moving forward remains grounded in the values that made Rumi so special in the first place,” the team shared.
“Rumi has always been about creating a genuine sense of place. Guests were able to completely disconnect from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in the pristine natural environment of Louth Island. The intimate scale of the experience, personalised service, and exceptional dining certainly played a part; however, it was often the simple yet extraordinary moments that guests cherished most – kayaking in crystal-clear waters, private beach cabana picnics, guided island buggy tours, stargazing beneath some of Australia’s darkest skies, or simply having an entire beach to themselves.”
Alongside the expansion, Rumi is also progressing several ecological initiatives designed to protect and enhance the island’s unique environment.
“There is certainly a great deal happening behind the scenes, and it is an incredibly exciting time for the business…”
“While we are not yet ready to reveal too much, our focus remains on ensuring that any future evolution of Rumi honours what guests loved most about the experience while thoughtfully building upon those foundations.”
As travellers increasingly seek meaningful, experience-led escapes over traditional luxury holidays, Rumi’s international recognition shines a spotlight on the state’s ability to deliver world-class accommodation in some of its most spectacular natural landscapes. With this ambitious new chapter now underway, the accolade suggests that perhaps the Rumi team are only scratching the surface of what luxury eco-tourism can look like in Australia.
Rumi on Louth
Where: Louth Island, Louth Bay SA 5607
Expected re-opening: TBC
For more information, click here.
