“THAT`S THE BEST HOLIDAY I HAVE EVER HAD!”
Transcription
“THAT`S THE BEST HOLIDAY I HAVE EVER HAD!”
CORINNA’S GENTLE CHARMS {P8} SWISSOTEL SYDNEY’S SPECIAL SUITE FOR KIDS {P8} DESTINATION GOLDEN KEYS TO THE CITY AUSTRALIA Concierges across the nation reveal all {P6} MAY 8-9, 2010 Howe totally divine Try this beauty of a NSW island for instant rejuvenation SUSAN KUROSAWA SIT back, get comfortable and re-luxe. That’s the clear message at Lord Howe Island’s Capella Lodge, where owners James and Hayley Baillie undertook what they describe as a ‘‘glam-over’’ last year to bring the isle’s best digs up a design notch or two. Not that Capella Lodge was lacking in five-star charm but the fastidious Baillies, who have fast become Australia’s leading visionaries of the luxury lodge accommodation genre, just thought a fresh boost of glamour was in order. The Baillies bought Capella Lodge, set amid tilted emerald pastures and kentia palms on the southern reaches of the island, in 2004 and did an almost instant ‘‘barefoot luxury’’ makeover, but the new-look digs are more inviting than ever. There are still just nine guestrooms, including two suites, all merrily in a row, of which the toptariff accommodation, the Lidgbird Pavilion, is the star attraction. It’s a two-storey pad with a plunge pool, capacious deck and upstairs and downstairs bathrooms, plus an additional outdoor shower and tub shaded by frangipani. The pavilion is as big as a city apartment, but few urban digs could boast such a view. Framed by the top storey’s bedroom window-wall and its deck are the granite guardian peaks of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower, and I wager many guests return home from Capella Lodge and download pictures of that view as a screen-saver. It’s not just the majesty of the scenery but the moodiness of the weather, the low clouds and bustling winds, the purity of the air and the unsullied landscape, the gymkhana ribbon blue of the deep sea; all the reviving elements that make time-stalled Lord Howe Island one of Australia’s most inviting destinations. So ensnaring, in fact, that Lord Howe Island has just been ranked No 1 across Australia for visitor satisfaction in a Tourism Research Australia Visitor Profile Satisfaction Report. Apparently 94 per cent of visitors were satisfied with their trip there; I can’t imagine why the remaining 6 per cent could be unhappy, unless it is the sorry lack of discos, malls and tanning salons. It is my fourth visit here and I hope not my last; just stepping off the quick QantasLink flight from Sydney (after a service of non-stop snacks and drinks from a genuinely happy attendant) and seeing cows beside the runway is enough to bring one down to earth. The airport terminal is little more than a tidy shed and the representatives (pressed shorts, ruddy cheeks) from lodges, guesthouses and motels waiting in its pretty garden seem to be radar-equipped when it comes to spotting their passengers. Capella Lodge’s guests, perhaps simply identifiable by their smug smiles at what they know lies in store, are met by managers Libby or Mark, who point out some of the island’s low-key attractions during the short drive back to base. The speed limit, Libby explains, is 25km/h, no one locks their doors and an honesty-box system prevails at places such as the ninehole golf club and at Neds Beach, where snorkelling and beach sports equipment is casually stored in a shed. There is one policeman on the island and no crime worth mentioning, unless you count birds nicking your picnic sandwiches. The difference between masked bandits and masked boobies, perhaps. The population of Lord Howe is about 350 and visitor numbers are capped at 400 at a time (no campers). It’s like being back in the 1950s, immersed in a Famous Five novel where parents never question their children’s safety as long as they are home in time for tea, of course served with milk fresh from an on-tap cow. I instantly feel younger, less troubled, on Lord Howe Island; with its crisp air and soothing landscapes, the tourism authorities should market it as a rejuvenation destination. Forget nipsand-tucks and Botox jabs: this