Helen Kretschmann appointed General Manager at Spicers Peak Lodge

Spicers Retreats is excited to announce Helen Kretschmann has been appointed General Manager of Spicers Peak Lodge and commenced her role on September 8th 2014.

Helen Kretschmann

Helen leaves her most recent position at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia along with her partner Alastair Oakman who has also been appointed Experiences Manager at Spicers Peak Lodge, bringing the 'dream team' to Queensland.

Helen's early success and progression to management roles, at establishments such as Victoria's at Wategos and Luxury Lodges of Australia's Bamurru Plains Luxury Safari Camp Site, can be attributed to her keen eye for detail, leadership skills and exceptional guest care. These skills, as well as her passion for outdoor and gourmet experiences, make her the perfect fit for Spicers Peak Lodge.

David Assef, Managing Director of Spicers Retreats, comments: “Helen's understanding of 'relaxed luxury', an ethos Spicers Peak Lodge proudly embodies, makes her perfect for the role and the task of offering every guest a tailored luxurious, yet laid back experience”.

Alastair brings an in depth knowledge of the environment to Spicers Peak Lodge, stemming from his bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Environment, Management and Tourism, and his extensive hands on roles at rural retreats across Australia.

David Assef goes on to say, “The environment is an essential part of the Spicers Peak Lodge experience, so we are delighted to welcome on board two individuals who are committed to working with nature each step of the way, from the cuisine, to our guest experience offerings to ensuring environmental sustainability. “

Incumbents Leasa and Chris Harris, are sadly farewelled, having played a key role in the success of Spicers Peak Lodge including the recent facilitating of Spicers Retreats latest initiative the Scenic Rim Trail.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island - First Luxury Lodge in the World's Last Paradise

#Australia #LordHoweIsland #CapellaLodge #BaillieLodges



Capella Lodge has brought a new level of luxe to World Heritage Listed Lord Howe Island with an ideal combination of ocean and mountain views, seclusion, fine cuisine and first name service that has redefined the island's resort experience.

Capella Lodge was the first property in the Baillie Lodges portfolio and has introduced guests worldwide to the Baillie Lodges' experience of luxury lodge accommodations in unique Australian destinations. Capella is now flanked by multi-award winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and iconic outback camp Longitude 131° at Uluru Kata Tjuta.

Capella Lodge is located at the southern end of Lord Howe Island above picturesque Lover's Bay and at the foot of the Island's iconic twin-mountains Gower and Lidgbird. Owned by James and Hayley Baillie, who together conceived Baillie Lodges in 1993, this nine-suite retreat combines personal service and premium facilities to deliver an exclusive Lord Howe Island experience.

With a shared interest in design, James and Hayley Baillie take a hands-on approach to ensuring a luxurious, Lord Howe feel to the guest suites as well as the teak-clad main Lodge which houses the Capella Restaurant, Makambo Bar, Kentia Lounge and expansive Gower's Terrace. Exclusive hand-printed soft furnishings by Mambo artist Bruce Goold and original local artworks complement Lord Howe's intriguing seafaring history and complete a relaxed yet sophisticated beach-house vibe.

Capella's nine luxurious suites include the single-level Capella Suites and family-sized Catalina Suite with expansive deck areas and outdoor lounging, as well as Lagoon Lofts with stunning views from the mezzanine bedroom. Premium suites include the Makambo Loft with plunge spa and views to the mountains, and the Lidgbird Pavilion with wrap-around verandahs, plunge-pool and 270-degree lagoon views. The Lidgbird Pavilion tariff includes a golf buggy for travel around the Island.

Contemporary-styled interiors are designed to capture the mood of a sophisticated beach house. Timber floors, white shutters and marine ply joinery, custom-furniture pieces, add a sense of the sea whilst Capella Spa amenities and signature bed linen ensure comfort at every level.

