Ever sensitive to the precious landscapes in which the Baillie Lodges properties balance, Capella and Southern Ocean Lodge are each an architectural attraction in its own right and combine as a celebration of Australian design.

Owners James and Hayley Baillie work closely with outstanding architects to achieve a shared vision, complemented by their joint personal passion for contemporary design. Guests often comment on the attention to detail in the creation, as Australian foodie legend, Maggie Beer explains, ‘One of my favourite travel experiences is Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Archictect Max Pritchard and his very discerning clients James and Hayley Baillie have given Australia a most beautiful resort.

A commitment to commissioning local designers and using locally-sourced, sustainable materials creates a unique feeling of ‘senseof place’.  Together the lodges carry a “Baillie” feel of organic luxury with a local destination focus. Each luxury lodge is designed to allow the outside in, affording guests a seamless experience of the destination.

At Capella Lodge on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, a clever, contemporary architectural design by Sydney architect Justin Long in collaboration with interior architects Pike Withers, creates an easy living, flow-through feel. Skillion roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the outside in. Generous decks invite lounging in the island’s afternoon sun with plantation shutters and copper finishes creating a sophisticated beach-house ambience. An open-plan lounge, bar and restaurant are set to a spectacular subtropical island backdrop; the lodge throws open its windows to catch the sea breeze and the scent of frangipani.

Spacious, light-filled interiors are Lord Howe beach-house chic; luxe organic finishes combine with modern mariner-style joinery, timber floors and kentia-themed Bruce Goold furnishings to create a relaxed, contemporary style and a feeling of ‘barefoot’ luxury. The Lodge is sustainable in design; timbers are recycled, floors furnished with natural floor coverings, lounging areas warmed with atmospheric EcoSmart fires.

Suites are furnished with such lounging treats as the addictive Danish ‘Primetime’ chair with a classic Artemide Tolomeo lamp stretching above, ideal for a ‘guilty as sin’ read in the afternoon breeze. In and outdoor lounging feature custom-designed soft furnishings and wood art by young Australian designers Jodie Bohlu and Julie Paterson add to the ‘laid back’ Lord Howe feel. Organic artworks by Cardamatis and Saad use natural botanicals to create rhythmic, textured designs.

Reflecting the sheer rise of the mountains beyond, basalt stone features in striking ensuite bathrooms; an oversized rain shower and custom-created Capella Spa toiletries revitalise. Expansive outdoor terraces and decks with Gervasoni ceramic cubes and sumptuous daybeds complete a picture of relaxed, barefoot luxury.

Heading south to Kangaroo Island, local South Australian Max Pritchard is the architectural mastermind behind the much-lauded design of Southern Ocean Lodge, which opened to world-wide acclaim in 2008. Set along a remote stretch of coastline overlooking the Southern Ocean and surrounded by national parks, the twenty-one suite ‘super-lodge’ is made remarkable by the total experience, and in great part by Max’s aim to minimise environmental impact and to maximise each guest’s experience of the destination.

Perceptions of the Lodge design from afar are personal and open to debate; does it ‘float’ above the coastal landscape? Does its form reflect the waves rolling towards the shore, or is it the ridges of the limestone cliffs?

Outside, boardwalks that hover above the earth link the Lodge to the remote Southern Spa, stargazing platform and the nearby ‘private’ bay for swimming or beachcombing. Iconic Australian artist Florence Broadhurst is honoured in the wallpapers and soft furnishings throughout the Lodge and Spa.Local materials encourage a real sense of place – recycled timbers, white limestone floors and the chalk-white local limestone wall sculpture which snakes through the Lodge, linking and highlighting its features in the most remarkable manner. A suspended fireplace spreads a warm glow throughout.

The feeling upon entering is one of awe, for the landscape and the Lodge alike. Max has created a uniquely dramatic Lodge entrance appreciated best in hindsight; the drive to the Lodge through the fauna-rich bushland deliberately disguises the view of the Southern Ocean for which the Lodge is named. The first vision of the ocean and coastline stretching ad infinitum is on entrance to the main Lodge via grand rusted steel doors; the guest is then invited to take in the Lodge’s Great Room, its lounge and restaurant with this awe-inspiring, ever-changing backdrop.

