As first published in The Q Review Summer 2021/22 Magazine. Follow the link to Subscribe and receive your FREE copy each quarter!
The Roaring Forties trade winds wrap around the globe below 40 degrees south, streaming across the great oceans of the world. The 40th parallel south crosses just a few land masses on its journey – Patagonia in South America, New Zealand near Hawke’s Bay, and two islands in Australia’s Bass Strait – King Island and Flinders Island.
On YOLO Traveller’s recent trip to Tasmania, both King Island and Flinders Island were on the radar, for their wild idyllic scenery, their bountiful natural produce and their burgeoning food scene.
But it was King Island’s stunning Kittawa Lodge that tipped us in favour of this incredible island destination.
Kittawa Lodge is the brainchild and labour of love of two former Sydney professionals – Aaron Suine and Nick Stead.
Lovers of travel, food and all things delightful, the couple had long harboured the hope of developing their own hospitality venture, and made this a reality in Tasmania in 2019.
Kittawa Lodge is an amalgamation of all the wonderful things they had experienced in their own travels, brought together in a bespoke and exclusive retreat.
Kittawa Lodge is the only luxury accommodation with on-site staff on King Island. It currently has two exclusive villas on a secluded 96 acre property, with 750 metres of rugged King Island coastline.
The villas are nestled into the wild undulating landscape, with expansive views through the wallaby-filled pastures and dunes to the windswept Southern Ocean.
Inside, they are full of comfort, impeccable design and thoughtful touches, encouraging guests to relax, unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.
The interiors are divided into three flowing sections.
The first is the open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area. The western wall is windows, with views of the wild outdoors and the clouds streaming across the sky, while high louvres allow the afternoon sun to warm the grey slate floors. The northern wall is the gourmet kitchen, fully equipped with Smeg appliances, a full array of cooking paraphernalia and a Nespresso machine.
There is a pantry full of treats, lovely glassware and cutlery, and divine crockery in blues and greys handmade for Kittawa Lodge.
A feature window above the black splashback looks out into the grasses, where wallabies congregate as you cook.
The full-length dining table is bedecked with vases of greenery, while a plush couch with cosy throw blankets surrounds the French-designed fireplace.
There are designer furnishings, and beautiful original artworks on the walls by local King Island artists.
The space is airy, light and contemporary.
From the living area, a feature wall separates the living room from the bedroom. Here the muted and soothing décor continues, with a vast Australian-made king bed, luxurious linens and indulgent recliner in gentle greens and creams.
Another vast westfacing window embraces the view, complete with wallabies in the foreground, and the occasional curious joey that approaches the glass for a closer inspection.
Beyond the bedroom is THAT bathroom, tiled in soft grey, with a waterfall shower and deep concrete bath against the floor-to-ceiling glass, providing uninterrupted views of the wild surroundings and the sea beyond.
The bath products are divine – all blends of native Tasmanian botanicals specially designed for Kittawa Lodge.
In a villa made for relaxation and indulgence, the bathroom is its crowning glory.
Kittawa Lodge is entirely off grid, and environmentally sustainable, but no creature comforts are spared. A separately located utilities building ensures electricity, gas and hot water are seamless yet inconspicuous.
The kitchen is fully-equipped, with full size fridge, dishwasher and cooking facilities, even including a meat thermometer to ensure your King Island beef and lamb are cooked to perfection.
There is Telstra coverage and wi-fi if you need to stay connected, and bluetooth surround sound speaker for music.
Read more in Part 2 in coming weeks…