nevertheless Sequoia Lodge A stand-alone luxury lodge experience in itself, it goes without saying that it is located on the Mt Lofty Estate, surrounded by Mt Lofty House Boutique Hotel, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, Arthur Waterhouse Lounge & Bar, Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, and beautiful vineyards and gardens. Sequoia Lodge guests have access to all of this as long as they can step out of their luxury suites.
As you drive up the driveway to Mt Lofty Estate, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, as if you were in The Great Gatsby. A slight curve in the driveway brings you to Sequoia Lodge. The experience is as calm and peaceful as the decadent and grand Lofty House.
Checking in To Sequoia Lodge
Your hotel experience begins when your host greets you with a smile and a glass of local sparkling wine. You are ushered into the lounge area, which offers views of the Piccadilly Valley. adelaide hills It’s as breathtaking as you can imagine. The warmth of the flames and a few sips of sparkling water will put you into a relaxed state in no time.
Upon check-in, you will be able to see what activities are scheduled in advance during your stay, and you will have time to make any last-minute requests before being escorted to your suite.
Sequoia Suites
Sequoia Lodge has 14 identical suites, the only difference being the artwork by local artist Stephen Trebilcock, which changes each time a piece is sold to a guest who can’t leave without his work in the Adelaide Hills.
The suites are designed with all modern conveniences, including gas fires, electric blinds, underfloor heating, mood lighting, concealed TVs, music and climate, all controlled by two wall panels.
The wellness shower deserves a special mention, with four different shower heads. Rain showers, back massage jets, waterfalls, handhelds, and more. Just a warning, getting home and taking a regular shower is a terribly disappointing experience.
Each suite starts at $1,200 per night, including daily breakfast and the Sequoia Experience. All-inclusive packages start at $2,400 per night. If you want to check out when you check in and leave all decisions to you at the door, this is the place for you.
welcome to the lodge
On the day of your arrival, you will be invited to the Lodge Welcome in the late afternoon. There, you’ll enjoy a glass (or two), a glass of sparkling, cheese, and snacks with other guests. The lodge’s host will tell the group the story of the land, from its Aboriginal history to the Great Fire in the 1800s, when Adelaide businessman Arthur Hardy bought the land as a summer home and built Mt Lofty House. Since then, the property has been razed to the present day, and the way the current owners have carefully designed and created the experience at both Sequoia and Mount Lofty House celebrates and respects the property’s rich history and natural surroundings.
Your host will also talk about the many ways Sequoia supports and celebrates local ingredients, from the locally sourced wine list to the sandstone used on the walls, the pottery and vases that decorate the property, the breathtaking artwork, Jurlique toiletries, and even the in-suite popcorn made by local 14-year-old boy Sam.
This welcome is a lovely way to connect with other guests at the lodge, and as we can only accommodate a maximum of 28 guests at a time, there is a sense of community during your stay, with stories and recommendations shared as you pass each other in the lounge or on the grounds.
Maker & Som
We were lucky enough to arrive on the Friday when the Maker & Somm Experience was being offered, hosted by Reena Berry, Wine Director at Mt Lofty Estate.
After spending just a few minutes with Liinaa, it’s easy to see why the estate’s signature restaurant is known for having such a diverse and impressive wine list. Her knowledge is quite amazing, not only about international wines, but also about agriculture and winemaking, as well as the impact the climate crisis is having on the industry and how and where wine is made to adapt to a changing environment.
Each week, a different local winemaker joins Liinaa to showcase their produce. During our stay, Lee from Langmeil Wines in the Barossa Valley introduced the group to wines made from Australia’s oldest vines, which date back to 1843. Sequoia Kitchen also offers canapé and tapas pairings with wine.
Hardy’s Veranda Restaurant
While in Sequoia, you’ll hear about Arthur Hardy’s infamous three-day party, which is rumored to rival the fictional character Jay Gatsby himself. As you walk through the halls of Mt Lofty House on your way to the restaurant, you can imagine the decadence and debauchery that once filled the house. The house still pays homage to a bygone era and is decorated in an old world style.
The restaurant has been awarded three chef hats and lives up to its reputation as one of the best fine dining experiences Australia has to offer. The evening’s host will enthusiastically discuss each of the seven courses, along with wines to pair with the wines introduced by Sommelier Robin.
The view from the verandah overlooking Piccadilly Valley is as impressive as the food and service. Restaurant Manager David gives guests a private tour of the wine cellar and talks about the wine selection and the history of the room. You’ll also get a glimpse of Hardy’s secret passageway, used by party guests who didn’t want to be seen coming and going.
Experience story
Sequoia offers a number of signature experiences as part of your stay, including Maker & Somm wine tastings, guided nature walks, stargazing, private Artesian hot pool sessions, guided bike rides, Le Nez Du Vin (wine nose), and sunrise yoga.
Hosts can also arrange a number of special off-site experiences, including private tours of local vineyards, the iconic RW Williams factory, a luxury driving experience hosted by Prancing Horse, and treatments at Gatekeeper’s Day Spa at Mt Lofty Estate.
Book your stay
Click here to reserve your stay Sequoia.
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