Dining at Capella is at once refined and locavore affair, with locally caught seafood, foraged coastal greens and house-made breads, ice-reams and pastas featuring on the menu. Capella has a reputation as Lord Howe Island's prime dining destination drawing rave reviews for its breakfasts, long and lazy lunches on the deck and daily changing dinner menus with selected wines.

The petite Capella Spa offers a signature menu of rejuvenating and relaxation treatments whilst the the Li'tya spa range reflects the island's endemic kentia palms and pristine marine environment.

Rates at Capella Lodge start from AU$700 per person twin share and include full gourmet breakfast, sunset drinks and canapés, 3-course dinner and selected wines with change of menu daily, most non-alcoholic beverages and mountain bikes.

Notes: Baillie Lodges is a collection of intimate luxury lodges in unique Australian destinations. Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island launched the portfolio and continues to capture guests in its magic. Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's most extraordinary luxury lodge offering a premium nature-based escape. Longitude 131° is a gathering of luxury tented pavilions overlooking fabled icon Uluru, delivering a journey to Australia's spiritual heart. The Baillie Lodges properties are honoured as founding members of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

Australia's Iconic Luxury Lodge, Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Seeming to float gracefully along limestone cliffs rising above the wild Southern Ocean on ruggedly beautiful Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's iconic luxury lodge, setting exciting new standards in Australian experiential travel. Southern Ocean Lodge is the flagship of the Baillie Lodges luxury lodge portfolio, which includes Capella Lodge on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island and Longitude 131 at Uluru Kata Tjuta.

Southern Ocean Lodge opened in 2008 to instant and sustained global acclaim from media, trade and a dedicated following of guests seeking extraordinary experiences, world class accommodation, dining and service. The Lodge was awarded Tatler's 'Hotel of the Year' in 2008, and was voted #3 and #4 in Travel + Leisure 2012 and 2014 World's Best Awards respectively, and #1 Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for both years.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia is home to an abundance of native wildlife, and is widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos. Located on the Island's south west coast, Southern Ocean Lodge adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Kelly Hill National Parks and is at the heart of the Island's major attractions such as Seal Bay, Admirals Arch and the Remarkable Rocks.

Sensitively designed to sustain this pristine environment, the Lodge is a 'luxe base camp' allowing visitors to experience the unique coastal wilderness and plentiful wildlife for which Kangaroo Island is renowned.
An intimate twenty-one suites feature generous sleeping areas, stylish sunken lounges, glass walled bathrooms and outdoor terraces. A contemporary architectural design by Max Pritchard promote majestic Southern Ocean views from every suite, and the use of organic local materials such as recycled timbers and white limestone floors induces a real sense of place. Owners James and Hayley Baillie have a joint passion for interior design and have contributed a very personal touch for the Lodge guaranteeing a “Baillie” feel with a very South Australian focus.

Dining in the Lodge Restaurant affords guests a dedicated regional culinary adventure. The Lodge's culinary philosophy is founded on excellent working relationships with small scale, high quality local food producers and the use of the freshest Island and local seasonal produce in its inspired daily menus. The Island is famous for its cheeses, sheeps milk and yoghurts, free-range chickens and eggs. The world's only pure Ligurian honey is produced on Kangaroo Island, with strict quarantines in place protecting these gentle bees from their mainland counterparts. Seafood is a joy, with daily catches of prawns, crayfish, abalone and whiting bringing the fresh riches of the ocean to the table. A world-class menu of Kangaroo Island and South Australian beverages has been carefully selected to complement unforgettable Lodge dining.

The Southern Spa is an intimate and private oasis of calm, offering signature menu of Dreamtime-inspired Li'tya spa treatment products and Aboriginal massage techniques and are complemented by Kangaroo Island's natural beauty ingredients: mineral salts, pink clay, eucalyptus, lavender and Ligurian honey. Combined with the cleanest air, fresh from Antarctica and with pounding surf below, the Southern Spa provides a pure natural environment in which to chill out.