Artworks on display are exclusively collected from Kangaroo Island artists, and include the leaf mandalas by Janine Mackintosh, and ‘Sunshine’ the watchful kangaroo, created with found objects by local sculptor Indiana James. Glassworks and ceramics are sourced from the inspiring Jam Factory on the mainland’s Adelaide, a mecca for SA designers to create and show their work.  Signature tableware from Malcolm Greenwood and Bison reflect the raw Australian landscape. James and Hayley Baillie have commissioned such design luminaries as local Khai Liew for his artisan timber furnishings, likewise dynamic Melbourne duo Pierre and Charlotte Julian.

A focus on each guest’s experience of place has ensured every suite has spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and coast, an inspiration from daybreak till the dusk softens. Suites feature local artworks, EcoSmart fires and custom soft furnishings. Ensuite bathrooms are filled with Southern Spa amenities using locally-sourced botanicals and warmed with limestone tiles and floor-to-ceiling windows to allow a view from any angle. A step outside to a protected private terrace with daybed allows a deep breath of pure fresh air, delivered direct from the Antarctic.

Links to Capella include the popular ‘Prime Time’ chair, Cloth’s Julie Patterson and her custom-designed ‘kanga’ fabric which features in soft furnishings, floor coverings and artwork, and Jodie Fried’s Bohlu rugs and cushions which reflect the landscape beyond. Cool blue Gervasoni ceramic cubes line up on the terrace, reflecting the colours of the Southern Ocean.

The experience of design at Baillie Lodges is one of sublime luxury and connection with an extraordinary destination.

Reservations: T (61) 2 9918 4355 | E reserve@baillielodges.com.au

Media Enquiries: E media@baillielodges.com.au | W baillielodges.com.au/media.asp

Images: A selection of Capella Lodge and Southern Ocean Lodge images is free for download

Editors Notes: Baillie Lodges is a collection of intimate luxury lodges in unique wilderness destinations. Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island launched the portfolio and continues to capture guests in its magic. Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge offering a premium nature-based escape. Both Baillie Lodges properties are honoured as founding members of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

They are a photographer’s delight as many are at eye level and the birds are not in the least bit timid.

The adult birds don’t build a nest but just lay their eggs onto the bare branch.

Fly free to Lord Howe! Capella Lodge invites a great escape
with free flights and nights this season

Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, celebrated as the first luxury lodge in the world’s last paradise is excited to announce its popular free return flights to Lord Howe offer as part of its Cool Capella Deals 2011.

The Fly Free Stay 7 Pay 6 package is valid in conjunction with a seven night stay in relaxed luxury in any suite at Capella 30 July – 30 September 2011 inclusive. There’s never been a better time or reason to explore Lord Howe this cool spring season.

Lord Howe is a sub-tropical ‘treasure island’ lost in time, a short flight from Australia’s east coast.
The gentle season from end July – September offers visitors a chance to reinvigorate as the spring season approaches and witness great activity as rare sea birds arrive to nest on this island paradise, home from their adventures overseas.

With Capella as a luxe base camp, guests re-energise on treks with breathtaking views to the horizon along magnificent ridges and clifftops with hidden caves, or explore fascinating walking tracks through tranquil palm forests and beneath the mysterious canopy of ancient spreading figs.

The world’s southernmost coral reef beckons, with the chance of an unforgettable encounter with a Green Sea Turtle, to explore an abundant submarine life by snorkel or glass-bottom boat.
Guests might make an easy friend of the large kingfish who swim thrillingly amongst knees and calves in order to grab a proffered snack.

Return to Capella to enjoy fine wine and world-class cuisine in great company. 

The Fly Free Stay 7 Pay 6 Cool Capella Deal offers a sky-high saving of up to $4,300 including one bonus night’s accommodation and two return Qantaslink flights from Sydney or Brisbane.
A week’s stay at Capella from just $3,900 per person with flights booked for guests makes a Lord Howe getaway so easy!  Conditions apply as below*.

Take off to Capella Lodge this season; fly free and take it easy!

*Fly Free Conditions

•        Offer available for new bookings only, subject to availability.
•        Booking must be prepaid at time of reservation. This is then fully non refundable.
•        Payment must be made by credit card and incurs a 2.5% surcharge.
•        Return airfares are included on a single or twin share basis; free airfare offer does not apply to additional persons.
•        Flights to Lord Howe Island are operated by QantasLink from Sydney or Brisbane (direct flights only on a Sunday).
• Pro rata fare surcharge applies from other ports.
•        Fly free offer is based on seat class availability; an additional surcharge may apply for travel on certain flights.

       We recommend travel insurance.

