World's best hotels: Southern Ocean Lodge named number four in 2016 Travel + Leisure awards

South Australian resort Southern Ocean Lodge has been named the fourth best hotel in the world in the respected US Travel + Leisure magazine's 2016 World's Best Awards.

The remote luxury lodge perched on the cliffs of on Kangaroo Island tied with Hawaii's Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina in Maui with a score of 97.39 out of 100 to jointly claim the fourth spot.

Designed by architect Max Pritchard, Southern Ocean Lodge has become one of Australia's most recognised luxury properties since opening in 2008.

Traveller.com.au's Mark Chipperfield gave the lodge a five out of five rating in his review.

"Southern Ocean Lodge wrote the book in terms of luxe wilderness in Australia, so expectations are very high. The resort does not disappoint. Despite its obvious glamour and exclusivity, the property manages to retain an unstuffy, youthful vibe – but with the correct formalities when required," he wrote.

However, it was Indonesian resort Nihiwatu which took out the No. 1 spot on the list for 2016. Located on the island of Sumba, it was noted for its exceptional seafood offerings but "what really sets Nihiwatu apart is its strong connection with Sumba, Indonesia and its people, who make up 90 per cent of the staff".

South Carolina's The Spectator in Charleston came in at No.2 with New Zealand's Huka Lodge in Taupo taking out the third spot.

The Travel + Leisure awards lists 100 of the best hotels based on the results of an international reader survey. The list will feature in the August issue of the magazine.

Top 10 hotels named in Travel + Leisure's 2016 World's Best Awards