Baillie Lodges can finally announce Southern Ocean Lodge dubbed ‘SOL 2.0’ will reopen on December 6, following its demise in the 2020 black summer bushfires.
It’s been over two years since the devastating bushfires swept through the island, leaving a trail of destruction, including that of the luxury tourist accommodation.
Founder James and Hayley Bailie made a commitment to rebuild the famous lodge immediately after it was destroyed by the fires, spending the months following the disaster drafting plans with its original architect, SA’s Max Pritchard, to recreate some of the well-loved design elements of the property.
“We’re very fortunate to have had the support of the Kangaroo Island community, the tourism industry, media and our loyal guests over the past three years during which we have spent rebuilding Southern Ocean Lodge and regenerating the surrounding coastal wilderness,” Hayley says.
“As we head towards the reopening of Southern Ocean Lodge at the end of the year, guests are already keen to book in to stay which is a wonderful feeling for the whole team,” James says.
Responding to significant demand to be amongst the first guests to stay at the much-loved luxury lodge, Bailie Lodge has announced an auction as a fundraiser for three ‘first in’ stays.
Guests who post the winning bids will win a special preview stay for the dates December 5-8, 2023, and be first to enjoy a luxurious, all-inclusive experience of the reimaged lodge as well as guided excursion of Kangaroo Island’s wild landscape.
All proceeds from the auction will go to three Australian community organisations chosen for their significance to the team at Southern Ocean Lodge. The associations chosen as beneficiaries are:
- The Royal Flying Doctor Service
- The Maggie Beer Foundation
- The KI Country Education Fund
The online auction is now live and will remain open until April 24 when the winning bidders will secure their place at Southern Ocean Lodge for a special pre-opening stay.
They will also shortly announce a date in early May where bookings will be open for the general public to organise a trip to the stunning Island and its soon-to-be beautifully rebuilt accommodation.
“In the meantime we’re keen to make the most of the broader community’s interest and goodwill by giving back to those organisations who routinely go above and beyond to help others”, James says.
Article and images supplied by Glam Adelaide.
