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Sometimes you just need to escape somewhere that feels far away, even if it’s not.
Just twenty minutes from the city, Mount Lofty Estate sits high above the Adelaide Hills and is arguably South Australia’s premier luxury accommodation experience. And this summer, off the back of winning South Australia’s Best Hotel for its third year, the estate is opening its doors to a different kind of experience.
Slated to open later this month, the Summer Terrace Bar sits in the courtyard of the estate and will turn the lawns into an open-air cocktail garden with sweeping valley views. The bar will also play host to industry-best guest producers, including names like Prohibition Gin and Howard Vineyards.
Surrounded by manicured gardens and sweeping views – and a legacy of luxury dating back to the 1850s, when it was first built as Arthur Hardy’s summer home – the estate offers a rare opulence and deep connection to nature. It’s the perfect backdrop to a romantic, bucket-list getaway, and the summer iteration brings its own unique magic.
“Summer at Mount Lofty House is a celebration of sunshine, fine food, and the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in full bloom,” says general manager Nicole Richards.
“The estate comes alive with long, golden evenings, sparkling valley views, and the scent of gardens in full flourish.”
Guests can venture up the hill and watch the sunset over glasses of champagne and cocktails – or better still – linger longer and completely immerse themselves in its premium accommodation packages.
There are two accommodation experiences – the Mount Lofty House Summer Escape in the 5-star boutique hotel itself, and Summer Stay 3 Pay 2 at the adults-only retreat, Sequoia Lodge.
The Summer Escape is a two-night package designed for couples and special occasions. From $499 per night, it includes a stay in one of Mount Lofty’s elegant rooms with 21 signature experiences valued at $850, sparkling wine on arrival, daily à la carte breakfast overlooking the valley, and a $100 dining credit to use at Hardy’s Verandah or Martha’s Restaurant. Guests also receive a $25 per person credit for the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, access to Arthur and Martha’s Adelaide Hills Adventure Trail, and the highlight of the season, the Summer Seafood Experience.
“Our Summer Seafood experience celebrates the best of South Australia’s coastal produce, paired with the Hills’ finest wines,” explains Richards.
“Guests can create their own personally flavoured oyster and ceviche platter, guided by our Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant chefs, all whilst sipping on our Summit Sparkling overlooking our stunning valley views from the terrace bar.”
Every stay unfolds at its own pace. Some guests start their morning with led yoga and meditation, walk through our 30 acres of lush gardens, lounge by the pool with a glass of Tapanappa, or indulge in a treatment at our Gatekeeper’s Day Spa. “The beauty of Mount Lofty House,” Richards says, “is that every stay feels deeply personal.”
“[There’s] everything from sparkling wine on arrival, wine tastings, celebrating at our Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, playing a game of billiards in our lounge.. the list of experiences is endless!” she adds.
Just a short walk up the hill lies the second accommodation offer, suited to those after something quieter and more private. Sequoia Lodge is an exclusive retreat sitting atop Mount Lofty. From $1999 per suite per night, guests can enjoy a stay at one of its fourteen intimate suites, each offering uninterrupted views across the Piccadilly Valley. Every stay includes more than 32 curated experiences, from sunrise yoga to wine tastings.
“Sequoia is a private sanctuary perched above the Piccadilly Valley, designed for complete immersion in luxury and nature,” says Richards.
“Guests wake to uninterrupted valley views, relax in natural spring-fed hot pools, and enjoy exclusive experiences with local winemakers. It’s refined, peaceful and unforgettable.”
The exclusive Summer Stay 3 Pay 2 offer invites guests to enjoy three nights for the price of two, so you can linger in luxury a little longer.
“It’s an invitation to slow down and truly unwind,” shares Richards. “The perfect way to extend your Hills escape and soak in everything Sequoia or Mount Lofty House has to offer, from our world-class dining to our tranquil day spa and signature experiences.”
A stay at Mount Lofty Estate is something only fully understood once experienced.
Guests can explore gastronomic wonder at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, a seasonal degustation inside the historic manor and out across the verandah overlooking the valley. Hardy’s Bar and the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge invite long, slow afternoons, while the library and billiards room are perfect for quiet evenings. Beyond the property itself, guests can wander through the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden or Cleland Wildlife Park, with more than 300 kilometres of walking trails on the doorstep.
“Mount Lofty House offers that classic heritage charm and grandeur, while Sequoia is more private and serene,” says Richards.
“A honeymoon, anniversary, or spontaneous weekend retreat… each stay is an experience to be remembered.”
Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of Mount Lofty House or the seclusion of Sequoia Lodge, both summer escapes offer an effortless blend of indulgence and tranquillity – and the blissful feeling that the city couldn’t be further away.
Mount Lofty House Summer 2025 packages
When: Summer packages available from December 1 to February 28
Where: 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers SA
For Mount Lofty House packages, click here.
For Sequoia Lodge packages, click here.
For more info on the Terrace Bar, click here.
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