With exceptional guided experiences and adventures included in the nightly tariff, Southern Ocean Lodge delivers a complete Kangaroo Island experience. Guests can be as active as they please with a personalised experiential itinerary tailored on arrival. A range of activities offered daily allows guests to encounter a rich natural heritage: an interpretive guided walk along the limestone cliff tops, an excursion to the Remarkable Rocks, a sea-lion encounter and canapés with kangaroos at dusk.

Rates commence at UD$1050 per person per night (twin share), including all dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits (select cellarmasters list additional), in-suite bar, signature experiences and island airport transfers.

www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

Mark Best Joins Maggie Beer for KI Food Safari at Southern Ocean Lodge

Culinary master Mark Best will team up with treasured Barossa cook Maggie Beer this year to host one of the most exciting gourmet adventures on the Australian calendar, the 2014 KI Food Safari at Southern Ocean Lodge.

The hands-on feast among the celebrated producers of Kangaroo Island has been extended this year to seven nights from August 2 to 9, allowing a full week among the paddocks, vines, stockyards and oyster beds.

First mounted in 2011, the KI Food Safari has fast become an institution among lovers of the carefully grown produce and rich seafood of Kangaroo Island.  It combines the elegant cliff-top luxury of Southern Ocean Lodge with daily expeditions among the producers who have helped forge the island's reputation for high-quality food and sustainable practices.


Highlights of the itinerary include the fine cheeses and yoghurts of Island Pure Sheep Dairy, a visit to the green pastures of Southrock Lamb and a stroll through the shady groves of KI Olive Oil. Guests might pluck marron and abalone from the farm, savour pure Ligurian honey straight from the hive and shuck oysters fresh from the leases at American River.

This year's extended itinerary will also include a visit to the Penneshaw farmers' markets, allowing guests to discover small local growers and their produce.

In between, guests will be able to eat, drink and rub shoulders with their hosts at winery lunches, cooking demonstrations, barbecues and sunset drinks. Each night will involve a celebration of the day's harvest with a spectacular menu served around the table at Southern Ocean Lodge.

As a founding host of the KI Food Safari, Maggie Beer will lend her warmth and passion for local produce to each day's events.  She will be joined by Mark Best for the first time, bringing insight from his kitchens at Sydney's acclaimed Marque restaurant, a regular on the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

The KI Food Safari will be held from August 2 to 9, 2014, with places strictly limited. It is priced from $7350 per person twin share including seven nights at Southern Ocean Lodge, return flights between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, a daily itinerary of excursions, produce tastings and demonstrations, all dining and premium beverages.

For full details contact Baillie Lodges on 02 9918 4355 or reserve@baillielodges.com.au.  See also www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

Discover the Top End’s rich angling experiences and remote fishing hot spots with Wild Bush Luxury

 

Bamurru Plains to become exclusive fishing lodge from February to April 2014

The Top End's wet season is upon us which means Wild Bush Luxury's Bamurru Plains property is once again preparing to transition its luxury camp into an exclusive fishing lodge for the prime angling season between February and April.

Bamurru Plains' renowned fishing packages offer eager anglers access to the camp's first-class private fishing areas and the opportunity to catch prize Barramundi with a striking Australian backdrop, along with comfortable lodgings from $2,350 per person twin share for 3 night/2 day package. 

Located on the Northern Territory's Mary River Floodplains, the privately-owned Bamurru property offers a fishing experience which is second to none in Australia, by combining touches of luxury and supreme comfort, with some of the best and rarest angling opportunities in the country.

The camp is uniquely located on the lower reaches of the Sampan Creek, giving guests private access to the river. The mouths of these creeks, including Swim, Love and Carmor Creek, regularly produce Barramundi on spring tides between February and April, some of which are over a metre in length. For a unique and thrilling fishing experience, guests can also jump aboard a Bamurru Heli-fishing adventure for even greater access to the finest Barramundi in the Top End region.

