Regions come out on top as SA’s best make Michelin Guide
An SA luxury lodge has risen from the ashes to make it into the top 155 best accommodation offerings in the world.
Six of South Australia’s top accommodation venues have been awarded the highly sought after Michelin Keys – and they are all from the regions.
Topping the list is the luxury Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island after it received three keys for its luxury accommodation rebuilt after fire devastated its original site – propelling the accommodation into the top 155 hotels worldwide to achieve the most prestigious distinction.
It was only in 2020 when devastating fires scorched 38 per cent of the island, leaving a shocking “moonscape” of burned buildings and blackened land.
The Lodge was lost in those fires but later designed by South Australian architect Max Pritchard with high-end tweaks from furniture created by famed South Australian craftsman Khai Liew, to a new premium suite with four rooms and its own infinity pool and jacuzzi overlooking the bay.
It is now one of only three in Australia to win the honour, recognising design, architecture, service and personality.
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South Australian hotels unveiled in the global 2026 Michelin Key Hotels include:
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- Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island | Three-Key
- Thorngrove Manor, Adelaide Hills | Two-Key
- Sequoia Lodge, Adelaide Hills | Two-Key
- Le Mas Barossa, Barossa | One-Key
- Mount Lofty House & Estate, Adelaide Hills | One-Key
- Sticky Rice Villas, Adelaide Hills | One-Key
A further 11 hotels across the state were promoted into this year’s guide including Arkaba Homestead in Flinders Ranges and Outback, Kingsford the Barossa, EOS by SkyCity, Adelaide Marriott, and Sofitel Adelaide.
Minister Emily Bourke said it was an important achievement.
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“We know travellers across the world turn to the MICHELIN Guide to plan their holidays, so having this prestigious recognition across our regions will translate to bookings that extend to our bars, wineries, tours, experiences, and more,” she said.
“Our hospitality industry has been champing at the bit to find out who will make it into the coveted MICHELIN Guide and make culinary history in Australia.
“We’re already seeing what the Guide has done for New Zealand, with reports that bookings have flooded into both the restaurants and surrounding businesses.”
Anonymous inspectors judged the accommodation excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.
It comes as the countdown continues until the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia is revealed on October 14, which will be the first time any Australian restaurant is included in the world-famous guide.
Anonymous inspectors are evaluating restaurants across the state through five criteria, including the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the cuisine and the overall consistency.
International Director of the guide Gwendal Poullennec said inspectors had been particularly impressed with the “strong sense of place that runs through South Australia’s dining scene.”
Distinctions announced may include Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin Selected, alongside individual Special Awards such as Young Chef Award, Service Award, and Sommelier Award.
The style of a restaurant and its level of comfort or formality does not influence the star grading with a wide range of eateries from street food stalls to gourmet restaurants having won spots in the guide in the past.
South Australian culinary destinations will be promoted and listed on the MICHELIN Guide website, which attracts more than 62 million visitors each year, in addition to the organisation’s 3.9 million Instagram followers and 3.8 million app users.
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