Overseas Travel Just Got Local And Jet Lag-Free

Overseas travel just got local and jet lag-free, writes Alice Hansen, as she explores Tasmania’s offshore isles.

- Alice Hansen

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.