A highlight for any fisherman at Bamurru is an exclusive fishing trip on the Swim Creek floodplain by airboat - a signature experience for guests at the property. The camp's airboats are fitted with casting decks to maximise the experience of fishing the floodplain in spots that are only available to camp guests.

Australia's most famous and greatest sports fish, the Barramundi, are plentiful in all of Bamurru's fishing locations. Armed with the right gear and led by experienced guides to the Top End's secret fishing spots, fisherman will have the opportunity to catch the biggest and the best of Australia's Barramundi offering. 

All fishing safaris are directed by Bamurru property manager John Cooper, a professional fisherman with a variety of fishing titles to his name, including winning the coveted NT Barra Classic title, arguably the most iconic Barramundi fishing tournament in the country. John will also be one of the expert guides during Bamurru's fishing season and is looking forward to sharing his tips and local insights with budding anglers.

In keeping with Bamurru's environmental sustainability ethos, anglers use lures, landing nets, soft plastics and flies to target the Barramundi and, although a fish or two is kept for the dinner table, most of the catch is released back into the waters.

Bamurru's fishing safaris are distinct in the way they combine incredible fishing with an unforgettable luxury wilderness lodge experience in the breathtaking and naturally diverse surrounds of the Northern Territory's Top End. After a day on the water,  guests can relax in comfort at the lodge with a cold beer or chilled wine and delicious food.

Each of the property's nine safari suites is designed to blend with the surrounding savannah bush, and offer spectacular views over the floodplains to expose guests to the wildlife and striking landscapes around them. The raised suites are also fitted with all of the creature comforts necessary for a supremely comfortable stay amidst their angling adventures.

Bamurru Plains is offering three to six day Floodplain and River Fishing Packages between 5 February and 28 April 2014 from $2,350 per person twin share for a 3 night/2 day package. Prices are inclusive of twin share accommodation, all meals and beverages (beer, wine and soft drinks) and daily guided fishing on a shared or private basis with up to 4 anglers per boat.

For groups of three a second room will be provided (1 twin + 1 single safari bungalow). In the event there is a request for single rooms, a single occupancy surcharge of 25% applies.


Bamurru Plains safari camp is located on 300 square kilometres of private buffalo station, on the floodplains of the famous Mary River System on the western boundary of Kakadu National Park. The camp is just a 3 hour drive from Darwin with upgrades to a 25 minute charter flight also available. The charter flight covers some of the most spectacular wetlands in the world while travelling to Bamurru Plains, which is a member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia.

For further information, visit: www.bamurruplains.com or: www.wildbushluxury.com or www.wildbushfishing.com.

Booking enquiries:

Wild Bush Luxury Reservations: info@wildbushluxury.com, 1300 790 561

www.wildbushluxury.com

Australia travel headlines from Tourism Australia

Image: Tourism Australia

Sydney claims top spot

Sydney came in at number one on Forbes Travel Guide Blog’s roundup of the ‘Five Fabulous Destinations for Celebrating Chinese New Year’

Top award for Wolgan Valley

Luxury Lodges of Australia hotel, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has been named the Top Hotel in Australia by the TripAdvisor® 2014 Traveller’s Choice ® awards.

BIG4 makes a splash

BIG4 Marion Holiday Park in South Australia has launched new AUD $400,000 waterpark, with the largest waterslide activity centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

New Mantra Hotels for Queensland

Australian hotelier, Mantra Group, have announced new properties in Brisbane and Townsville with further additions to its expanding Australian network to come in 2014.

New in the Whitsundays

Palm Bay Resort has officially re-launched, offering private beach bure style accommodation for up to 30 couples.

 International Ice Hocket comes to Australia

Tickets are on sale for the International Ice Hockey 2014. The event, now in its second year, has expanded to include games in Perth and Brisbane along with Melbourne and Sydney.

New Aboriginal workshops in Sydney

First Hand Solutions have launched new Aboriginal workshops and markets in Sydney, including Catch and Cook Cultural Tours, Traditional Basket Weaving Workshops, and weekly Sunday Markets starting Sunday 2 March.

