Terrific conservation news from Lord Howe: A young Loggerhead Turtle released by Taronga Zoo staff off Lord Howe Island in January will assist researchers understand the mysterious migration habits of this endangered species.

Loggerhead turtles leave their nesting grounds in Queensland as tiny hatchlings and don’t return until they are breeding adults at over 30 years old.

No-one knows where they go in between! The 12.5Kg turtle has been fitted with a satellite tracker that will log its journey.

What better place to swim free than Lord Howe Island?!

For more, see the Taronga Zoo news release at http://taronga.org.au/news/2012-01-20/endangered-loggerhead-set-unlock-turtles-lost-years

THE SEALINK KANGAROO ISLAND SEAFOOD FEAST-IVAL

27th April – 2 May 2012

There’s lots to be excited about this autumn, with the fine producers and chefs on Kangaroo Island coming together with an itinerary of nine great dining events around the island, with a common theme: fabulous, singing-fresh seafood!

In a series of events at idyllic seaside settings around the island, feasters can choose between fine dining tasting menus, campfire cooking and seafood barbeques by the sea. Other dining events include master class demonstrations and exclusive dinners with celebrity chefs such as Pete Evans from My Kitchen Rules and Simon Bryant from The Cook and The Chef.

This is an island festival that connects visitors to the Kangaroo Island community through the celebration of fine seafood, local produce, location and conversation.

Southern Ocean Lodge has some exciting food events as part of the Feastival:

Sunday 29th

Luxury Accommodation Package; SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE FEASTIVAL

PACKAGE DATES: 29th April – 1st May 2012

An exclusive opportunity to enjoy a weekend of luxury at the Southern Ocean Lodge; guests enjoy an exclusive pass to dinner with Simon Bryant at the KI Seafood Feastival down at the historic Kangaroo Island Jetty.

Includes:

Two nights luxury accommodation
All lodge dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits
In-suite bar
Signature Lodge Experiences and island airport transfers
Special KI Seafood Feastival dinner with Simon Bryant from the TV series the Cook and the Chef

From $1,980 per person – two nights all inclusive (excluding air)
Children from 6 yrs – $350 per child per night
Capacity 8 suites only

For more, please call DIRECT 02 99184355

Then, on Monday 30th…

A SOUTHERN OCEAN DEGUSTATION
Lunch 12.30pm – 4.30pm

This is a  rare opportunity to dine at Southern Ocean Lodge. Experience a true gastronomic journey of Kangaroo Island; the ‘produce to plate’ approach is a real passion for Chef Tim Bourke and his team.

TICKET PRICE: $125 per head, sit down formal lunch and beverage package.
No children under 18 sorry.
ALL BOOKINGS – Please call DIRECT 02 9918 4355

Capacity 60 – hurry to reserve your place!

See you at the first-ever Kangaroo Island Seafood Feastival!

Some summertime rain on Lord Howe has offered up some incredible images. The first three were taken this morning after an incredible 180mm of rain over the last 24 hours. The southern end of the island was flooded with all roads blocked. The up side was both Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird were covered with waterfalls. Many of our guest are hiking up to the lower falls as I write this. The other photos show how quickly things change here- only the waterfalls remain

There are also two photos which show the coral spawn which fills the shallows
around the island today. The yearly mass spawning happened last night so there
is a decidedly fishy smell in the air today! The pink line you see in the
shallows along the shore is the coral spawn- billions of tiny pink eggs!

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.

The local area school turns into a bustling market with many varied stalls. Many of the locals get together to sell produce, secondhand clothing, art works and just to catch up on the local gossip! The kids line up for face painting with Charlotte, the local nursery sells fruit and vegetable seedlings and even the Board Administrator mans the coffee machine! Glenys’s cup cakes sell out 10 minutes after the market opens.

We have some talented artists and photographers on the Island. Our own spa therapist Sarah sells her beautiful hand drawn cards inspired by local vistas and wildlife along with Isak who specializes in surf photography.

It’s great to see that now this space is also being used to educate the community and visitors alike. The Island Board have a display on protecting the environment and Ian Hutton, the Museum Curator and island naturalist, has a display of the effects of plastic bags on the island’s seabirds. Ian and the Board are encouraging all operators to use bio-degradable plastic bags and take away containers. They are even supplying these free to operators for 3 months. Many Lodges are now encouraging re-usable water bottles for all their guests.

Of course, here at Capella, we initiated the use of re-usable bottles many months ago as it is important to us to have as minimal impact as possible on the environment of Lord Howe.

Lord Howe Island is a preferred destination for divers with its highly diverse marine environments. Lord Howe Island was first sighted in 1788 and is more a series of closely clustered small islands including the Admiralty Islands and Ball Pyramid. The main island is only 11 km long and 2 kmwide rising out in the Tasman Sea 600 kilometres east of the Australian mainland off Port Macquarie.

Life below the surface life is highly diverse with the northern and southern currents converging, so divers witness the profusion of both temperate and tropical marine life.  There has been over 500 species of fish identified locally with several species endemic to the region including the double header wrasse, Lord Howe Island coral fish, McCullochs anemone fish and the rarely sighted Ballina angelfish.

The Lord Howe Island Group was World Heritage listed in 1982 in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty
and its exceptional biodiversity. Two thirds of the island is a Permanent Park Preserve and the surrounding waters were declared a Marine Park in 1998. The coral barrier reef, at 31° S, is the most southerly in the world.

