Southern Ocean Lodge Wins the American Express Travel ‘One of Watch’ Award as Part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
October 1, 2025
Southern Ocean Lodge Wins the American Express Travel ‘One to Watch’ Award as Part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
Beckons flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island has been recognized with the American Express Travel ‘One to Watch’ award for 2025.
Presented ahead of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 official awards ceremony on 30 October, this prestigious accolade celebrates a rising-star hotel that has made a positive impression on the 800-strong Academy and the wider industry, and has been identified by the 50 Best team as having the potential to break into the 1-50 ranking in a future edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list.
A link to The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025-produced dedicated awards reel can be viewed here.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels ceremony will take place in London, UK, on Thursday 30 October at Old Billingsgate, where Southern Ocean Lodge will be formally awarded as winner of the American Express Travel One to Watch Award 2025, the only award in proceedings selected by 50 Best.
Beckons Chief Executive Officer Michael Crawford said he was beyond thrilled that Southern Ocean Lodge had been honored with the American Express Travel ‘One to Watch’ Award.
“This recognition is a testament not only to its breathtaking location on Kangaroo Island, but also to the extraordinary team who brought this vision back to life after the devastating bushfires,”
Mr. Crawford said.
“From world-class design to heartfelt hospitality, Southern Ocean Lodge embodies resilience, creativity and the spirit of place. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved in creating a lodge that now stands among the world’s very best – proof that from ashes can rise something truly remarkable,” he said.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World’s 50 Best Hotels said Southern Ocean Lodge was a truly special property, with an inspiring and heartfelt story, so the team was thrilled to recognize it with the American Express Travel One to Watch Award 2025.
“Following Australia’s recent devastating wildfires, the lodge found strength in a time of adversity and rebuilt a much-loved place that had touched many guests over the years. By working closely with many of the same suppliers, the thoughtful restoration not only celebrates the original footprint, but also looks to the future, incorporating smart yet sustainable design elements and drawing on the creativity of emerging local talent. The love for the local environment and its community shines through in the whole experience and we are delighted that Southern Ocean Lodge has been recognized with this award,” Ms. Sleight said.
American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley said: “At American Express Travel we’re always watching for what is new and exciting. Southern Ocean Lodge, one of the newest additions to our Fine Hotels + Resorts® program, fits that bill and we’re thrilled to recognize the property with the One to Watch Award. It offers guests a truly unique experience rooted in the local culture and environment of Kangaroo Island with an eco-friendly design, wildlife excursions, unique amenities and elevated dining offerings.”
ABOUT: Beckons is built around journeys of discovery for curious travelers seeking deeper connection to place, culture, and the natural world. Through a growing collection of lodges in some of the world’s most rare and remarkable destinations, the brand is guided by a regenerative approach to luxury travel, one that goes beyond sustainability to create positive, lasting impact for landscapes, wildlife, and the communities who call these places home. The Beckons collection includes five award-winning properties in Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Longitude 131° and the new, ultra-luxury lodge at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Silky Oaks Lodge at the Daintree Rainforest, The Louise in the Barossa Valley, while across the Tasman Sea in New Zealand lies the century-young Huka Lodge in Taupō. In the Americas, lodges include Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s Vancouver Island, and the wilds of Tierra Atacama and Tierra Patagonia in Chile.