The Mount Lofty Estate team are honoured to receive the award for Best New Tourism Business for Sequoia Lodge at the South Australian Tourism Awards.
Local owner David Horbelt and Business Partner Malcolm Bean said the success of Sequoia has been realised through a strong commitment to excellence from its inception through to one of Australia’s finest luxury lodges.
“We’re really grateful for this award. Our vision to elevate Mount Lofty Estate to a destination for quality, luxury and grandeur was completed with the development and launch of Sequoia Lodge, and we’re really proud of what we have created,” said David.
“We set out to create something very genuine and authentic, and share the treasures of the Adelaide Hills through our local suppliers, our experiences and through our story telling.
“Sequoia Lodge offers luxury surrounds with culinary adventures, nature and wellness experiences and marrying this with a culture of excellence and personalised service from our teams means we’re able to offer truly memorable escapes for our guests.
“Sequoia Lodge really is a special piece of South Australia and we look forward to sharing more of Sequoia with all Australians, and our international visitors for years to come.”
“We would also like to thank our suppliers in receiving this award including RM Williams, Jurlique, Adelaide Hills Wine Association members, artist Stephen Trebilcock, Nick Mount Glass, Adelaide Jam Factory, and all of our artisan produce suppliers.
“Finally, we’d also like to acknowledge the amazing support from the local community who became regular guests in our patch of Provence, the Adelaide Hills.”
The South Australian Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements and success throughout the year.
The award for Best New Tourism Business recognises excellence in the planning and development of new tourism infrastructure and/or services.
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Sequoia Lodge
- 14 suites carved into the escarpment on Mount Lofty House estate, overlooking the rolling Adelaide Hills
- The 75sqm open-plan suites offer unrivalled 180° views of the patchwork Piccadilly Valley
- The suites, built with raw natural materials including Basket Range stone and Spotted Gum, have a sunken lounge and private balcony
- Intuitive technology automates a number of room functions such as a bedhead lift, rising TV, privacy glass, mood lighting, music and fireplace
- Exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities such as Nick Mount glass, Jam Factory ceramics, a Jurlique pillow mist menu, Hahndorf Soap and Kangaroo Island’s Organic bath salts.
- Each suite features an original oil painting by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock who is highly skilled at capturing unique native florals in incredible detail, colour and depth. His artworks appear over the property, including in the main house, transforming the 30-acre estate into a living art gallery
- Light and luxurious, the bathrooms offer a spa-like retreat with an elevated stone bath thoughtfully positioned to make the most of the views
- Sustainability thought out with thermal windows, thorough insulation and concrete walls and floors maintain a comfortable temperature all year round
- Under the shadow of a looming Sequoia tree, the landscaping has created a native garden with pathways lined by tall fescue lawns, bottlebrush, banksia, grevillea, and African lillies.
- Sequoia guests have exclusive use of the lodge’s lounge which features multiple fireplaces and a panoramic sun deck
- Within the lodge grounds, there are artesian spring-fed hot pools, an infinity pool and a wildlife enclosure. A tennis court and several walking trails can also be accessed from the adjacent estate grounds
- Dining at Sequoia is an exclusive affair for lodge guests offering creative, contemporary Australian menus that reflect the changing seasons and draw inspiration from local suppliers
- Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, light lunch and two or three course dinner in the lodge lounge or in the privacy of their own suite.
- Guests also have access to the culinary experience at SA’s most acclaimed fine dining venue, multi award winning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant and the newly opened Martha’s Kitchen.
- The Gatekeeper’s Day Spa cottage sits just outside Sequoia’s gate and offers guests a holistic menu of relaxing rituals, rejuvenating experiences and gentle beauty treatments.
- The Sequoia experience is based on nature, connection and indulgence.
ABOUT MOUNT LOFTY ESTATE
Mount Lofty House was built in 1852 by prominent statesman Arthur Hardy as his summer house. Arthur Hardy is reminiscent of a South Australian Jay Gatsby; indeed his daughter Mabel described their lifestyle as ‘a kind of feudal splendour’. Their beautiful manor soon became the state’s premier address for lavish and infamous parties for Adelaide’s elite of the day.
Today, this treasured state icon stands as a boutique hotel offering luxury escapes, a three hatted fine dining restaurant, indulgent day spa, conference retreats and breathtakingly beautiful weddings.
Sequoia Lodge is the most recent addition to the Estate, celebrating its first birthday in September 2022. A massive 170-year-old Sequoia tree is the centrepiece of Sequoia Lodge, planted by Arthur Hardy. The luxurious lodge is the story of the Mount Lofty region, its nature, and produce. Every suite brings the outside in with local materials in earthy tones and uninterrupted views over the valley.
Mt Lofty Estate is proudly SA owned and operated. Mount Lofty House Estate was Voted #1 Hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in 2022 by Trip Advisor, based on the feedback from the guests who stayed there.