Swell Lodge
Martin Point, Christmas Island 6798 Australia
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About
#1 of 3 lodges in Christmas Island
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Like nothing else on Earth: Perched on the sea cliff on the far, uninhabited side of one of Australia's most remote and fascinating islands is hidden a jaw-dropping new eco-lodge. Featuring a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass front opening to an expansive deck that gazes out to sunset over the ocean where seabirds soar past at eye-level, a luxurious Italian-tiled ensuite bathroom and hot shower with a view into the jungle greenery, king size bed, stone bench tops, glass sculptures, canvas-side walls with expansive zip-down meshed windows, ceiling fan and more... Every piece of this remarkable, solar-powered wilderness escape has been carefully carried in and assembled by hand in the middle of one of Australia’s most amazing National Parks. Swell Lodge has been awarded Ecotourism Australia's highest level of certification 'Advanced Ecotourism' as well as a 'Climate Action Business' reserved for exemplary operators for our ecological sustainability, natural area management and provision of authentic experiences, which, together with our included carbon-offset program allows you to fall sleep to the peaceful sound of the swell, completely guilt-free.
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Property amenities
Beach
Airport transportation
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Location
Martin Point, Christmas Island 6798 Australia
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Rental CarsSee all Christmas Island car hire
29Reviews2Q+A7Room tips
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Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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If reviews could glow then this one would be glowing brightly afar :) I spent 3 nights in the Swell lodge and wish I coud spend a lifetime. I was met by a smiling guide Victoria at Xmas Island airport and driven to the lodge. It is about 30mins drive. 63% of the island is national park and within it there is only place where one can spend a night. Swell lodge and it has just two rooms! So you are guaranteed an absolute privacy in the middle of Indian ocean. The drive is on tar road and part of it on dirt road. Once there you have to walk one minute downhill through a windy path to where you hear the ocean. That roaring noise will be your lullaby or wake up call. You are given a code to open the doors. Once you open them, please make sure to take your shoes inside as robber crabs will steal them otherwise and try to eat them! Inside you immediately see an outdoor terrace, huge waves rolling and turquoise waters. Only then you will notice a spacious room with huge kingsize bed, sofa as well table. Behind the bed are 4 highchairs facing the ocean. The bathroom is in the back. The toilet itself is a septic tank, so do do forget to close it. There is no aircon just an overhead fan which is more then enough. There is no mobile signal here but inroom wifi is reliable and fast. You have a full fridge with beers, soft drinks, wines, water and gin as well as some small snacks. There is coffee machine as well and wide choice of teas. Every evening a private chef comes over and cooks you a fresh dinner. Mine was John and honestly what he did was magic. Once you know how the island operates you are even more grateful for wonderful meals served. I think the best restaurants in the world would like them. After the dinner the chef leaves, stocks up the fridge with goodies for breakfast which you have to make yourselves and leave. You are all alone in the National park. It is yours to explore! You are alone. I recommend a walk to Merriel´s beach and Anderson Dale. Follow the footpath and triangular markings on the trees. You will be usually picked by at around 10:00 for your day tours, with returns around 16:00. I did not have a single less than perfect experience. Swell lodge is the best the island has to offer. Thank you Victoria for lovely tours, John for for bursting my tastebuds and Kyle for quick email responses. This is a lovely, serene, peaceful place.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Manager Swell Lodge, General Manager at Swell Lodge
Responded 15 Oct 2023
Thanks for the kind review Tomas, it was great having you stay and we look forward to hosting you again one day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My (now) wife and I eloped to Christmas Island and spent a week at Swell Lodge. In addition to the fantastic tours, delicious food and personalised service, the whole team went above and beyond to make our trip - and wedding day - truly exceptional. We can't speak highly enough of how Kyle, Hayley, Victoria and John looked after us. Swell is definitely one of the best places we have ever stayed, and a superb way to enjoy Christmas Island.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Manager Swell Lodge, General Manager at Swell Lodge
Responded 15 Oct 2023
