Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, has been awarded the prestigious American Express Travel One To Watch Award 2025, a key accolade announced in the lead-up to The World’s 50 Best Hotels ceremony in London on 30 October 2025.
The award celebrates a standout hotel identified as having “the potential to break into the 1–50 ranking in a future edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list.” Southern Ocean Lodge, described as “a truly special property, with an inspiring and heartfelt story,” was chosen from among global contenders by the 800-strong 50 Best Academy.
Destroyed in the 2020 Australian bushfires, Southern Ocean Lodge has been fully rebuilt under the vision of founders James and Hayley Baillie, alongside original architect Max Pritchard. The redesigned lodge remains true to its original coastal footprint and signature aesthetic while introducing upgraded guest experiences and sustainability features.
“Following Australia’s recent devastating wildfires, the lodge found strength in a time of adversity and rebuilt a much-loved place that had touched many guests over the years,” Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said.
She added that its “thoughtful restoration not only celebrates the original footprint, but also looks to the future, incorporating smart yet sustainable design elements and drawing on the creativity of emerging local talent.”
Meanwhile, CEO of Baillie Lodges, Michael Crawford, said he was “beyond thrilled” at the news. “This recognition is a testament not only to its breathtaking location on Kangaroo Island, but also to the extraordinary team who brought this vision back to life after the devastating bushfires,” he said.
The lodge is one of the newest additions to the American Express Travel Fine Hotels + Resorts program, with American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley calling it “a truly unique experience rooted in the local culture and environment of Kangaroo Island.”
Southern Ocean Lodge features 25 suites, locally inspired spa treatments and regionally focused dining, underpinned by a “love for the local environment and its community”.
The formal award presentation will take place at Old Billingsgate, London, on 30 October 2025.