Exclusive charter flights showcase regional SA

South Australia's rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and world famous wine regions will be even easier for Victorians to access with the launch of three new luxury Air Adventure Australia air safaris.

Departing from Melbourne, the new itineraries explore South Australia's famed regions including the Barossa, Clare Valley, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast and the Flinders Ranges.

The State Government has provided $35,000 to help get the project off the ground through its New Product Support Program for the tourism industry.

Tourism Minister, Leon Bignell, said the air safaris are an exciting addition.

"By providing direct access from Melbourne the tours will encourage Victorian visitors to experience the wonders of regional South Australia," Mr Bignell said.

"The New Product Support Program is designed to support new tourism experiences that promote a different aspect of our state.

"The introduction of Air Adventure Australia's three new luxury air safaris is a great way of discovering some of our most beautiful regions."

The eleven seat luxury aircraft takes less than 90 minutes for the journey from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island.

Air Adventure Australia Managing Director John Dyer says South Australia is an ideal destination for air safaris.

"I see South Australia as a state that has the lot, including amazing food and wine, outback landscapes and incredible coastline," Mr Dyer said.

"Our tours make the South Australian outback very accessible to both tourists using Melbourne as a gateway city and people living on the eastern seaboard."

'The Gourmet Getaway' and 'Luxury Lodges of South Australia' tours visit some of the state's iconic properties including the Prairie Hotel, the Kingsford Homestead, the Louise, Southern

Ocean Lodge, and Arkaba Station.

Visitors can also experience the exclusive Mayura Station Wagyu Masterclass in a one day tour of the Coonawarra region.

Air Adventure Australia's new air safaris range from 1-6 days with each itinerary offered twice a year.

Visit www.airadventure.com.au for details

Baillie Lodges to Steer New Vision for Longitude 131°

Acclaimed Australian desert camp Longitude 131° has joined the Baillie Lodges collection of luxury wilderness destinations, paving the way for additional investment and new experiences at the gateway to Uluṟu.

Baillie Lodges will take over the operation of Longitude 131° from November 1 under an agreement with the Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, aligning the iconic property with the group's existing Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island.

Situated discreetly adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Longitude 131° offers 15 elevated luxury tents with unrivalled private views of Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and the surrounding desert landscape.  Having established itself among Australia's most celebrated luxury wilderness experiences, the property will now evolve further under the vision of James and Hayley Baillie.

James Baillie said the addition of Longitude 131° to the Baillie Lodges portfolio provided an exciting opportunity to enhance an extraordinary outback experience.

"We feel very privileged to be entrusted with its stewardship and to take Longitude 131° forward into its next decade," Mr Baillie said. "It has incredible potential and we intend to invest in both the property and the experience to create an even deeper connection with the desert landscape and the indigenous culture."

Mr Baillie said Longitude 131° would undergo an initial interior refreshment and product refinement in the first part of 2014 before embarking on a wider refurbishment and expansion in the future.

Plans include new interiors inspired by Indigenous heritage and the addition of outdoor lounges and fireplaces.

New premium canopy suites will be created with expansive lounge areas, fireplaces and a horizon pool facing Uluṟu, while a new dune-top retreat will have an infinity pool and a lounging and dining deck for enjoying sunsets and dinners under the stars.

Renowned South Australian architect and Southern Ocean Lodge designer Max Pritchard has been engaged as part of the new vision.

Other plans include an expanded program of experiences designed for longer-stay guests, enabling them to immerse in more of the spectacular desert landscapes and ancient indigenous culture of Central Australia.

Southern Ocean Lodge named Andrew Harper's Hideaway of the Year 2012

In anticipation of a new year of exceptional luxury travel experiences, Andrew Harper has just released its January 2012 Hideaway Report, and in it reveals its Grand Award winners. Baillie Lodges' much-lauded Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island has been awarded the most prestigious of titles; Andrew Harper's Hideaway of the Year 2012.