We took a day’s diving in April 2011; on our second dive of the day, we were at a site much frequented by divers – Landslide just off Malabar. Here a vertical cliff face rises 200 meters out of the surrounding reef on the southern end of the main island. Landslide is a great dive consisting of three coral finger reefs running parallel to the coast at about 12 to 18 meters with abundant marine life, caverns and swim-throughs.

We had just finished a sweep through the swim-throughs, taken a look at a beautiful Queen Angel and marvelled at the abundance and variety of morays when a family of brightly coloured nudibranchs clustered together on the edge of the second
finger reef grabbed our attention.

The pure white sand that reached out to the third finger reef helped magnify the great visibility and looking up we noticed what seemed to be a blanket drifting just below the surface 16 meters above our heads. After our initial surprise the clear water quickly revealed that this blanket indeed had eyes, a body and was gracefully swimming down to greet us.

As it approached, appearing not at all to be shy, we were in awe of its size -approximating 3 meters (an accurate estimate as it was much longer than the out-stretched divers now at its side). We all stared giving each other signals which generally translated underwater to: “what the hell is this”? Certainly in my 45 plus years of diving and many hours underwater on
Lord Howe I had not seen anything like it before, ever !

Very close examination, and I must admit a gentle touch of the blanket, revealed that it was a cephalopod of some type – maybe a squid, but no, more likely an octopus with a 2 1/2 meter blanket billowing from its head.

We swam with this rare giant for about 10 to 15 minutes and during that entire time we felt that it was observing and enjoying our company us as much as we were enjoying it. Even when we got down to 50 bar of air and finally had to return to the boat, it turned with us as if to say; “farewell”. A truly magic moment !

On reaching the surface we were all smiles, extremely exuberant and immediately continued our: “what the hell
was that” conversation even before climbing into the boat. We were greeted and helped on board by trainee Divemaster Chris Tafili-Reid who very excitedly related that “the thing” had circled the dive boat on the surface for at least 10 minutes whilst we were on other parts of our exciting dive.

Returning to shore our dive team concluded that what we had seen was indeed a Tremoctopus – a genus of pelagic cephalopods containing four species that occupy surface to mid-waters in subtropical and tropical oceans. Of course Lord Howe has exactly
these conditions.

Descriptively they are commonly known as; “Blanket Octopus”, in reference to the long transparent webs that connect the dorsal and dorsolateral arms of the adult females. We now know that full extension of the blanket only takes place when the octopus wants to look bigger and ward off predators.

The Blanket Octopus is rarely seen and only then by a handful of divers across the world. It is listed on “Its Nature” as one of the 10 most bizarre animals in the world. To date our sighting was the first recorded on Lord Howe Island according to the local Marine Park staff.

Unfortunately, as often happens with rare sightings, we were unable to photograph our encounter with this magnificent giant of the ocean.

Marine Park staff was assisted by Lord Howe Island Board staff in a search and rescue for the injured turtle. The team snorkelled out to where the turtle was located, managed to capture the turtle and load it onto the ‘Adventure One’ glass bottom boat.

A fishing hook was deeply embedded in the turtle’s right shoulder and the fishing line had wrapped around one of the flippers and was caught inside the turtle’s mouth. The hook and fishing line were successfully removed and the female green turtle, weighing over 80kg, was taken to the beach and quickly examined for any further injuries before being returned to the water.

The green turtle, estimated to be over 40 years of age swam away swiftly and showed signs of a rapid recovery.
Green turtles are classified as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Marine Park staff would like to thank the local community who all assisted with reporting, locating and rescuing the entangled turtle. A good result all round. Locals and visitors are reminded to not feed the turtles within the marine park.

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.}

Lord Howe is a sub-tropical ‘treasure island’ lost in time, a short flight from Australia’s east coast and a leap away from life’s everyday busyness. The island’s gentle cool season offers visitors a real sense of calm escape and rejuvenation, of quiet contemplation and the chance to explore this island paradise at leisure.

With Capella as a luxe base camp, guests take to rainforest walking tracks bordered by ancient plants and explore remote rocky coves alive with magnificent birdlife. A day might include combing white-sanded beaches for shells, or a dip in warm waters to encounter spectacular marine life in the world’s southern-most coral reef. A return to Capella offers the chance to finish that book in peace, to enjoy fine wine and cuisine, and the good company of like-minded travellers.

The ‘Lord Howe Luxe’ Stay 7 Pay 6 Cool Capella Deal offers luxurious savings including a bonus night’s accommodation, Bollinger Champagne on arrival and two $50 Capella Spa treatment vouchers. Guests enjoy a week’s accommodation until 31 October 2011 in the relaxed luxury of Capella Lodge from just $3,900 per person, or a saving up to $2,660 per couple. It’s a great way to take time out, to explore and rejuvenate.

For a quick Capella fix, the ‘Kentia Dreaming’ Stay 4 Pay 3 Cool Capella Deal is the perfect way to relax and emerge feeling refreshed and ready for anything. The Kentia Dreaming deal includes a bonus night’s accommodation, the promise of a lazy afternoon spent on one of the island’s many idyllic natural picnic settings with a Capella gourmet BBQ pack and premium wine, and one $50 Capella Spa treatment voucher. Valid until 30 September 2011, guests can recharge for as little as $1,950 per person, a saving of up to $2,650 per couple.

Solo travellers can enjoy all the bonuses of the Kentia Dreaming deal and pay only the twin share rate on the Sophisticated Solo deal. 

^{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.}