island can deliver a face-lift, or at least an uplift of one’s spirits, in Lidgbird Pavilion, Capella Lodge’s star attraction, is as big as a city apartment, but few urban digs could boast such a view Neds Beach is a protected marine zone of almost unimaginable beauty on the island’s east coast five days. Once I am installed at Capella Lodge, it’s evident the glam-over has meant a complete design intervention in the Lidgbird Pavilion. The downstairs bathroom has dark Basaltina-tiled walls, the floors of the main rooms are shiny recycled blackbutt, futuristic floor lamps loom like praying mantises, swivel chairs by Tom Stepp are divinely comfy (I warrant you’ll be saving, as I am, to buy one), there are dozens of tunes pre-programmed on the Bose CD player and there is an EcoSmart methylated-spirits-fuelled fire for cooler nights (with Bemboka merino wool throw rug to hand). The Baillies were EcoSmart’s first commercial customers in 2004; now the Australian company exports across the world. Screen-printed hemp and linen fabrics in marine and earth pastels are by Sydney artist Julie Paterson of Cloth. The white colour theme, wicker light-shades and hanging outdoor seats, a telescope trained at those stately mountains, and an abundance of daybeds, creates a perfect beach-hideaway vibe with a slightly retro twist. ‘‘People no longer want beach holiday houses with chipped Formica and chenille bedspreads,’’ says James Baillie. I know what he means: how we love to trot out cherished memories of long-ago holidays, and wax fondly about bunk beds and fish and chips. But when we’re done with repolishing these gems of childhood past, No one locks their doors on Lord Howe Island we actually want the quality bedding and good wine we feel we now deserve. ‘‘Our regular guests even told us what they wanted to see in the makeover so it became a bit of a club thing with everyone wanting some input,’’ continues James. For instance, the Baillies have kept many of the original lodge’s linocuts in declaring tropical colours by Mambo artist Bruce Goold; the main lodge area has been gently freshened but there’s no point in going glitzy with that amazing twin-peaks view as the chief attention-grabber. James speaks of the ‘‘sensory details’’ of the refurb, from handmade leather door-handles to smooth-flowing sinks by Victorian company Omvivo, which rather resemble the whimsical Orbit City modernities of The Jetsons. The Baillies have used Australian suppliers to dress the rooms, including toiletries from Adelaide-based Small Indulgences (vanilla and gingerlily shampoo, lime cassis body wash, lavender and mint hand rinse). On hand are snacks such as quince-flavoured green tea and earl grey with mallow and cornflower blossoms from T Bar, and apricots dipped in white chocolate and a walkabout mix with deliciously tart dried cranberries. Walkabout is exactly the formula for my three-day stay on this World Heritage-listed isle, but little of it at any great pace. The Lidgbird Pavilion comes with its own electric cart, which makes tootling into the village, past Lovers Bay and Lagoon Beach, a breeze. But guilt about food input versus energy output gets the better of me by day two and I abandon it beside the airport’s southern fence (key in ignition; no one steals it), and walk, past skittering woodhens and traffic signs warning of mutton birds on the road. Capella Lodge also provides bikes to its guests; cycling is an ideal way to get around the island and don’t forget to wave at everyone you pass. Lord Howe is 11km long and less than 3km across at its broadest point; it is ‘‘lost in time’’, says James, rather happily. I lunch at Pandanus (excellent breakfasts and dinners are included in the Capella Lodge rate) on Anderson Road and the chef trots from his kitchen, past the rack of bikes outside the adjoining Pandanus Apartments, to snip fresh oregano for the pizza topping from a flourishing patch that includes parsley, chillis and cherry tomatoes, against a backdrop of laden pawpaw trees and the ever-present kentia palms. My table is on a covered veranda and it feels a bit like eating at a friend’s house; I keep bumping into the