While being seemingly removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, SEQUOIA lies centred within the Adelaide region, forming the gateway to a South Australia you never knew existed.
Feel a weight lift off your shoulders as you drive up the hill. Leave all that was yesterday behind to open yourself for what lies ahead. And as SEQUOIA’s gates close behind you something new, so deserved and magical is about to begin.
While being seemingly removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, SEQUOIA lies centred within the Adelaide region, forming the gateway to a South Australia you never knew existed.
From here savour world-class wines and delicate artisan food on exclusive terraces, in small sheds, or just on a picnic blanket. Explore the state’s pristine nature, the world’s largest koala population, and other incredible wildlife simply by foot, 4WD, or helicopter. Feel grounded and connected as you sit at the campfire by the valley rim, listening to the fascinating story of this ancient Aboriginal meeting place and its flamboyant colonial history. Fuel your body and mind with stone filtered spring water, deep breaths, peaceful sleep, and organic massage.
SEQUOIA will be what you need it to be to feel full and reunited with the joy of being.
Whether you are interested in food and wine, nature and wildlife, cultural events, history, or just a wellness retreat, this is the right place. While SEQUOIA does offer pre-set experience packages, the concierge team will be delighted to design your individual program to reflect who you are and what you like. Please feel free to contact the team or explore for now some sample itineraries below.
Sometimes a break from reality helps to reset, allows returning to oneself and to what is truly important. At SEQUOIA it is easy to slow down and to take in the moment. Retreat to your suite’s sun terrace with a good book, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine. Book an organic facial or rejuvenating massage at the onsite day spa, go for a splash in the panoramic infinity pool, or relax in artesian spring-fed hot pools feed by the mountain’s natural springs. There is no doubt that you will resurface from your SEQUOIA time-out refreshed and with a full heart.
SEQUOIA is embedded in an incredible natural setting that offers comfortable walks, challenging hikes, untouched national parks, hidden creeks, white sandy beaches, and vast plains. South Australia is also home to the world’s largest koala population, and is one of only two states where you are allowed to hang in for a cuddle. The lodge organises private encounters with these endangered animals, is home for several rescue kangaroos and wallabies (yes, you can feed and pet them), and hosts guided tours along the Heysen Trail, Botanic Garden, and the Mount Lofty Trail.
Only recently Adelaide was declared one of the world’s TOP 10 wine capitals with SEQUOIA being the gateway to its four most famous regions: located in the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Eden Valley are all accessible within an hour’s drive through the picturesque hinterland. With longstanding relationships between SEQUOIA and some of the world’s most famous wineries, be sure to connect and listen to the vignerons themselves while savouring local artisan produce. And as night falls, prepare for one of the best dining experiences of your life, at the onsite Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.
Connect not only with the land but with its people and history at an unprecedented level. Listen to Aboriginal elders as they tell you about their beliefs and Mount Lofty’s meaning to them. Meet the people behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful brands and discover more about them, their passions, and stories. And as you surrender to the experience and the sense of place, get to know the people around you. There is hardly anything better than sitting by the campfire, connecting with each other while making memories for life.
While SEQUOIA Lodge is completely private, it has access to the leafy 30-acre Mount Lofty Estate which is home to the award-winning fine dining restaurant Hardy’s Verandah, and the Arthur Waterhouse Cocktail Lounge and Champagne Bar. The Gate Keeper’s Day Spa cottage sits just outside of the historical entrance gate. Mount Lofty Estate is also home to South Australia’s two highest altitude vineyards, ancient underground Mount Lofty springs, and offers access to a multitude of easy walking paths and moderate hiking trails.
Over the past three years, Hardy’s Verandah has made its mark in the Australian fine dining scene, receiving repeat accolades from the Good Food Guide, Gourmet Traveller, Gault Millau, and TripAdvisor to name a few. It now ranks among the TOP 10 restaurants in Australia. The delicate food that is filled with bold flavours comes straight from the heart and is head chef Jin Choi’s way to celebrate the region’s incredibly fresh and flavoursome produce.
Is there anything better than a sundowner in a heritage setting? Add in a roaring fireplace, a panoramic terrace with a burbling fountain, incredible sunset, and a charcuterie platter shared with friends, you have what memories are made from. This and so much more are the Arthur Waterhouse Cocktail Lounge and Champagne Bar opening out onto the Tuscan Garden with views over the rose garden and the whole valley.
Retreating to Gate Keeper’s Cottage is synonym for stepping into another world. One that does not recognise the existence of time and the nuisances of daily life. Gate Keeper’s is a space that comforts and allows you to forget what weighs you down. After a rejuvenating treatment, retire to the cottage garden for some extended time in heaven.
Mount Lofty Estate is connected to the local ancient natural spring waters that run deep down in the mountain. The naturally filtered springs feed every tap on the estate and provide for the lodge’s bottled water. You can also reap its benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or when enjoying your suite’s wellness shower and bathtub.
Mount Lofty Estate lies above the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and also provides access to the famous Heysen Trail that runs 1,200km across South Australia. The Adelaide Hills are famous for its exceptional network of hiking trails and loved by all cycling enthusiasts. If you would like to explore the region’s best trails and routes, the SEQUOIA team will organise hiking sticks, (electric) bicycles, or even private tour guides.