Based in New York, NY, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report is a quarterly luxury travel review available to all members of the exclusive Andrew Harper Club. It is considered the most respected publication in luxury travel. Southern Ocean Lodge has been named Hideaway of the Year, at the top of a very prestigious list comprised of Mr Harper's favourite 19 properties he visited within the past calendar year.

World-roaming luxury travel reviewer Andrew Harper notes of his anonymous stay at Southern Ocean Lodge that it was, 'Unquestionably the highlight of our three-week trip to Australia.'

James and Hayley Baillie, the very hands-on owners and designers of the property, are delighted with this result.

'To receive this endorsement from an esteemed luxury travel reviewer such as Andrew Harper is every hotelier's ideal. That Mr Harper travels incognito to the far corners of the planet and experiences the most luxurious in travel reinforces that what we have to offer at Southern Ocean Lodge is truly special.

'We'd further like to congratulate the terrific team at Southern Ocean Lodge, which brings a delicate balance of professionalism and personality to make each guest's stay an unforgettable experience.'

The Lodge shares its achievement with fine Australian company and fellow Luxury Lodges of Australia members South Australia's The Louise, and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, including a special mention to Joost Heymeijer, GM.

Each of Mr. Harper's Grand Award winners possesses exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place. Since 1979, Andrew Harper has provided members of the exclusive Andrew Harper club with honest insights and recommendations about the finest luxury travel experiences worldwide. Mr. Harper does not evaluate hotels by means of a checklist, but uses his three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.

Read the Southern Ocean Lodge review in full online in Andrew Harper's just released January 2012 Hideaway Report; and at the Southern Ocean Lodge blog.

The full list of 2012 Hideaway Report Grand Award winners:

• Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
• Ocean House, Rhode Island
• Glenmere Mansion, New York
• Panamonte Inn & Spa, Panama
• Hotel Plaza Grande, Ecuador
• Jumby Bay, Antigua
• Hôtel Le Toiny, St. Barths
• Sasaab, Kenya
• Elsa's Kopje, Kenya
• Casa Manni, Italy
• La Coquillade, France
• The Yeatman, Portugal
• Domaine de Murtoli, France
• Amanfayun, China
• Four Seasons Hangzhou, China
• Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia
• The Louise, Australia
• Trump International Hotel, Chicago
• The Resort at Pelican Hill, California

About Andrew Harper
Free of advertising since its inception in June 1979, Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels, resorts and restaurants for inclusion in this publication is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper LLC paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses. Andrew Harper and his editors travel incognito to write candid and unbiased travel reviews for a private membership service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its members. For more information about Andrew Harper, visit http://www.andrewharper.com/.

Baillie Lodges

Reservations: T (61) 2 9918 4355 | E reserve@baillielodges.com.au | W southernoceanlodge.com.au

Wolgan Valley Excels At Prestigious Industry Awards

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa team at the 2010 HM Awards.
L-R: Dwane Goodman, Rosanna Barthelot, Andrew Adams-Smith,
Maryann Romeo, Joost Heymeijer.

Wolgan Valley Excels At Prestigious Industry Awards

With a one year anniversary just around the corner, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has even more reason to celebrate, after receiving the most hotel awards at the 2010 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.

As Australia's first conservation-based luxury resort, Wolgan Valley was honoured with six awards including Winner in Unique Accommodation, Best New Hotel, Regional Property, Hotel Chef, and Environmental Program with a Highly Commended in the Resort category.

Now in its eighth year, the annual HM Awards recognise the leaders in hospitality and honour the achievements of excellence in a wide range of categories in the accommodation industry.

With a record 1,300 entries received this year, the highly competitive awards span across Australia, New Zealand and selected South Pacific nations.

Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa said: "This is an outstanding achievement for a resort that has been in operation less than one year. These awards recognise the efforts of the entire Emirates Wolgan Valley team who strive for unparalleled service and superior standards every day."