chatty waitress on my walks the following day and she greets me with the sort of oldfashioned courtesy you rarely encounter outside country towns. I also buy lunch at the happily cluttered Thompson’s Store: good old-fashioned hamburgers with beetroot and shredded iceberg lettuce from the takeaway counter. At the next table on the sun terrace, a group of teenagers are planning a party; they don’t look all that rebellious and surely what tourists find so charming about this island is what must send its young people off to more exciting climes. I can’t imagine this lot doing much more than hooning along at a roaring 30km/h and hurling a beer can at a cow. The weather is cool and blustery this October and swimming is not an option, sadly, although I paddle at Neds Beach, a protected marine zone of almost unimaginable beauty on the island’s east coast, and feed bread (Thompson’s Store has ‘‘fish loaves’’) to the swarms of huge kingfish that rocket around my feet all but nibbling at my ankles and toes. Snorkelling is a treat here, too, with the expectation of parrotfish, spangled emperors and brilliant coral; Lord Howe Island’s fringing reef is the world’s most southerly. A morning tour of the kentia palm nursery is much more interesting than I had imagined. These Continued on Page 6 “THAT’S THE BEST HOLIDAY I HAVE EVER HAD!” An adventure on the True North is one of Australia’s most revered tourism experiences. All cruises include frequent daily excursions and feature the True North’s unequalled style, modern cuisine and an Australian crew. Multiple expedition boats (not zodiacs) encounter wilderness in small groups and to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter. Discover for yourself why our guests consistently remark “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!” • Food, Wine & Adventure - what more could you want! Join respected wine sommelier Michael Tamburi on a food and wine soiree along the magnificent Kimberley coast. Book Now - cruise departs August 14! • Guests booking a 2 week Kimberley Wilderness Cruise will also receive either 4 night’s accommodation at the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or, a Linneys gift voucher valued at $2000! North Star Cruises Australia Telephone: (+61 8) 9192 1829 Email: cruise@northstarcruises.com.au www.northstarcruises.com.au 6 DESTINATION AUSTRALIA THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN, MAY 8-9, 2010 www.theaustralian.com.au Keys to the cities Concierges across the country reveal their best insider tips CHRISTINE McCABE Sydney, chief concierge Colin Toomey reckons guests are spoiled for choice, with a slew of standout restaurants within easy striking distance of the hotel’s harbourside position: Uccello at Ivy; the new Sake (12 Argyle St) and the more relaxed Pony in the Rocks, ‘‘serving tapas-sized modern Australian dishes’’. Toomey says the new Rockpool Bar & Grill is very popular while the Steel Bar and Grill (on Carrington Street near the Old Menzies Hotel) does a mean steak. For food with a view, look no further than Altitude on the Shangri-La’s 36th floor, he says. ‘‘And if guests are in need of a strong coffee, I send them round the corner to Brew on Harrington Street, which boasts an excellent barista.’’ His recommended nightclubs include Tank (Bridge Lane) and Arq (Flinders Street, Darlinghurst). And if you’re lucky, Colin will get you access to the exclusive De Nom at Ruby Rabbit on Oxford Street. Sightseeing? See the harbour from a private yacht or motor cruiser with your own skipper (courtesy East Sail) or join a 7am behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House. James Cunningham, chief concierge at Brisbane’s stylish Emporium Hotel, recommends Belle Epoque (‘‘a slice of Paris in Brisbane’’), Ortiga (‘‘Simon Hill’s latest restaurant, featuring a tapas bar on the ground level and a formal dining room downstairs’’) and The Euro, ‘‘a more casual but just as stylish alternative to its sister venue, the recently spruced-up Urbane’’. Aria, the Matt Moran Sydney offshoot, is perfect ‘‘for serious foodies’’, he says. For coffee look no further than Campos or Little Larder, a