Thanks Nils, we are glad to be a part of your special day, thanks for the review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a wonderful week at Swell Lodge. We had never been to Christmas Island before and so really didn't know what to expect. The location of the Lodge is extraordinary, looking out directly across the bay with waves crashing on the reef below, seabirds swooping past the deck, and pods of spinner dolphins jumping past in the ocean. The staff were exceptional with Hayley or Victoria picking us up each morning for guided tours of the island, or dropping us at our diving pickup point on the days we were diving. They were endlessly helpful, knowleable and great company on our guided walks to remote beaches and waterfalls, which we loved. John, the chef who cooked us remarkable 3 course meals each evening in our room, just for us, was amazing! The food was outstanding. Lunch was either gourmet picnic lunches prepared by John, or on a couple of days, we ate in local diners so we could sample the local Malay cuisine which was excellent. All of this was included, as well as shopping at the local supermarket where we were able to select our own snacks of choice as well as wines from a remarkably good selection of Australian and imported wines. The only extras we paid for was diving (which was fantastic on pristine reefs) and a wonderful massage on our deck, all of which were organised by Swell. Excellent snorkelling was available in Flying Fish Cove where we were dropped by Hayley or Victoria, and you could snorkel straight off the jetty. The birdlife on the island was wonderful and the different varieties of crabs that were everywhere were nothing like we had ever seen. All in all, for those who love nature combined with outstanding service and catering, Swell is certainly somewhere we would recommend. …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Manager Swell Lodge, General Manager at Swell Lodge
Responded 12 Sept 2023
Thankyou for the review, we enjoyed having you stay with us and hope to see you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed for a week and thoroughly enjoyed our time at Swell Lodge with stunning views over the ocean, seeing different areas of Christmas Island and the wildlife. The wildlife was never far away, there were red crabs on the path to our lodge most mornings, birds nesting nearby and fish in the rockpools below the balcony. Our guides Victoria, Haley & Kyle took us out each day other than the rest day to see and experience the island. The daily itinerary was tailored to our interests and capabilities. On our rest day we walked to Martin Point and the Dales, the afternoon was then spent at the lodge where it is very easy to relax and be distracted by the ocean or the Birds flying by. Chef John prepared meals that would be at home in any fine restaurant, they were beautifully presented with flowers from their garden and some local plants (sea purslane), all the meals were delicious. We loved our whole experience on CI at the Lodge and were a little sad to leave at the end of the week.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Manager Swell Lodge, General Manager at Swell Lodge
Responded 12 Sept 2023
Thankyou for the review, we enjoyed having you stay with us and hope to see you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We initially wanted to visit Christmas Island to witness the annual red crab migration but soon discovered the island has so much to offer! Swell Lodge appealed to us as it was an all inclusive holiday stay and we are absolutely delighted with our decision to book for a week. Our awesome tour guides Haley & Kyle picked us up everyday (bar for a rest day) and showed us all the amazing adventures and sights to see and experience. We had so much fun and they tailored the daily itinerary to our interests and suit our capabilities. We will never forget the exhilarating E-bike ride to the grotto for a quick dip, the forgotten train reclaimed by the jungle, rescuing the rare and endangered juvenile Abbotts booby bird I named ‘Dora’ and visiting her in the bird rehabilitation centre, the many coves and hidden beaches for snorkelling or crab watching, eating beef rendang lovingly cooked and sold from a street van in the settlement and the friendly and welcoming locals! Our days were exciting and adventurous which is exactly what we were hoping for but if staying in and relaxing is your thing, you are free to do whatever you want. Chef Issy delighted us with his creativity and exquisitely presented food that would match any fine dining establishment. The Lodge itself was exceptionally clean and beautifully presented. The view from our balcony atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean was stunning whilst the sounds of the ocean lulled us into sleep every night. Getting back to the crabs, we were extremely lucky to be there whilst there was a second spawning. We saw the females on the march to the ocean and we saw baby crabs….thousands of them! Red crabs might be the stars in December, but there’s also amazing bird life, some endemic to the island and many other crab varieties including the majestic Robber crabs which can be a mix of colours including blue, purple, orange and yellow!!Described as the Galapagos of Australia with David Attenborough naming the red crab migration as a great wonder of the world, this place should definitely be on your bucket list. We are big believers in booking direct to ensure the smaller and boutique business owners get maximum benefits and continue to provide these special and unique holidays. We scored a beautiful gift to take home for booking our stay direct on Swell Lodge website!!! We will definitely return one day to Christmas Island and Swell Lodge.…
