Nestled within the idyllic embrace of the Adelaide Hills in South Australia lies Mount Lofty, a sanctuary of breathtaking landscapes and serene tranquility. Within this picturesque setting stands the historic Mount Lofty House, initially constructed in 1852 by Arthur Hardy. Adjacent to this 30-key establishment, the newer addition of Sequoia Lodge, a luxurious six-star multi-award-winning adults-only retreat, welcomed its first guests in March 2021 with 14 75-square-metre open-plan luxury suites. By the way, this Sequoia Lodge is in no way related to the accommodation at Disneyland Paris with the same name.
Sequoia is a Californian redwood tree native to the US. Hardy planted Sequoia trees here five years before he built his grand summer house, and three of these 174-year-old trees made it till now. The Sequoia motif depicts a cross-section of the tree, and guests will see it discretely featured on embossed writing paper, on the front door mat, etched on metal plates that shield external light fittings within the rock-walled courtyard.
Located just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD and 17km from Adelaide Airport, Sequoia Lodge is nestled within a sprawling 30-acre natural expanse. Adelaide Hills Botanic Gardens and thousands of acres of national park offer a serene escape. Mount Lofty is fondly referred to as Koala Mountain, and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of some koalas there. We didn’t get the chance to see any during our two-night stay because of the packed schedule organized by the South Australia Tourism Commission.
Sequoia Lodge is Australian Lodge 2023 winner of the HM Awards and winner of Luxury Hotel Accommodation 2023 in the South Australian Tourism Awards and the Australian Hotels Association Awards.
At time of publishing, we checked Sequoia Lodge’s booking page, and suite rates start from AUD1,699 a night.
Warm Welcome Checking In at Sequoia Lodge
Upon arrival, head to the guest lounge where you can check in while enjoying a glass of Mount Lofty’s Sequoia Blanc de Blanc or a cup of coffee. Enjoy the cookies in the jar anytime during your stay. There’s no rush; take your time. When you’re ready, you’ll be guided to your suite, which is just a short walk away.
Your suite includes a full bottle of the Sequoia Blanc de Blanc style sparkling. About 1,500 bottles of Sequoia sparkling wine are produced each year in the methode traditional style. I enjoyed the crisp, green apple notes of this sparkling.
The Sequoia Lodge Suite
As you enter, you’ll pass by a large bathroom that looks like a spa. With the press of a button, blinds open to reveal a private garden and the bedroom on the opposite end. Enjoy the convenience of automation. The bathroom lights and heated floors are equipped with sensors that activate when a guest enters and turn off three minutes after they leave.
Jurlique, an iconic luxury skincare brand from South Australia, offers its high-end products at Sequoia Lodge. Guests can enjoy moisturising hand sanitisers in the lounge, as well as moisturising hand and body wash, hydrating body lotion, and shampoo and conditioner in their suites.
The Jurlique Farm is less than half hour drive away. You can go for a 1.5 hour Jurlique Farm Tour and discover the herbs, flowers and plants cultivated for Jurlique’s products. Also check out the showcase garden, seed propagation area and biodynamic preparation area and herb dying shed during the tour. Book a Jurlique VIP Tour and Spa in Hahndorf with KLOOK.
Next, you’ll step into the bedroom, which offers a view of the suite’s lounge area. A television separates the bedroom from the lounge, but it can be turned off and retracted into the bespoke timber cabinet, leaving an unobstructed view of the Piccadilly Valley beyond. It rises when you choose to watch any programmes from the comfort of your bed.
Angeled moon windows overhead let you stargaze from your king-size bed. You can lower the blinds to avoid being awakened by the morning sunlight. Beautiful, thoughtful and so romantic.
There’s a Basket Range stone fireplace in the living room that comes in handy during cooler seasons. Here’s where the mini bar is, a pod coffee machine, a selection of tea leaves for your to indulge. A plush throw blanket ensures maximum comfort.
Chill on the outdoor day bed on the expansive outdoor balcony and enjoy the fresh air and views. But close the doors, otherwise the air conditioning in the room automatically shuts down.
The turn-down service is fantastic. After dinner, you’ll return to your room to find a glass of 10-year-old Grand Tawny from Seppeitsfield or some delicious chocolates waiting for you. There’s a new surprise each night. The staff will pamper you, making you want to return again and again.
Book the Artesian Spring-fed Hot Pool
Guests can reserve the artesian hot pools, which are filled with natural underground spring water, for private use. We managed to take an early morning dip at 6 to catch the stunning sunrise. This was the only opportunity we had to use the pool during our stay. Due to the higher elevation, it was windy and cold. I stayed in the hot pool while Dennis braved the colder infinity pool.
The sunrise here is stunning, and we highly recommend you don’t miss it.
Food & Beverage Options at Mount Lofty House
Mount Lofty House also offers accommodation and a selection of food and beverage options under one roof including the 3 Chef Hat Award-winning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant and lounges & bars. Or you can also dine at Sequoia Lounge.
Dine at the 3 Chef Hat Awarded Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant
Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant opened in 2017 after extensive renovations and quickly garnered rave reviews and awards. By 2020, it has been serving degustation menus that showcase South Australia’s produce.
We had the A$189 HVR Dining Experience for dinner. Drink pairing options are available at an additional A$109 for the Sommelier wine matching or A$209 for the Premium wine matching.
If you are seated early enough, you’ll catch the sunset view. Enjoy the surreal view while you dig in and enjoy a few aperitifs before you enjoy a gourmet experience.
Dine in the Lounge at Sequoia Lodge
There’s also an option to dine in the Guest Lounge in Sequoia Lodge. We dined here for our second night. A small menu features contemporary Australian dishes that focus on locally sourced and seasonal produce with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Disclaimer: Our stay at Sequioa Lodge was paid for by South Australia Tourism Commission, but opinions expressed are our own.
Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty, South Australia
Address 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers SA 5152, Australia
Tel +61 (0) 8 8130 9230
Web https://www.sequoialodge.com.au
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Reservations Expedia | Trip.com | Direct