pint-sized cafe in New FLY FREE It’s a Lord Howe first! Andrew Natoli Colin Toomey James Cunningham, at Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel, is a mine of information about the city’s best eateries and other attractions Farm with ‘‘eggs benedict to die for’’. After dark, Cunningham suggests you stay in-house to enjoy the Emporium’s acclaimed Cocktail Bar or try Cloudland, Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Ivy. Alternatively, the X & Y Bar has live music seven nights. Sightseers should pack their walking shoes and explore Brisbane on foot, says Cunningham; the city’s River Walk connects more than 20km of pathways, roads, bridges and parks along the Brisbane River. InterContinental Adelaide concierge Daniel Reilly recommends Bistro Dom, a tiny, stylish eatery on Waymouth Street and, for lunch, Insieme, a smart new Italian eatery run by two sisters at 63 Flinders St. Chianti Classico is an Adelaide institution and does the best breakfast in town, he says, while bistro-style Cos is good for steak. After dark, Reilly points guests to the cosy booths at Spats for coffee and dessert (King William Road, Goodwood), the bar in the Spanish-Italian Osteria de Mesa (Glen Osmond Road, Frewville) and the Cork Wine Cafe ( Gouger Street), which offers flights of wine and late-night tapas. Night owls might like to check out Reilly’s suggestion of Zhivago near Light Square, a laidback club with a mixed crowd. Sightseeing? Don’t miss the pandas at Adelaide Zoo, the Cen- Daniel Reilly Taya Reid Phil Cummings Luke Ashcroft Kate Eckel tral Market (with coffee at Lucia’s) and glassblowers at work in the Jam Factory (19 Morphett St). At The Richardson Hotel in Perth, senior assistant manager and erstwhile concierge Taya Reid points guests towards the eco-savvy Greenhouse on St Georges Terrace, where the walls are smothered in strawberry plants and the rooftop hosts a bar and garden. Cool new bars include Clarences in up-and-coming Mount Lawley, five minutes from the city, where wood panelling and candlelight make for a sophisticated vibe. Or try The Garden, a chic outdoor room adjoining the popular Leederville Hotel. ‘‘Our clientele tend to favour special dining experiences,’’ Reid says. ‘‘I generally recommend The Richardson’s own Opus or Star Anise [Shenton Park] for dinner, and Zafferano, on the river, for lunch.’’ The Subiaco Hotel and Little Creatures in Fremantle are great fun, she says; the latter is a boutique brewery and dining hall (once a crocodile farm). For outstanding coffee, Richardson’s guests need only pop around the corner to Epic Espresso on Outram Street. And weekend visitors should make time to explore the Saturday farmers’ market in Subiaco, where Reid recommends the breakfast pizza. In Hobart, The Henry Jones Art Hotel’s concierge Phil Cummings promises guests they don’t have to walk far to enjoy some of the city’s best, starting with the hotel’s own fine dining restaurant (Henry’s Harbourside) and a new series of guided walks, conducted by the hotel’s resident historian Warren Glover (concluding with a champers or beer in the funky IXL Long Bar). Beyond the hotel’s doors, Cummings recommends Monty’s on Montpelier (‘‘with a superb cheese selection and great wine list’’), the stylish Source restaurant at Moorilla Estate (where the much vaunted MONA is opening next year) and Plum on Salamanca Square for great Tasmanian produce. Cummings frequents the buzzy Zum Cafe (on Salamanca) but the nearby Retro Cafe also does ‘‘wonderful food’’. After dark, try Cargo ‘‘for beautiful cocktails’’ or the nearby Bar Celona. Seagoing sightseers might like to book a Bruny Island Eco Cruise or jump a Navigators vessel up the Derwent for lunch at Moorilla. Luke Ashcroft, assistant manager of the concierge desk at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, says guests frequently dine in-house at the Promenade Cafe or the finedining Axis (also run by Hyatt) at the National Museum of Australia. He’s also quick to recommend The Chairman & Yip (Bunda Street, City) for exciting Chinese fusion cuisine, the perennially popular Ottoman in Barton, WatersEdge in Parkes and Mezzalira in the City (fine Italian dining in an old bank building). ‘‘Sage, in the Gorman House Arts Centre, offers a very intimate dining experience,’’ he says. ‘‘Next morning duck out for pastries and coffee at the stylish Silo Bakery in Kingston.’’ After dark, the Hippo Lounge Bar in the City and Julep Lounge in Manuka host a sophisticated crowd. Ashcroft urges sightseers not to forget Old Parliament House, now that the National Portrait Gallery has been shifted. ‘‘The guided tours are great,’’ he says. Kate Eckel is duty manager at the new Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront, where the in-house Curve restaurant is one of her top picks. Add to this: Buzz Cafe in Cullen Bay, with fantastic water and marina views; Hanuman on Mitchell Street downtown for Thai, Indian and Nonya; and Char Restaurant on the Esplanade for steaks. Thailicious, upstairs and overlooking Mitchell Street, is fun, Kate says, as is the offbeat Nirvana (Dashwood Crescent), with an eclectic menu and jazz-blues most nights. It’s Mindil Market season (Thursday and Sunday), Kate says, but do check out the laksas at the year-round Saturday morning Parap Village Market. A Swiss chef turns out great pastries at Bar Espresso (on Mitchell Street), she says, and after dark make for Monsoons (‘‘having a bit of a renaissance’’) or the Sand Bar in the Sky City Casino for cocktails. LAKE EYRE IN FLOOD 7 for 6 at Capella - Howe Cool! Lord Howe Island's celebrated Capella Lodge announces free flights and a bonus night with a first-ever 7 for 6 ‘Discover Tranquillity’ cool season deal. Enjoy relaxed luxury and great savings over 7 nights at Capella from just $3900 per person, including return Qantaslink flights, gourmet breakfast, sunset drinks and canapes, dinner with selected wines and mountain bikes. Valid 1 May – 11 September 2010 From $3900 per person twin share For full terms & conditions please visit our website Join Heron Airlines in this once in a life time epic journey to Central Australia and experience the inland sea that now covers vast tracts of desert. All the tours include accommodation, meals, scenic flights and an extensive ground tour of Lake Eyre conducted by a traditional land owner from the Arabunna People. Chose from one of three tours starting at $2,299: 6 day Outback Australian: 4 day Lake Eyre Explorer: 3 day Weekend Lake Eyre 1 0 050 2 _3 6 135 A HOTEL concierge is marked by their lapel badge of a pair of crossed golden keys. If you are new to a city, seek out this badge and make its bearer your new best friend. They know the finest places to eat and drink, and generally have some savvy advice on sightseeing outside the town square. Many smaller hotels don’t run to a concierge desk but the duty manager can usually point you in the right direction. So, what’s hot to trot across the country? Travel & Indulgence asked some of Australia’s leading concierges and front-desk stalwarts. The Sofitel Melbourne’s concierge Andrew Natoli recommends Maze and Maze Grill, the new Gordon Ramsay nosheries in the Crown Metropol. His favourite small-scale eateries include Coda on Flinders Lane (a basement restaurant with a standout chef, Adam D’Sylva, and ‘‘a very funky, industrial dining space’’) and Gills Diner (Little Collins Street), ‘‘a little bit like a school canteen, with old wooden tables and great rustic fare in the slow food vein’’. Natoli says Melburnians in the know lunch at Journal Canteen, a quirky, upstairs eatery on Flinders Lane (when not serving food, it’s a classroom). Barflies should check out the very cool Cabinet (‘‘up Rainbow Alley, past some bins, then up a flight of stairs, with a balcony overlooking Swanston’’), Hells Kitchen (Centre Place) or the swanky Left Bank (on Southbank) and Spice Market on Beaney Lane. Sightseeing? Take a themed walking tour (try Hidden Secrets) and on a Sunday afternoon join locals in the busy Belgian Beer Garden (557 St Kilda Rd). At the Shangri-La Hotel Howe totally divine Eyre Lake tor t s e larg d Opera 9’s 200 & Groun Air Continued from Page 5 Bonus Value Up to $4300 per couple For colour brochures contact toll free: 1800 025 261 Or visit www.heronairlines.com.au T 02 