No expense spared for newlyweds as Albo and Jodie splash out on luxury KI honeymoon
The PM and his new wife have celebrated their nuptials at the jewel in South Australia’s tourism crown – staying at one of Australia’s most exclusive resorts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and new wife Jodie Haydon have spared no expense on their secret honeymoon at the jewel in South Australia’s tourism crown, Kangaroo Island.
The couple is believed to have spent four nights at one of Australia’s most exclusive hotels, Southern Ocean Lodge – in a $3000-a-night room, with a bill of at least $12,000.
KI mayor Michael Pengilly confirmed to The Advertiser he understood that the couple had stayed at the luxury accommodation, where suites can cost up to $8000-a-night.
All guests must stay for a minimum of two nights with hotel staff providing visitors with a personalised itinerary to make the most of their time on the island.
Other five-star hotels the couple could have chosen to stay at on KI include Ecopia Retreat and Sea Dragon.
The newlyweds were spotted at Sydney Airport on Monday en route to Adelaide, and it is understood the couple stayed on KI for four nights and remained in SA on Friday.
Mr Pengilly – who previously slammed the PM for not providing notice of his visit in August – said the couple’s visit to the island was “private” and that they were “entitled to their privacy” on this occasion.
“We hope they enjoyed their stay,” Mr Pengilly said.
“Next time he comes back, he can bring some money for infrastructure.”
Mr Pengilly said the newlyweds’ choice of accommodation was “wonderful”.
“They’ve got access down there to wildlife and some of the key sites; Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch et cetera,” he said.
“And the weather has been just about perfect for them.
“Let them go and let them have their private time, we all need that.”
Although Mr Pengilly said Albo’s decision to ride the Sealink ferry meant that his presence on the island was always going to be known.
“Anyone who comes on Sealink can’t get away with not being seen,” he said.
The pair were spotted at Sydney domestic airport on Monday with packed bags and full security detail, rumoured to be going on a “short honeymoon”.
The couple are not the first A-listers to stay at the swanky destination.
Pop star Katy Perry, former partner Orlando Bloom and their four-year-old daughter Daisy visited in June; and US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, who arrived in Adelaide on Friday ahead of her weekend event, visited KI as part of her Australian tour in 2010.
While Perry arrived via private jet to Kingscote Airport, the PM and his new wife opted for a more humble approach, taking the SeaLink ferry.
Local tattoo artist Jason Radley said he spotted Mr Albanese on the 3pm ferry to KI on Monday.
He said the PM was accompanied by his security team and two white cars.
“On his honeymoon me and a few other people were saying,” Mr Radley said.
The Southern Ocean Lodge, which is located on a cliff overlooking Hanson Bay, boasts jaw-dropping views of KI’s rugged coastline.
The entire award-winning complex was razed by fire in 2020, and was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2023.
Guests at the five-star-hotel have access to a range of bespoke experiences including “close encounters” with native wildlife, hiking routes and culinary tours showcasing the best of the island’s food and wine.
While some of these “signature” experiences are included in total price of the accommodation – which also covers all-day dining – others can be added onto a stay for an additional cost which can range from under $100 to thousands.
Every evening a four-course menu, that changes daily, is available for guests to enjoy as well as a “premium” selection of local wines in a walk-in cellar.
It also is home to Southern Spa which promises to provide visitors with a “tranquil oasis”.
Services start at $270 with the most expensive item on the menu – a 120 minute couple’s steam, exfoliation, massage and facial – fetching a price tag of $1050.
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Originally published as No expense spared for newlyweds as Albo and Jodie splash out on luxury KI honeymoon
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