It’s not only the remarkable lodges and extraordinary destinations that make a stay at the nineteen Luxury Lodges of Australia so memorable, it’s the people, led from the front by rock-star lodge managers. It is always great to see the maestros of our Australian luxury lodge style of hospitality seek out new challenges within the collection.
Three such exciting transitions include Sonya Boaden’s reverse sea-change from Silky Oaks Lodge in Tropical North Queensland to The Louise in the heart of Barossa wine country. Stepping into her shoes at Silky Oaks is Drew Bernhardt, who long manned the helm at Cape Lodge in Margaret River. Stepping into his shoes is Tristan Jahne, whose move south sees him swap the sights of El Questro Homestead for Cape Lodge and the vineyards of Margaret River on the stunning West Australian coast.
Sonya Boaden had been at the helm of Silky Oaks Lodge since 2019, skilfully navigating the property through its renovation journey before greeting first guests when the new-look lodge opened in 2021. Sonya has more than 25 years’ tourism experience, working with organisations including Accor, P&O Australian Resorts and Quest Hotel Apartments as well as managing her own franchise hotel in Victoria. Transitioning from the humid tropics to the world renowned mediterranean wine region of South Australia, Sonja will be switching Baillie Lodge’s properties to take on the role of General Manager at The Louise in the Barossa Valley.
Drew Bernhardt is a seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of experience leading luxury lodges and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Most recently General Manager of Cape Lodge in Margaret River, Drew has a passion for leading high-end, sustainable lodges in extraordinary destinations. Now as General Manager of Silky Oaks Lodge, Drew’s reputation for creating world-class destinations with a feel-at-home vibe welcomes an exciting new era for the Daintree’s own luxury hideout.
Tristan Jahme brings more than 15 years of luxury tourism experience, and his appointment as General Manager marks an important milestone for the iconic Margaret River property as it enters a bold chapter of evolution under the new ownership of Z1Z. Zimbabwe-born Jahme had generous exposure to the exciting world of safari lodges from an early age, before embarking on a journey to build an esteemed portfolio of international hospitality and resort experience, including management roles at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. This journey led Jahme to Western Australian shores as the Lodge Manager of Sal Salis nestled in Ningaloo Reef, and Operations Manager of El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley.
The Luxury Lodges of Australia are devoted to connecting their guests with a sense and experience of place. It is often the local connections and the people of the place that make a visit to any of these Australian regions genuine and memorable. Prior to, or upon arrival, at each lodge or camp, a bespoke personalised itinerary for your stay can be created with the expertise of an intuitive and knowledgeable team of hosts. For inspirational multi-lodge trips, visit our itineraries.