9918 4355 W capellalodge.com.au 8GGC<@JC< kfFLK98:B 9^hXdkZg6jhigVa^VdcVl^YZgVc\Zd[ egZb^jbZhXdgiZYidjghl^i]66I@^c\h! i]ZXdVX]idjgegd[Zhh^dcVah# K8JD8E@8 J8M<lgkf+'' eZgXdjeaZ JG<:K8:LC8I IV]jcZ;dgZhi6^gLVa` N<JK<IE ;@J:FM<IP =CP=I<<I\klieS ^cXajY^c\iVmZh Heron Airlines Travel Pty Ltd FLK98:B 8;M<EKLI< =CP=I<<I\klieS ^cXajY^c\iVmZh 8aVgZKVaaZn :meadgZL^aeZcVEdjcY Idjg8ddWZgEZYn HjchZiViJajj 6nZghGdX` @ViVI_jVi]ZDa\Vh 8a^bW@^c\h8Vcndc 8gj^hZ@Vi]Zg^cZ<dg\Z @V`VYjCVi^dcVaEVg` HZZHVaVbVcXVEaVXZ K^ZlGjhhZaa;Vaah 8gj^hZ<dgYdcG^kZg 8gVYaZBdjciV^c CVi^dcVaEVg` GdhZkZVghK^cZnVgY HZZVIVhbVc^Vc9Zk^a Edgi6gi]jg=^hidg^XH^iZ Idjgd[9Vgl^c 8gj^hZ@Vi]Zg^cZ<dg\Z DgYG^kZgl^aYa^[ZXgj^hZ 8gj^hZ<Z^`^Z<dg\Z GZaVm^c7gddbZ HZZC^c\VaddGZZ[ :meadgZi]ZE^ccVXaZh NVcX]ZeCVi^dcVaEVg` IdjgEZgi]@^c\hEVg` &'YVnidjglVh(.&* &.YVnidjg[gdb+-.*S &*YVnidjg[gdb*%&%S eZgeZghdcil^ch]VgZ eZgeZghdcil^ch]VgZ eZgeZghdcil^ch]VgZ 9Vgl^cidEZgi] 6YZaV^YZid9Vgl^c =dWVgiid=dWVgi 6kV^aVWaZ^cgZkZghZY^gZXi^dc now from $3720* trees grow with abandon on the island and their seeds are collected and germinated until the feathery palms — popular in the Victorian era as parlour palms, and always reserved for the front room, where visitors would be received — are about 25cm tall and ready to be sent to commercial nurseries. Also deserving of a lingering visit is the Lord Howe Island Museum, which houses the visitors’ centre, a souvenir shop (hand-printed tea-towels are a good memento) and convivial cafe. Check the noticeboard for details of film mornings and evening presentations on geology, birds, flora and fauna, history and marine life by resident naturalists Ian Hutton and Chris Murray. The museum’s displays are dedicated to the glory days of the flying boat service (ladies arriving in hats, heels and belted frocks, just like my mother on holiday) and the island’s sometimes unlikely history. It was first spotted on February C:L'%&%$&&IVhbVc^V 7gdX]jgZDJICDL ;dgbdgZ^c[dgbVi^dcXdciVXindjgadXVa6;I6IgVkZa6\Zcidgk^h^illl#VVi`^c\h#Xdb !:fe[`k`fej1Gi`Z\`jg\ig\ijfe#kn`ej_Xi\#cXe[fecpXe[`eZcl[\jjXm`e^j[`jZflek%JXm`e^jYXj\[feg\iZflgc\#kn`ej_Xi\#cXe[fecp%9ffbXe[[\gfj`kK8Jkflic`jk\[XYfm\Yp*(Alcp)'(']fikiXm\cY\kn\\e'(J\gk\dY\i)'('Xe[*(8l^ljk)'((kfi\Z\`m\[`jZflek%EfkmXc`[`eZfealeZk`fen`k_Xepfk_\i jg\Z`Xcf]]\ifi[`jZflek%JlYa\ZkkfXmX`cXY`c`kpXkk`d\f]Yffb`e^%Hlfk\J;'+)n_\eYffb`e^%UGi`Z\`jg\ig\ijfe#kn`ej_Xi\%=fiN\jk\ie;`jZfm\ipÕp]i\\i\klie`eZckXo\j\oJP;&D<C&9E<&8;CXe[]fiFlkYXZb8[m\ekli\\oJP;&D<C&9E<&G<IÕp`e^M`i^`e9cl\fiA\kjkXiXe[`jjlYa\ZkkfXmX`cXY`c`kpXk k`d\f]Yffb`e^Xe[dljkY\Yffb\[`eZfealeZk`fen`k_j\c\Zk\[cXe[kflik_ifl^_88KB`e^j%;\gfj`kjn`cc[`]]\i[\g\e[`e^feZ`kpf][\gXikli\#Zfejlckn`k_pflikiXm\cX^\ek]fi]lik_\i[\kX`cj%=cpf]]\i`jmXc`[lek`c*'Ale)'(']fi[\gXikli\jYp*'Efm)'('%F]]\i`jefk`eZfealeZk`fen`k_Xepfk_\if]]\ij% =fie\nYffb`e^jfecp%Hlfk\J;')(]fiN8Xe[J;'))]fiEKn_\eYffb`e^%88KB`e^jC`ZEf1)K8+-/.% 88K/-(, A rejuvenating view from Capella Lodge 17, 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, commander of the HMS Supply; he named the rocky eminence after Richard Howe, a British Admiral. It was a fortuitous choice considering the many possible permutations of Howe. Even after less than a day on this blessed isle, Howe totally divine sounds about right. Capella Lodge was named a member of the Kurosawa Collection in The Australian’s Travel & Tourism Awards; the Baillies’ property on Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, won the Best Lodge Accommodation category (T&I, February 20-21). Checklist Tariff at Capella Lodge includes gourmet breakfasts, sunset drinks, three-course dinners with selected wines, non-alcoholic beverages and island airport transfers. Premium suites include complimentary in-room bar. There’s a winter promotion of stay seven nights, pay for six and receive free airfares from Sydney, Brisbane or Port Macquarie; from $3900 a person twin-share. Or there is a stay four and pay for three nights deal from $1950 a person twin-share (airfares not included). Both specials are valid to September 11. Capella Lodge also has Sophisticated Solo deals for single travellers at twin-share rates on selected dates. More: (02) 9918 4355; baillielodges.com.au.