Let’s face it — you deserve a holiday. We know you do. Stop whatever you’re doing — we have your next weekend away sorted. Or, at least, The Australian Traveller does.
Since they launched in 2005, the travel mag has been promoting the best places to visit, see and stay in Australia, so when they released their latest ‘100 Unique Stays’ list recently, it was great to see so many incredible South Australian accommodation destinations on their list.
From an inner city stay-cation, an escape to the country, a tiny-cabin stay or glamping among vineyards, some of our absolute favourite getaways in SA have been listed.
Here’s all of the SA places featured in the top 100 Unique Stays list.
1. Sequoia, Adelaide Hills
Sequoia promises unrivalled panoramic views and exclusive experiences, with luxury like you’ve never seen.
Just opened, the exquisite, ultra-luxury retreat boasts 14 stunning guest suites, with every room enjoying 180º panoramic views of the spectacular Piccadilly Valley. You can sleep under the star-filled sky on a lush king- sized bed.
And if staying in is more your style, daily gourmet breakfasts, drinks and tasting plates are available in-house.
South Australian owned and operated by David Horbelt and his business partner Malcolm Bean, Sequoia’s ethos is for guests to relax, revive and celebrate in style.
For more info, click here.
You can find Sequoia at 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers.
2. Oval Hotel, Adelaide SA
With its glamorous wine and coffee bar at reception overlooking St Peter’s Cathedral and parklands, the decadent Bespoke Bar overlooking the oval itself, and its Five Regions fine dining restaurant (also wrapping the iconic Adelaide Oval), there’s plenty of reasons to visit this amazing inner-city stay.
With just a short walk to the CBD, you can venture out to your favourite restaurants in our beloved CBD, be wined and dined in the hotel itself, or even brave a Roof Climb over the Adelaide Oval — it’s an experience we strongly recommend you tick off your to-visit list!
You can book your stay here.
Find the Oval Hotel on King William Rd, North Adelaide SA 5006.
3. Hotel Indigo, Adelaide Markets, SA
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, reflecting the Gouger Street neighbourhood just west of Victoria Square, is rich in personality, and features bold design that tells our raw and refined Adelaide neighbourhood story and will start guest conversations.
The vibrant rooms and suites at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets feature colourful wall art which is inspired by and pays homage to the legendary history of the Adelaide Festival.
The hotel’s modern colour palette is brightened by an abundance of natural light, and locally influenced décor is celebrated in the famed tessellated tile patterns Adelaide is famous for, with copper fixtures harking back to South Australia’s copper mining history.
To make a booking, click here.
You can find the Hotel Indigo at 23-29 Market St, Adelaide SA 5000.
4. Bellwether, Coonawarra SA
Glamping was always on the horizon at Bellwether. It started with the flashest Dunny block any Shearing Shed has ever seen, then came the gently curved limestone roadway, water and power, and then their very first Bell tent. Erected on a timber deck and furnished with creature comforts, you can enjoy it year-round and be snug in Winter, but still enjoy the sound of the Kookaburras and Cockatoos. They already have six tents, four with Queen beds and two set up as twin singles.
Queen tents are $200/night including a bottle of Coonawarra Cabernet. Twin singles are $180/night including a bottle of Coonawarra Cabernet.
Bookings can be made here.
You can find Bellwether Wines at 14183 Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra SA 5277.
5. CABN X, McLaren Vale
Fantasise about living off-grid? These self-contained, luxury cabins might be for you!
The two new architecturally designed nature escapes, standing eleven feet high with floor to ceiling glass walls, are set privately on acres of untouched native Australian bushland and offer guests views across rows of vines through to the coast of Port Willunga.
Both cabins are fitted with a king-sized bed, bathroom with bath and sauna, lounge space with a log fire and hand-picked furnishings, a high-end Weber kitchen and sunken bath on the deck.
“Giles” and “William” are located on a private area of the Gemtree Winery property with a bio dynamic and organic vineyard. Gemtree’s wines are provided to guests along with premium produce from across the peninsula including Paris Creek milk and butter and a selection of organic meats from the local McLaren Flat butcher.
Cultural and ecological tours are provided in collaboration with Gemtree Wines and are available by appointment. Giles and William are available for booking from $595 per night.
Read more about the tiny cabins here.
6. Oceanview Eco Villas, Kangaroo Island, SA
Want a luxury stay while still feeling good about your environmental footprint? Kangaroo Island’s Oceanville Eco Villas are guaranteed to leave you rested and rejuvenated as you take in the breathtaking views of Nepean Bay.
Here, you will be treated to a three-course dinner in the privacy of your own villa, showcasing both KI and South Australian producers and winemakers.
The villas are located at 31 Point Morrison Road, Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island SA.
Book your next escape here.
7. Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges
Still looking for an environmentally-friendly option? Take a trip to the Flinders Ranges’ Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station.
Advertised as ideal for couples, these one and two-bedroom villas are fully self-contained with spacious living and dining areas — not to mention private verandas and a common swimming pool exclusive for guests.
Exercise your adventure streak with day walks, 4WD adventures or a helicopter ride from your accomodation.
Book your stay here!