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Manager Swell Lodge, General Manager at Swell Lodge
Responded 12 Sept 2023
Thankyou for the review, we enjoyed having you stay with us and hope to see you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed at the lodge for 3 nights for our anniversary and had the best time from the moment we arrived. We loved waking up to the sound of the waves and the birdlife flying over the ocean. What a world class view. The eco-tent was perfect, comfortable with everything supplied. Having Issy (chef) come to our lodge each night to cook us up a scrumptious 3 course meal was pure luxury. The food was delicious. Getting taken around the island each day by Hayley and Kyle was such an adventure. The island has so many breathtaking sights to see. We loved experiencing seeing the wilderness, stunning coastline and wildlife on the island. The snorkelling off the main beach was fantastic especially when we found out that there was a drop to snorkel off, that was sensational. It's worth every cent for such a special location and experience. Thanks Swell Lodge for helping to create some amazing memories. …
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
I just fell in love with this place. From the moment the staff collected us from the airport to the moment we said goodbye, our week on Christmas Island was an absolute privilege. Swell Lodge is truly the most amazing place to stay, right on the coast on the edge of the rainforest. The guides - Hayley and Kyle - and the chef Issy were just awesome - friendly, knowledgeable and always looking to make our stay even better. I would normally never spend this much on a holiday but have zero regrets. If you're going to make the most of travelling to such a remote place with limited tourist infrastructure, spending the extra to stay at Swell Lodge is absolutely worthwhile. The island is stunningly beautiful. I want to go back! Thank you Swell Lodge for the holiday of a lifetime.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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Room Tip: Both of the lodges are beautiful.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
You are not really off grid :). Voip phone, reliable internet, personal chef, (Issey, amazing), excellent guides Nina, Hayley and Kyle. Stunning sunsets, off chart bird watching, what else can you ask for? Paired with in room chef (issey) wines, beers of your choice. The island itself, has varied tours and history. Thank you Chris for having the vision for us to experience your hideaway on the edge of the ocean in the jungle.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
We’ve done a bit of travelling, but never anything like this! An ‘overseas’ holiday in Australia, in a spectacular eco-lodge with absolutely nothing to disturb you except nature in all its forms (the mosquitoes being the only lowlight). Views and sunsets were out of this world. Issy, the ‘resident’ chef never failed to impress each and every day with quality and variety under pretty challenging conditions. Could not fault a thing - one highlight being his 36 hour pork belly, or maybe the tuna ceviche, or the choc-whisky ice cream? And Donna was simply a delight to have as our guide, going over and beyond and making sure we were looked after. Snorkelling, swimming with Giant Trevally, the blowholes and Dales were standout experiences. Sheer bliss.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Really the only up market place to stay (and eat!) and Christmas Island. Great for those that like some solitude and be immersed in the national park. The sound of the waves breaking is all you will hear. The permanent tent/chalet is very comfortable and there is solar power and hot water and internet connection (no phones here). The location in the National Park is very remote, so you need to make sure you have everything you need with you. Literally there are simply two cabins (ie no reception). Quite an interesting business model. Your personal chef, Issy, will cook amazing dinner for you, which is truly world class. For breakfast you have cereal, fruit and yoghurt and during the day you are ‘out on tour’ with a picnic lunch. Donna, Hayley and Kyle were great guides and I feel I really got to experience the island. Highlights were the Blowholes, swimming with the trevally and sadly seeing the terrible plastics on Greta Beach. I would recommend Swell Lodge to those who have been remote before. There is no ‘room service’ or room cleaning/bed making etc, however it is a great experience and you will truly feel a connection with nature. I should point out there are no decent restaurants on Christmas Island. The supermarket shelves are bare, yet Issy managed to provide city slicker dinners for which I was grateful.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Bring everything you need with you, ie books, iPad etc, there is no TV or DVD player (or...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
USD 974 - USD 1,368 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaChristmas Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swell Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Swell Lodge?
Nearby attractions include The Dales Hiking Trail (1.6 km), West White Beach (2.8 km), and Anderson Dale Walk (1.4 km).
Does Swell Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Swell Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.