โรงแรมซีดรากอน คังการู ไอส์แลนด์

The setting for the hotel is superb with views you could gaze at for hours but our 2 night stay was not good. We had booked our stay through an agent and unbeknownst to us we were on a package deal which we have subsequently learnt are being phased out. We thought it was a bit odd when we were asked to choose from two main courses the day prior to our stay. No one explained that a la carte options were available at extra cost ( which we would have been happy to pay). As a result my husband, who has a shellfish allergy ,which the hotel were advised of in advance, had no choice at all on one night whilst other guests in the dining room seemed to have a wide variety of options . We definitely felt like 2nd class guests.Subsequent to our stay our agents have visited the hotel and advise that a new manager has introduced changes and the package deal is only being honoured for existing bookings. My advice to anyone with an existing booking would be to check what will be available to you before you arrive. I had a chuckle to myself when I saw the photo of the sea food platter as that definitely will not be available to package guests.

The Sea Dragon on Kangaroo Island has its own particular sort of magic. The accommodation is based on villas and rooms set in large semi wild grounds and facing the sea with a main block for meals. Progress to and fro is monitored by members of the island's unique (and very laid back) kangaroo species. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and well looked after, and the Sea Dragon provides breakfast and evening meals of a very high standard. So why did we like it so much - the sense of being surrounded by nature. It seems to be a feature of the island that the animals and birds are relaxed about the presence of humans because they know that people will not get intrusively close; - the very warm, friendly, and personal approach of Karin and all of the young enthusiastic staff; - the care taken to ensure that there will always be something on the menu which everyone will like (which includes both contacting guests in advance to find out about dietary requirements and preferences, and being flexible when you are there); - the fantastic tours which are part of the package, with expert guides (in our case the wonderful Bridgette) who know both their subject matter and the Island itself very well. Karin seems keen to try new things - in our case there was an evening torchlight trip to see (amongst other things) the nocturnal wallabies who also share property and are normally pretty much invisible. So I would expert further improvements to be brought in. In our experience, it was already very special.

One of the best holidays we have ever had -3 days at the Sea Dragon paradise. There are so many positives including a beautiful room and great food. However the highlight was the wonderful hospitality provided by Karen and her team. We would have no hesitation in returning to Sea Dragon one day.