4 Best Hotels in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island

Located on a hillside overlooking Nepean Bay and the town of Kingscote, these bayview villas are fully equipped, self-contained accommodations with a private patio and barbecue facilities perfect for the warmer months. The luxury three-bedroom villas have full-length plate-glass windows that take advantage of the unsurpassed views and the modern, spacious living areas and bathrooms are newly built and ideal for families.

Facing beautiful Eastern Cove at American River, the island's oldest resort has rooms that overlook open water or the saltwater pool; the most attractive are the "waterview" rooms, which have mud-brick walls, warm terra-cotta tones, and king-size beds. You can taste some of Kangaroo Island's bounty in the restaurant (A$28–A$35). Two great choices are island seafood bouillabaisse and grilled Kangaroo Island King George whiting. It's 39 km (24 miles) southeast of Kingscote.

The original Victorian facade on this two-story 1920s hotel, directly opposite the new section across the road, hides surprisingly modern and spacious rooms that overlook Nepean Bay. The choicest accommodations, however, are in the newer adjoining wing. Lots of windows, flat-screen TVs, vibrant modern artworks, and some in-room whirlpool tubs make the new suites, townhouses, and Penthouse Apartments among the island's best. The huge bistro menu stars local seafood, and the wine list runs to 100 vintages, many of them local. The airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Delightful local artworks dot the walls in this country inn's stylish units, all of which have king-size beds. The elevated veranda and à la carte restaurant, where breakfast is served, have splendid views across Eastern Cove to the mainland. Order the seafood platters to try the freshest local crayfish, prawns, American River oysters, K.I. Marron, squid, scallops, octopus, and more.