^{Reservations: T (61) 2 9918 4355 | E reserve@baillielodges.com.au}

^{Media Enquiries: E media@baillielodges.com.au |W baillielodges.com.au/media.asp}

^{Images: A selection of Capella Lodge images is free for download}

^{Editors Notes: Baillie Lodges is a collection of intimate luxury lodges in unique wilderness destinations. Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island launched the portfolio and continues to capture guests in its magic. Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge offering a premium nature-based escape. Both Baillie Lodges properties are honoured as founding members of Luxury Lodges of Australia.}

Whilst most air transfers to and from Lord Howe Island are via the 32 Qantas Bombardier, private jets and helicopters are another transport option allowing flexibility and a little more luxury! Last week Mark, Manager at Capella planned a quick trip to Brisbane to undertake some repairs on his mainland house. He was scheduled to fly on a Qantaslink flight, but to his surprise he was lucky enough to fly with one of Capella’s regular guests Bob Hill on his private jet, a Citation CJ 2. Some people have all the luck! Mark sat in the co-pilots seat and chatted with the pilot the entire flight about everything relating to planes and flying. They climbed to 42,000 feet, and the trip took 90 minutes rather than the usual 40 due to strong head winds. What a buzz, great views of the island from a great looking jet! As I waited in the LHI Airport Terminal with departing guests we were all very jealous!

From Libby Grant, Capella Lodge Manager

Visiting the LHI Tip or ‘Recycle Centre’ is a favorite outing for Mark, General Manager at Capella. Not only is it the tip designed to minimize waste being sent off the island, it is also a favorite hangout for any ‘collectors’, Mark being one (you could call him a hoarder!). One person’s junk is definitely the next person’s treasure. Mark’s favourite comment is ‘you never know when you may need it”, ‘it’ being the latest piece of junk that he has collected from the ‘Revolve’ section of the tip.
His favourites are a 40mm shell case from New Guinea that happened to be owned by our neighbour’s father who served in New Guinea during the WW2, and dozens of old reel-to-reel movies depicting fashion parades on the island in the 30’s. Yes, on LHI you can even find out who originally owned the junk!
Mark’s latest find has been a good one. A few weeks ago he found some old slides which Daniel (one of our illustrious staff at Capella) had made in to digital prints. We have given a copy of the disk to local Jack Shick who has in turn shown some of the senior residents who are now excitedly working out who’s who.
Some of the photos date back to the 1930s and others are from the 1960s. In the attached photos you will see photos of the Catalina Flying Boats (one actually beached), photos of the many fancy dress parties the islanders held and of course some obligatory photos of old swim suits.
I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we did.

Ps We will probably donate the photos to the Lord Howe Island Museum for their displays.

Winter is a great time on Lord Howe. Not only do we huddle around the open fires at Capella every night enjoying good food and wine and of course great company, nature also throws spectacular weather into the mix. Over the last week we have had lovely sunny days when a BBQ at Ned’s Beach is a must, nights when the kentia palms rattled around like mad things during 50 knot winds and we have also woken up to the incredible sight of waterfalls cascading off both Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird.

The mountains seem to create their own weather on Lord Howe. Sometimes they seem to attract cloud and rainfall,but mostly we sit in the lounge and watch the clouds moving over their peaks and then rushing away.

Lord Howe's gentle season

The Gods have been kind to all this winter on Lord Howe. For the last few weeks we have had no wind, mild days and nights just cool enough to enjoy sitting around the fire with a glass of red wine! There’s plenty to do by day: Capella guests, Denis and Kate from Ireland went for a SCUBA dive in the lagoon yesterday with the local Pro Dive proprietor, Taz. With water temperatures at 20 degrees centigrade they didn’t even find the water cold… maybe it’s because they’re from Ireland?! Today they are climbing Mt Gower with local Jack Shick. It’ll be straight into the plunge pool with an ale followed by the hot tub when they get back later this afternoon.
Mark and I have been taking our guests to see the Providence Petrels land around the base of Mt Lidgbird. They are a spectacular sight as they come in from fishing in the open ocean in their thousands to nest on and around the island’s twin mountain peaks. So , it’s all happening at Capella Lodge and Lord Howe Island. We also welcomed the crew from Harpers Bazaar this month for a shoot. Look out in the October edition for a Lord Howe Island exposé…!

Lord Howe does have three churches to service the community the largest being the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Local islanders Ken (who just celebrated his 86th Birthday with us) and Dorothy Ryan are the lay priests for the Catholic Church. They can be found at Capella every second morning and greet all guests as they supply us with the most beautiful hibiscus flowers from their garden for the Lodge.
I am even lucky enough to have one named after me, ‘The Liberty’.

Mount Gower's blessing