Baillie Lodges’ Post

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is going even greener with the reveal of a new solar energy and battery microgrid system, the largest solar project on Vancouver Island. The state-of-the-art install comprises some 1512 solar panels and is enough to keep the luxury outpost running to a large extent off-grid, or at least at a greatly reduced reliance on the diesel generator which had traditionally fuelled the property’s power needs. ‘To be able to work with Mother Nature and harness her own natural energies for our fortunate guests here in the pristine wilderness means the world to us’, said lodge manager Sarah Cruse. For more, watch the short video here https://lnkd.in/gfubrh44

Here at Baillie Lodges, we’re delighted to announce esteemed luxury tourism industry professional Hannah McGregor has been appointed as General Manager at our Barossa Valley bolthole, The Louise.   Hannah has taken the lead role from her previous position as Assistant General Manager at The Louise, demonstrating the positive career pathways on offer to hospitality leaders within the Baillie Lodges properties.   Hannah joined the team as Assistant General Manager at The Louise in September 2022, and quickly shone in her role, with outstanding results including building a local sales and marketing strategy to dovetail with Baillie Lodges’ broader plans, establishing a network of regional advocates and fostering relationships with the close-knit local community in the Barossa Valley.    Hannah had previously spent time in management roles at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in the United Kingdom, The Savoy in London and at The Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada.   Hannah McGregor said her new appointment was the result of hard work and a love for travel and for the luxury tourism industry. “I’m thrilled to be heading up the wonderful team here at The Louise, and I’m looking forward to further developing our partnerships with food, wine and cultural organisations in the Barossa and broader South Australia to offer a rich and rewarding experience for our guests,” she said.    Baillie Lodges Chief Operating Officer Craig Bradbery said the team at The Louise was delighted to welcome Hannah to the leadership role. “With her love of travel and esteemed career in luxury resorts and tourism, Hannah is a natural fit for the role of General Manager at The Louise,” Mr Bradbery said. For more information, find the press release here https://lnkd.in/gFvAFBd2

Just another thing that makes me proud to work for Baillie Lodges... our connection to local communities ❤️

We’re delighted to have a very impressive four Baillie Lodges properties feature in Forbes Australia top ten list of private destinations for executives. There’s no excuse needed, we think, to take a well-deserved break and head to Capella Lodge on Lord Howe, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Longitude 131 in the Red Centre or the soon-to-reopen, new look Huka Lodge, renowned worldwide as the grande dame of luxury lodging. What a fabulous to-do list, thank you Emma McCallum. https://lnkd.in/gN6Fatke 📸 Ryan Linnegar Photography, Hayley Baillie, South Australian Tourism Commission, That Green Olive

‘Sunshine Rising', a new documentary commissioned by Baillie Lodges and produced by South Australian filmmakers 57 Films, traces the return journey of Southern Ocean Lodge, recreated following the 2020 bushfires to a triumphant reopening in 2023. Named for Sunshine, the metal kangaroo sculpture that was amongst the only features of the lodge left standing as the fires retreated, the 30-minute film captures the planning, construction and very personal reactions and reflections from those working on the site over the lodge’s four-year path to reopening. Follow the fascinating and emotional journey as we celebrate the passion of the many people who contributed to this ‘twice-in-a-lifetime’ project and the resilient spirit of Kangaroo Island. Explore the film https://lnkd.in/gVHgrEDj 

Here at Baillie Lodges we’re always keen to read Robb Report's now annual 50 Best Luxury Hotels List as the ultimate cheat sheet for the world’s very best travel experiences. We were triply excited to read this year’s list, where three Baillie Lodges properties feature: flagship Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island comes in shining in 5th place followed by Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and our best kept secret, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island. The Robb Report 50 Best Hotel List is chosen by a brains trust of the travel industry’s elite, who were asked to explain in detail what made each property a true standout. This ensures that every hotel, safari camp, or resort on the list has been tried, tested, and endorsed by some of the world’s most discerning travellers. Congratulations to all three lodge teams on this incredible accolade!

At Silky Oaks Lodge, we’re delighted to welcome esteemed tourism industry leader Benjamin Brown as General Manager. Ben is already ensconced and heading up the team, joined by Assistant Lodge Manager Glen Luckhurst in managing day-to-day operations at the property and seeking new ways for guests to best experience the pristine rainforest environment and discover its First Nations cultural heritage.   Ben’s career in hospitality and tourism is fuelled by a love of travel and of working with people and the community. He brings to the role an impressive line-up of leadership roles in Australia’s regional tourism sector, including as General Manager at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, at Vali Byron Bay and at Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park. Chief Operating Officer Craig Bradbery said the team at Baillie Lodges was thrilled to welcome Ben to the leadership role. “With his long career in high-end experiential tourism and guest-facing roles, Ben has fitted in effortlessly with the Baillie Lodges family,” Mr Bradbery said. 

At Baillie Lodges we’re delighted to reveal our flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge has been named in Condé Nast Traveler prestigious Hot List for 2024. The listing sets Southern Ocean Lodge as amongst the world’s must-do travel experiences. "This story received a much-welcomed plot twist in December 2023, when the resort reopened as a near replica of its former sci-fi self, shaped like a low-flying saucer hovering above the Southern Ocean, with uninterrupted last-stop-before-Antarctica views across the sea." Read Chloe Sachdev's full review and see the whole list here: https://lnkd.in/dm26HC7c