So you really want to splash out on a luxury gourmet weekend?

Luxury accommodation group Baillie Lodges has unveiled a series of high-end weekend events and short retreats for 2025 featuring wine and wellness weekends, photo safaris and culinary showcases. 

The events span properties in its Australia- and- Canada-based luxury lodges. 

Guests can meet with winemakers and culinary experts, reconnect with nature, join creative workshops and enjoy long lunches, fine wines and gourmet dinners. 

Among the gourmet highlights are: 

Henschke by the Sea at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island,  June 27-29

A weekend hosted by star Barossa Valley vignerons Prue and Stephen Henschke featuring world-class wines and produce-led dining at Southern Ocean Lodge. Rates from $6,950 for two guests.

Slow Down in Wine Country at The Louise, Barossa Valley, July 31-August 3 

The Louise presents a luxurious three-night event celebrating wellness, creativity, and connection. Guests begin each day with yoga and gourmet breakfasts, explore art workshops and vineyard tastings (above), and unwind with elegant local dining in Appellation restaurant. Rates from $5,170 for two guests.

The Wild Table by Uchi at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island, June 26-29

The award-winning Uchi restaurants by Hai Hospitality bring their take on modern Japanese cuisine to Vancouver Island’s wild west coast. The Wild Table is an exclusive culinary affair featuring Uchi classics, a bespoke east-meets-west menu, and a sushi-making demonstration using fresh locally sourced seafood. Rates from CA$11,700 for two guests.

For more info email reserve@bailielodges.com.au or call +61 2 9918 4355.

See baillielodges.com.au for full details of other events.

Image: Slow Down in Wine Country at @thelouisebarossa @wondergroundbarossa

Australian tourism icon re-opens its doors

It has taken almost four years, but Australian tourism icon Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island reopened its doors today. 

Baillie Lodges' flagship property was destroyed by bushfires in January 2020 and original architect Max Pritchard and his team have led the recreation of the property and included features guests loved best. 

The new iteration of the globally acclaimed lodge has almost the same footprint as the original with the Great Room taking centre stage on the island’s limestone cliffs and with 23 luxurious suites overlooking the ocean. 

All guest suites feature private decks, an EcoSmart fireplace and sink-in bathtub. 

New to the property is the ultra-luxe Ocean Pavilion, cleverly designed to offer a single four-bedroom owner’s residence or two separate two-bedroom suites. 

The Great Room terrace now has a wet-edge pool, while the Southern Spa has three treatment rooms, a gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools.

Clever design has employed cutting-edge technologies including boosted rainwater water capture and solar-power generation, smart building materials, a remote-controlled sprinkler system and the planting of 45,000 biodiverse native plants propagated onsite and planted to create a natural buffer from the wilderness. 

“We feel very fortunate to be able to present the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge to the world," " said Baillie Lodges founder James Bailey.

"Hayley and I had lived and breathed the original lodge from the concept and planning stages to its award-winning reality, celebrated for its timeless design. 

“With the benefit of hindsight and learning, we saw the chance to rebuild Southern Ocean Lodge as a special chance to return the property that seemed to touch so many guests over the years and with some considered additions to take her to a next generation traveller and a sustainable future. 

“It’s a ‘full-circle moment’ for us and one that brings some closure to the past, as well as an optimistic look towards the future and an even more sustainable, leading experiential tourism offering for South Australia.”

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, rates at Southern Ocean Lodge start at $3,400 per couple per night. But those rates do include all dining, all drinks including premium wines and spirits, signature experiences and transfers.  

See www.southernoceanlodge.com.au 

Image: George Apostolidis

Luxury lodge to reopen after fire

Baillie Lodges has confirmed that its ultra luxe Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island will reopen on December 6.

The landmark property has been completely rebuilt after being destroyed by bushfires almost three years ago.

Family-owned and -operated Baillie Lodges made a commitment to rebuild the famous lodge immediately after it was destroyed by the fires.

The rebuild with the help of original architect Max Pritchard has re-created some of the best-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,” says Hayley Baillie.

A date for bookings to open will be revealed in early May.