Christine Chitnis for Condé Nast Traveler explores how luxury hotels around the world are increasingly adopting rewilding initiatives to enhance and preserve their natural environments.

Among these efforts, she highlights Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, which has taken significant strides in regenerative planting as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship. This initiative is not just about restoring the landscape; it’s about fostering a thriving ecosystem that maintains the lodge’s pristine surroundings. Through the propagation of native plants, Southern Ocean Lodge is setting a benchmark in sustainable luxury, ensuring that its breathtaking natural landscape remains intact for generations to come.

In the aftermath of Kangaroo Island’s devastating 2020 bushfires, a critical element of the lodge’s restoration was the strategic creation of natural fire buffer zones. This was achieved by planting over 50,000 biodiverse native species, specifically selected for their natural fire-retardant properties, enhancing the lodge’s defences against future bushfires. Beyond their protective function, this native vegetation buffer enriches the surrounding biodiversity, providing essential food and shelter for local wildlife, further underscoring the lodge’s commitment to ecological sustainability.

“Southern Ocean Lodge’s regenerative planting initiative aligns with its broader sustainability goals, including a new solar and renewable energy plant that primarily powers the property, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental conservation. For guests hoping to see the island’s recovery first hand, a series of walking trails begin from the lodge’s doorstep traversing limestone cliffs, bushland tracks, and pristine beach shores.”

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