Rawnsley Park Station Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker SA 5434
8. Naiko Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
Image via Naiko Retreat
Located on the coastline of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Naiko Retreat is a refuge from the everyday. The eco-luxe destination is situated within Rarkang, a 2000 acre operating sheep farm, and offers up panoramic views of hilltops and the ocean. Guests can also enjoy their own secluded beach, with private access.
he television-free haven, is the perfect place to unwind, spend some quality time with friends or family, or just to watch the winter storms roll in over the colder months.
The luxury accommodation caters for up to 6 adults, with three King size bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and free-standing bath.
Naiko Retreat rates start from $990 a night.
Find out more about this amazing accommodation here: https://naikoretreat.com.au/
Read more about Naiko Retreat here.
You can find the retreat at Naiko Inlet, Deep Creek SA 5204.
9. Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA
If staying remote is more your fancy, consider a trip to one of SA’s most iconic outback pubs, where you’ll be hosted by fourth generation Flinders Rangers pastoralist and cattleman Ross Fargher, his wife Jane, and their sons Lachy and Eddie.
The gorgeous outback lodge consists of just 12 rooms, allowing a sense of privacy whilst also getting to know your hosts.
Whilst staying at the Prairie, you can bring out your inner Indiana Jones with many adventure experiences on offer — including a guided tour to the nearby Ediacara fossil field, or a helicopter ride through the ranges.
Or, if you’re just looking to relax, you can take in the plethora of stars on display each night, as you bring yourself back to nature.
Dinner and breakfast is also included in your stay.
To book your stay, click here.
High St &, West Terrace, Parachilna SA 5730
10. My Sister & The Sea, Yorke Peninsula, SA
After a three-hour car ride (including a mandatory photo sitting on the ‘Welcome to York Peninsula’ sign), guests will pull up in the small township of Marion Bay. There sits an oh so chic weatherboard cottage. My Sister & The Sea is a whimsical 1950s Airbnb property, pulled straight from the Swedish summer beaches.
The cottage itself is an easy stroll away from the beaches and a five-minute drive from Innes National Park. What makes My Sister & The Sea so incredibly special is the sense of awe-inspiring calm as soon as you step through the front door.
Tranquil, elegant and simple, the cottage has three bedrooms, all nautically themed, with their own unique colour palettes. There’s also a covered back deck and a fire pit area, as well as a detached rumpus room perfect for relaxing.
To read more about this gorgeous cottage, click here.
My Sister & The Sea can be found at 7 Waratah Avenue, Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, 5575.
You can make a booking here.
11. The Coach House at Hillenvale, McLaren Vale SA
If you’re looking for a rural stay, among freely roaming sheep and kangaroos, The Coach House at Hillenvale is sure to rejuvenate you.
At first glance, the quaint, country-style stay may remind one of Iris’s cottage home in the classic film, ‘The Holiday’, with its cosy-but-modern decor. But, we invite you to be the judge.
Advertised as a couple’s retreat, you have the opportunity to get out and explore, or never leave the house. The accomodation is equipped with a country-style kitchen, lounge room, luxurious bedroom and bathroom, and an outdoor deck perfect for sharing a glass of wine with peaceful sunset.
You can find The Coach House at 194 Cut Hill Rd, Kangarilla SA 5157.
To book, click here:
12. Kingsford the Barossa, Barossa Valley, SA
Image credit: Kingsford the Barossa
Nestled amongst in 225 acres of rolling hills, gum trees and riverbanks, and having previously been used as the set of McLeod’s Daughters, Kingsford The Barossa dates back to 1856 and sits on the edge of the world-renowned Barossa valley wine region, just 45 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
The exclusive luxury retreat recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade, completing a significant expansion to the property.
Formerly Kingsford Homestead, the incredible expansion has added four east-facing View Suites, where guests will enjoy panoramic, uninterrupted views of the local native landscape from the comfort of their bed, lounge or private courtyard.
The exclusive nature of the resort means that privacy for guests is guaranteed, with 16 suites that can sleep up to 32 people.
Find out and book your stay here.
Email Kingsford The Barossa about booking your stay at [email protected]
13. Dune House, Kangaroo Island.
Nestled on the crest of a protected sand dune in a natural bush setting, Dune house overlooks a length of pristine Emu Bay coast. With its north facing aspect, Dune House is as good as it gets on Kangaroo Island. Architecturally designed, painstakingly detailed and impeccably furnished with high quality bespoke and imported items, a stay here offers you the opportunity of a lifetime.
The circular design of Dune House provides light and views for every room. Step off the timber and stone deck and find yourself right on the sand. Swim or walk along the 5km white beach, watching the dolphins as you go. Lounge on the deck with koalas, wallabies, penguins, an echidna or a goanna, all likely to visit at leisure.
With three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, the Dune House can sleep up to 6 guests. Prices start from $1200 per night.
For more info or to book, head to https://www.hamiltondune.com.au/accommodation-dune-house
Larger groups may book in conjunction with Hamilton House nearby.
You can find Dune House on Dune Rd, Emu Bay SA 5223.
To check out the full 100 Unique Stays list, head to the Australian Traveller website here.
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