Featured image credit: Serio
As I lay in my King bed in my suite at Sequoia, watching the sun rise across the hills with dramatic tones lighting up the sky, a thick fog suddenly envelopes Picadilly Valley, obscuring the incredible vast-reaching views of the hills I had minutes before. The silent way the thick blankets of cloud rolled up to my deck windows was majestic and theatrical, hiding any hint of the brilliant red sunrise I had been watching only minutes before. It’s surprisingly relaxing to be amongst.
These views and the way the sky meets the majestic valley below, are just one of the many reasons Sequoia has been one of SA’s most popular bucket-list destinations, since opening its doors in 2020.
Sequoia embraces its location, set amongst the highest vineyard in Australia, nestled into the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, and overlooking the picturesque Adelaide Hills.
This merging of nature and luxury isn’t a new concept though, with lodges across the globe harnessing the power of the the most beautiful parts of the world, and making them accessible, and better understood.
Sequoia Lodge is Australia’s newest adults-only luxury accommodation offering, the first luxury lodge opening since 2011, and it’s now one of the strongest high end offerings in the country.
With a focus on quality over quantity, Sequoia boasts 14 sustainably designed suites, which run along the hilltop ridge, all boasting incredible sweeping views over the Picadilly Valley.
Sitting within its own private compound on the Mount Lofty House property, centred around a majestic Sequoia tree, each suite act as a self-contained retreat for those wanting to enjoy the privacy, soaking up the ambience of the hills on the private deck’s daybed. You can even choose to dine on your own deck, for a more intimate culinary treat.
For those wanting a little more, the suite acts as the perfect launch pad, from which you can enjoy the property, the experiences, and the region. It’s also the only place in the world you’ll have four world-class wine regions found within a 50-kilometre radius.
The tranquility of each suite is apparent from the moment you venture inside. From the stone wrapped fireplace to the deep luxurious tub, which offers up sweeping valley views across the valley, each luxurious suite is designed for comfort, and utilises the latest in technology throughout. Automated blackout blinds, retractable television, switch-glass privacy windows, and a surround sound music system are only the start.
The small touches throughout impress, from the Dyson hairdryer and 5-jet Artisan shower, and Jurlique body products, to the hand written wellness notes on your pillow each night. There’s even a tall cupboard hidden alongside the bed, which is perfect for a wedding dress, or formalwear.
For those venturing outside of their suite, the artesian spring-fed hot pools, which wrap one side of the lodge, epitomise indulgence, allowing you to choose from 3 different pools, at varying temperatures. Each allow you to sit, unwind, and soak in the views. The two smaller pools are heated to 38 and 40 degrees respectively, and the infinity pool offers up a comfortable 32 degrees while you overlook the valley rim. If you time it well, the heat from the pools form a beautiful steam cloud, which merges with the fog of the valley, as the clouds drop to meet the rising heat.
Continuing with the wellness offering at the Lodge, Gatekeeper day spa has opened directly next door to the Sequoia compound, allowing guests to enjoy one of many tailored treatments just a quick stroll from their front door. For those wanting something more casual, there’s also bush walks on offer, which allow guests to embrace the natural beauty of the region, while learning from a knowledgeable guide, about the flora, fauna and history of the area.
There’s also yoga classes available for those wanting to rise with the sun, which are set atop the Lodge’s private helipad, which overlooks the valley.
If you’re more into less physical activities, the campfire amphitheatre is the perfect setting to watch the sun lower over the valley. Every night there’s a Lodge Welcome held by the campfire, where you can listen to the fascinating stories of the region, enjoy some local wines and share some delicious Adelaide Hills produce. This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow guests.
Inside the lodge itself, located between the suites and the hot pools, is a lounge area which centres around a gorgeous 360 degree fireplace. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, breakfast overlooking the valley, or mingling with other Sequoia guests. It’s also the location for some of the incredible food and wine experiences on offer at the Lodge.
On-site inclusive experiences, signature luxury experiences and immersive food and wine experiences, all make up the broad bucket-list of opportunities which are on offer for guests. This is a place where making time for the best things in life is a must.
For foodies, Sequoia offers up a culinary paradise of sorts.
Three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is a bucket-list destination in itself, offering up popular degustation menus, alongside a la carte dining.
Then there’s the wine.
Within the lodge itself, there’s private Maker & Somm sessions, where a South Australian winemaker will join one of Sequoia’s own sommeliers to pour, taste and discuss their wines in an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
Mount Lofty Estate’s Wine Director, Liinaa Berry is an incredible addition to the team, not only curating these sessions, but also putting together an unbelievable beverage list for Sequoia and Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to be able to attend one of the tastings or dinners that she’s hosting, it’s well worth heading along.
Off-site there’s also a long list of rare experiences on offer for guests (with varying prices), ranging from truffle-hunting, to driving luxury cars through the Adelaide Hills and beyond. The VIP winery tours are a person favourite of mine, allowing you to meet the families behind some of SA’s best wineries, while sampling some of the state’s best wines. There’s even koala experiences, and a private behind-the-scenes RM Williams visit on offer (complete with a personal fitting for your own boots!).
Upon checking out, it’s clear that the four main cornerstones for Australia’s newest luxury lodge; Food, Wine, Nature, & History, have absolutely set the scene for a memorable stay which will see guests returning time after time. It’s difficult to leave without filling your head with new, and fascinating knowledge about the area, the local producers, the property, and all the region has to offer.
This is an immersive, world-class getaway only 15 minutes from the city, for those wanting to embrace the best of living.
And if you’re staying alone, a quick tip – the mirror is on the back of the bathroom door. A hard find if you’re not worrying about privacy.
Find out more at https://www.sequoialodge.com.au/
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