Handpicked luxury hotels in Kangaroo Island
The modern B&B accommodates two where to stay Eastern Kangaroo Island people and includes traditional breakfast, access to a barbeque, a balcony with 180-degree-views of Island Beach, an independent entrance for guests – and the option of a tailored itinerary. Situated in the town centre and spanning a whole corner block, the Seaview delivers on all the conveniences of its central location while still providing guests with a tranquil escape. Purchased by 1834 Hotels in 2021, the Lodge has already undergone an initial transformation, with behind-the-scenes upgrades to the property and a refreshed food and beverage offering. Celebrated around the world as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge crowns the wildly beautiful clifftops on Kangaroo Island. At the end of your day sightseeing our vast, remote, unspoiled & beautiful Island, retreat to your 'home away from home' to plan and dream of the following days adventures. Centrally located between Kingscote and Penneshaw, American River combines a sense of retreat with easy access to Kangaroo Island’s key attractions. While seclusion is one of our most endearing attributes, we are only 25 minutes from Penneshaw ferry and 50 minutes from Kingscote Airport. The Remarkable Suite features two bedrooms, each with a signature king bed (one bedroom offers optional twin king singles) and adjacent walk-in robes. Spacious ensuite bathrooms invite luxurious bathing with double vanities, rain showers and deep bathtubs for soaking in the view. Featuring a plush king-sized bed, contemporary living area and private deck, the villas offer a peaceful retreat from the everyday. The best ones emphasize privacy, modern design, ocean or bush views, and full kitchens/laundry facilities for self-catering. They also tend to throw in high-end amenities with the island’s pristine nature. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals. Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns. Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. Experience the natural beauty and luxurious comfort of Kangaroo Island for an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or a family adventure, these luxury stays will ensure your time on Kangaroo Island is truly special. Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking landscapes, stunning coastlines, and diverse wildlife. The owners hold strong ethos around conservation, eco living and sustainable travel. The property is completely off-grid, using solar power and rainwater, a comfortable living area, and showcasing sustainability using simple principles. Couldn’t get enough of the large windows that bathed the villa in light and provided an excellent view to the nature and wildlife right outside our door. Expect to see kangaroos everyday and you might get lucky and see some echidnas or koalas. There is a fireplace for the colder nights and an amazing bath that looks out to the stars. Nothing was too much trouble, from the helpful tips to best appreciate the island, to the cut wood and set fire and the perfectly furnished villa. You will be right in position to enjoy all KI has to offer with a stay in one of two Stowaway pods, located on a working farm five minutes away from Stokes Bay. A double-sided wood fire, freestanding bath and sauna are also worthy diversions. Kangaroo Island (KI) lies just 13 kilometres off the South Australian coast, yet feels like it’s a million miles away. That, along with the incredible luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island, and a trip here is a dream. Southern Ocean Lodge has snagged a coveted spot on Fodor’s Finest list of the best 100 hotels for travel in 2025, sharing the limelight with outback sister Longitude 131° in the Australia and South Pacific category. After a day of getting close to nature, freshen up in the beautiful Moroccan-style ensuite bathroom, then relax with a glass of something tasty in the villa’s shared lounge area, opening out to a magnificent garden space. Esteemed writer Liam Freeman visited Australia from the UK last year to stay at Southern Ocean Lodge. Here he shares the story of his 20,000-mile ‘slow travel’ odyssey, concluding on Australia's Galapagos. It’s a standout piece, well worth a break to read it and make a virtual escape to Kangaroo Island’s wildly beautiful south coast. Reborn from the ashes of the 2020 bushfires, Southern Ocean Lodge has reclaimed its place as an Australian wilderness icon. With reimagined cliff-edge suites, local dining, art and wildlife encounters, writer Michael Harden reveals why the lodge has captured global attention, earning the American Express Travel One To Watch Award. One KI is a nature haven surrounded by wildlife and vivid colours with private access to the idyllic beach only a few grains of sand away. Lavish outdoor bath and shower areas overlooking the ocean, epitomise the complete serenity of this private paradise. Quite simply, One KI offers the most exclusive, luxury retreat on Kangaroo Island. From the ground up, with every bit of the design and build an eco-conscious approach was front and centre. The land was not cleared for the building site, and no native vegetation was disturbed. The sites for the Eco Villas were chosen based on how they could be positioned to create a sense of being ‘sunk' into the natural environment, harvest solar energy and maximise views of this vast private property. A solar-passive architectural design was brought to life by constructing rammed-earth walls, installing double-glazed windows and implementing simple eco principles for our bespoke luxury retreats. There are four WanderPods available, each situated a distance away from the others. Each villa is exquisitely furnished with premium amenities and features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding wilderness. The island runs quieter and accommodation is easier to book during autumn and winter periods. Suits couples who want guided nature encounters built into the stay rather than self-directed exploration. Southern Ocean Lodge is located at Hanson Bay on the southwest coast of Kangaroo Island, 50 minutes by road from the airport or 90 minutes by road from the ferry terminal. Shared return transfers from Kangaroo Island Airport in conjunction with scheduled flights are included. Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge will be among the closest accommodation options. The venue won Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2020 and 2021 and continues to deliver on both taste and quality. Centrally located between Kingscote and Penneshaw, American River combines a sense of retreat with easy access to Kangaroo Island's key attractions. “The way in which we were just swept away from our mainland life and treated to such natural beauty was simply amazing and so definitely needed.” About six times the size of Singapore, Karta Pintingga, Kangaroo Island, broke from the mainland around ten thousand years ago and has kept its own counsel ever since. Dune House is an architecturally designed retreat set right on the sands of Emu Bay. With uninterrupted ocean views, direct beach access, and complete privacy, it’s a standout example of luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island. One Kangaroo Island offers the ultimate retreat for those looking for luxury and privacy with the villa positioned perfectly on a secluded beach surrounded in natural beauty. The most prominent 'locals' are the Pelicans down by the shore, and One being a singular 5-bedroom retreat can be enjoyed exclusively for a family or group of friends. Enjoy the morning sun on the east-facing large deck, while listening to the birds chirping amongst the branches of the trees around you. Wandering Souls have tents that can be set up all over Kangaroo Island, but they have one tent that is situated on the cliffs right outside the Bay of Shoals winery cellar door. – Come and join the Facebook Group and ask any questions you may have about travel in South Australia.