Baillie Lodges Goes Global

November 20, 2020

Baillie Lodges has added Vancouver Island’s acclaimed luxury camp Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge to its expanding portfolio of luxury lodges, marking the company’s launch as an international boutique luxury tourism collection.

The move comes as Baillie Lodges’ partnership with US-based KSL Capital Partners, LLC, nears its third year, with the acquisition and planned renovation of Tropical North Queensland icon Silky Oaks Lodge already part of the group’s expansion activity. Remotely located among Vancouver Island’s pristine wilderness and on the shores of Clayoquot Sound, the acclaimed Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge (formerly Clayoquot Wilderness Resort) is accessible only by seaplane, helicopter or boat. The retreat features 25 luxury tents each with views of the sound and offering access to a swag of adventures from horse-riding, whale, and bear-spotting to canyoning and scenic helicopter flights.

Clayoquot-Wilderness-Resort-Cookhouse-and-Ivanhoe-Waterfront-Lounge_Photo-by-Bryan-Stockton-scaled

Working closely with KSL Capital Partners since April 2019, Baillie Lodges has developed a three-year strategy to elevate the guest experience and bring the award-winning luxury wilderness lodge into the company’s growing portfolio of boutique luxury lodges around the world. As part of the plan, the lodge was renamed to align with its Baillie Lodges sister properties in Australia; Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Longitude 131˚ at Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. Baillie Lodges’ flagship property, the award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge was tragically destroyed in the bushfires on Kangaroo Island in early 2020, an event that drew global media attention.

Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge will reopen for its 2021 season on May 13 and operate through until September 30, 2021. Ahead of the season launch, the property will undergo an interior refurbishment of its 25 luxury tents, leading with a lighter, more refined, and contemporary vibe inside with luxurious linens, new king beds and bespoke furnishings created by local artisans. The tents will retain their individual styles with views opening directly to Clayoquot Sound and its pristine wilderness surrounds.

“We’ve been struck by not only the possibilities for this remarkable lodge, but also by the ready synergies between Clayoquot and our existing luxury lodges.”

James & Hayley Baillie

A second stage in the property’s renovations will take place after the 2021 season, and include a significant refurbishment to the Cookhouse Restaurant, bar, and central guest facilities. Renowned for its range of exhilarating adventures as well as spa treatments and daily yoga, the new-look Clayoquot will feature an itinerary of signature experiences to showcase the natural highlights of Vancouver Island, and align it with the all-inclusive product profile of the existing Baillie Lodges properties.

General Manager Sarah Cruse will once again lead the team, and returning with her are many loyal Canadian staff members who know and love the property. Two of Baillie Lodges’ key staff members will also join the Clayoquot family next year, including Executive Chef Asher Blackford, formerly of sister property Southern Ocean Lodge, and Kate Hollick, formerly of Longitude 131˚, who will take up her role as Assistant General Manager in a very different wilderness setting.

Baillie Lodges’ Founders James and Hayley are thrilled to bring a world-renowned wilderness camp of Clayoquot’s calibre into the collection. “It’s a very natural fit for Clayoquot to be part of the Baillie Lodges family and will be the most remote and wild addition to the collection to date.” Baillie Lodges looks forward to bringing a new energy and spirit to an already special product, and to introducing our guests to exciting new itineraries in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

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