The frenetic energy of bees is being harnessed at Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills to produce honey for the adults-only luxury lodge menu and to give guests an unexpected mindfulness experience.
Sequoia Lodge Manager Parth Tantry said bee enthusiast Brad Whittaker, who founded The Humble Apiarist in Adelaide, had established a hive at the Lodge to deliver an exclusive bee experience for in-house guests.
“Guests don protective beekeeper clothing and spend an entertaining hour with Brad to understand why these pollinators are so important for the future of the planet,” he said.
“Brad draws on his 14 years of sustainable beekeeping practices and workshops, which includes establishing hives for Adelaide Hills properties such as the nearby Jurlique flower farm, to show how honey is made and how bees contribute to biodiversity.
“This unique bee hands-on experience is one of the Signature Inclusions for guests at Sequoia that immerse them in the peaceful natural environment of Mount Lofty Estate.”
Mr Whittaker, who is currently filming with celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis, said he was
excited to be working with Sequoia Lodge.
“Sequoia’s position overlooking the Piccadilly Valley alongside the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens is a goldmine for bees with a plentiful supply of nectar that will produce exceptional honey,” he said.
“I will help guests to understand the magic of bees, see how a Flow Hive works, and let them
get up close and personal by holding a bee frame in their hands.
“They will get to sit for a moment and be mindful while they feel the buzz and magical frequency of bees which are the most healing creatures on earth.
“The sound and vibration of bees has been used to ease PTSD and anxiety, eating honey produced within 8km of where you live can get rid of allergies to local pollens, and even the smell of bees has homeopathic properties to relieve asthma.”
Sequoia Lodge Executive Chef Nicolas Reverte said he was looking forward to the Lodge’s
first harvest from the hive so that it could be included in the menu which uses honey to
enhance many breakfast dishes and to create sauces.
“The Sequoia honey will be a very good match for the Monforte semi-hard cheese that is
part of our South Australian cheese and wine discovery experience, and I am looking
forward to creating a beautiful ice cream with it for a new dessert,” he said.
Sequoia Lodge guests can join the bee experience on Wednesdays and Saturdays at
4.30pm.
Media Release: 29th January 2025