"To date Wolgan Valley has been a great success and has introduced a new era of luxury to Australian and international travellers. Now as we reach our first anniversary we look forward to continuing setting the benchmark for excellence within the industry," said Mr Heymeijer.

A scenic three-hour drive from Sydney, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is nestled between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and borders the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Occupying just two per cent of a 4,000-acre conservancy reserve, Wolgan Valley combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to conservation of threatened and endangered wildlife, ecological and environmental sustainability.

Since its opening in October 2009, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has also been awarded the following accolades:

• Conde Nast US and Conde Nast UK "Hot List" (Spa and Resort categories).
• National Trust Heritage Awards - for its work in restoring the original 1832 farmhouse. 
• Luxury Travel Magazine - Gold List Awards. (Voted by readers "Most desired new resort to visit in the world")
• Australian Hotels Association (NSW) Accommodation Awards for Excellence for Best Environment Initiative, Regional Deluxe Accommodation of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.
• Conservation Award Winner, with Emirates Hotels & Resorts, in the World Travel & Tourism Council's 2010 "Tourism for Tomorrow" Awards
• Travel + Leisure's "It List 2010"
• 2010 Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism Awards for New Tourism Development

The resort was the first hotel in the world to achieve carbon neutral certification from CarboNZero, an internationally accredited greenhouse gas certification scheme.

Wolgan Valley is also a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, the world's largest luxury hospitality organisation, representing more than 450 of the finest hotels, resorts and spas around the world; and is a founding member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, an association launched in May to promote the uniquely Australian breed of luxury experiential lodges, domestically and internationally.

Australia's New Breed of Experiential Luxury

Fifteen of Australia's leading independent luxury tourism properties have formed Luxury Lodges of Australia, a new association launched in 2010 to promote the uniquely Australian breed of luxury experiential lodges, domestically and internationally.

The 15 member properties represent both long-established and new lodges and camps, with a common theme of offering guests an outstanding experience connected to a clear sense of place - while ensuring key luxury standards. Ranging from wilderness lodges to vineyard retreats and dining destinations; island hideaways to luxe outback camps; the lodges demonstrate high levels of innovation and are clearly aiming to be the 'best'.

"In recent years, we have seen the emergence and consolidation of a new, unmistakably Australian breed of luxury properties and experiences. Luxury Lodges of Australia brings together a portfolio of sophisticated, experiential properties and will showcase it on the world stage for the first time," said Andrew McEvoy, Managing Director of Tourism Australia.


The association's website www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au provides discerning travellers with a comprehensive information and planning tool for completely Australian itineraries, linking closely and smoothly to each property's own website and booking systems.

The properties are spread across more than a dozen diverse regions of the country and include Wolgan Valley; The Louise; Lizard and Bedarra Islands; qualia; Longitude 131; Cape Lodge; Lake House; Spicers Clovelly Estate and Spicers Peak Lodge; Capella and Southern Ocean Lodges; and Wild Bush Luxury's Arkaba Station, Bamurru Plains and Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef.

Luxury Lodges of Australia was formed following a meeting in late 2009 where Jim Carreker, the owner of The Louise, invited the owners of the country's top lodge properties to discuss the potential of collectively marketing a diverse and uniquely Australian luxury portfolio, both domestically and internationally.

James Baillie of Baillie Lodges, and Chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia noted that the collection brought together many of Australia's innovators and leaders in hospitality, tourism, food and wine, and regional development.

"Having commitment and hands-on input from significant achievers such as Alla Wolf-Tasker, Skroo and Jude Turner, Charles Carlow and Jim Carreker reinforces my belief that now is the time to showcase the diversity and depth of Australian luxury experiences," he said.

"The association sets a benchmark for luxury travel in Australia and the hope is that a handful of new lodges that are in keeping with the ethos of a luxury experience, connected to a sense of place, will join in the next 18 months. Pooling our marketing resources will greatly help us raise Australia's profile as a luxury destination."