KING ISLAND
On a wild island in Bass Strait, Aaron Suine’s dark curls blow lightly in the breeze. He’s waiting. Just for us. From the moment he opens each car door, we’re enveloped into the Kittawa way. It’s not simply about staying on a ruggedly handsome coastline, but a feeling. Owners Suine and Nick Stead have mastered understated luxury. It’s felt in the small moments; floor-to-ceiling views of the wild landscape paired with handwritten notes and freshly baked treats, or the buttery tenderness of sous-vide King Island eye fillet at dinner.
Kittawa Lodge is perched on 96 acres of untouched landscape, where the Roaring Forties winds sweep in the world’s freshest air. It’s impossible not to breathe deeply on our sunset tour. The red-necked wallabies raise curious heads, as if well-manicured staff hired to welcome guests. Fully off-grid, Kittawa is a blend of intimate nature and attentive hospitality – akin to the acclaimed luxury lodge Saffire Freycinet.
“We just knew this land was for us,” says former lawyer Suine, who moved with husband Stead, an organisational psychologist. “Our dream was to leave our corporate Sydney lives and raise our son Abraham in a wild landscape.”
We venture back into our light-filled architectural cocoon. “I’ll be back at 8 to serve you dinner,” says Suine, disappearing into the evening breeze. Our only task? To fill the oversized tub and sink deeply into the bespoke scent of buddah wood and kunzea salts prepared for Kittawa. As if bundled onto nature’s stage by our hosts, two wallabies enter the picture-perfect frame. Sunset heroes.
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Gourmet Traveller.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Gourmet Traveller.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
From personal experience
Former Hope St Radio chef ELLIE BOUHADANA invites you to gather your loved ones and enjoy an evening of good food and laughter with recipes from her new cookbook, Ellie's Table.
Kimberley Moulton
Kylie Kwong celebrates the individuals helping to grow a stronger community. This month, we applaud the international curator and Yorta Yorta woman who is shining a light on First Peoples.
Tom Wallace
We share a drop with the head winemaker for Devil's Corner, Tamar Ridge and Pirie Sparkling, a master of cool-climate grapes.
Best in class
The top drops to keep an eye out for on wine lists (and why they're worth the splurge)
A taste of refuge
Fleeing war and persecution, Australia's new arrivals push our food culture forward. DANI VALENT explores the contributions of the country's refugee communities.
BE OUR GUEST
Inspired by the sense of place conjured by Europe's Michelin-star restaurants, local restaurateurs are expanding their hospitality remit to include accommodation
Barcelona BUZZ
A popular drawcard for digital nomads and expats alike, the Catalonian capital offers equal parts sophistication and fun. Here, DANI VALENT discovers the latest dining hotspots.
HEATHCOTE BOUND
MICHAEL HARDEN hits the road to explore regional Victoria's Heathcote, home to this year's Best Destination Dining and a host of other delights.
The art of...relishing restaurants
Does working in hospitality make someone a better or worse diner
HEART AND SOUL
Not a vegetable but rather a flower bud that rises on a thistle, the artichoke is a complex delight. Its rewards are hard won; first you must get past the armour of petals and remove the hairy choke. Those who step up are rewarded with sweet and savoury creaminess and the elusive flavour of spring. Many of the recipes here begin with the same Provençal braise. Others call on the nuttiness of artichokes in their raw form. The results make pasta lighter and chicken brighter or can be fried to become a vessel for bold flavours all of which capture the levity of the season.