Best for
- Couples seeking a complete escape close to Adelaide
- Food and wine enthusiasts exploring the Adelaide Hills
- Guests wanting an all-inclusive luxury lodge experience
Sequoia Lodge
Where life stops and living begins, above the Piccadilly Valley
Intimate nature retreat with artisan warmth
- Adults-only lodge with open-plan suites overlooking the Piccadilly Valley
- 32 complimentary signature inclusions from hot pools to guided nature walks
- Access to the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant on Mount Lofty Estate
Boutique Hotel · Adelaide Hills
The luxury case for Sequoia Lodge.
An adults-only luxury lodge perched on the side of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge offers open-plan suites with panoramic valley views, 32 signature inclusions, artesian hot pools, and access to the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant on the historic Mount Lofty Estate.
The mood
Intimate nature retreat with artisan warmth
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Why it earns the rate
The sheer number of included experiences, from hot pools to mixology classes, means you rarely reach for your wallet once checked in.
There are places that promise escape, and there are places that deliver it before you have even unpacked. Sequoia Lodge belongs in the second category. Perched on the side of Mount Lofty, high above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, this adults-only lodge sits within the historic Mount Lofty Estate, surrounded by the neighbouring botanic garden, Cleland National Park, and four world-class wine regions within a 50-kilometre radius. What sets Sequoia apart from the usual boutique retreat is scale of inclusion: 32 signature experiences come complimentary with every stay, from artesian hot pools and infrared sauna sessions to guided nature walks, cheese discovery journeys, mixology classes, and sunrise yoga overlooking the valley.
Sequoia operates a single suite category, and it is a good one. Each open-plan suite is set on the edge of the Piccadilly Valley with panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom, and bathroom. A spacious private balcony with a daybed invites you to watch wallabies and kangaroos forage below while working through a bottle of sparkling wine and a charcuterie platter. The interiors have been brought to life by local suppliers, craftsmen, and artisans: a calming palette of warm wood and stone, original oil paintings by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock, Nick Mount glasswork, Jam Factory ceramics, handmade tea and coffee cups by ES Ceramics, Jurlique bath products, and Hahndorf Soap Factory bath salts. The large soaking bathtub, underfloor heating, double-glazed enviro-glass windows, and intelligent KNX climate management system all point to a lodge that takes comfort as seriously as aesthetics.
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Dining at Sequoia begins with the lodge's own all-day lounge, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner focus on locally sourced seasonal produce and an extensive wine list drawn from across South Australia's regions. Every meal can be taken in the lounge or delivered to your suite, and the lodge also prepares picnic hampers for days exploring the Hills. The real headline, though, is access to Hardy's Verandah Restaurant, a three-hatted fine dining destination on the Mount Lofty Estate with a staggering 1,300-label wine cellar. Martha Hardy's Restaurant, open Friday to Sunday exclusively for house guests, and Hardy's Bar round out an estate dining scene that few small lodges anywhere in Australia can match. In winter, truffle season dinners featuring locally grown Perigord black truffles from Quercus Truffles add another compelling reason to visit.
Sequoia Lodge solves a problem that many luxury retreats only partially address: how to make a short stay feel genuinely complete without constant add-on charges. The 32 included signature experiences, from hot pools and sauna to cheese tastings and guided walks, create a rhythm to each day that feels generous rather than transactional. The Adelaide Hills location puts you within 20 minutes of Adelaide CBD yet surrounded by cool-climate vineyards, native wildlife, and some of Australia's best regional produce. And the estate dining, anchored by the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah, means you never need to leave the property to eat exceptionally well. For couples wanting a concentrated dose of South Australian luxury without the logistics of a multi-stop itinerary, Sequoia is one of the most complete packages in the state.
Is It For You?
Is Sequoia Lodge right for you?
Less ideal if
- Families with children (adults only, 18 years and over)
- Travellers wanting a large resort with extensive facilities
Atmosphere
Intimate, unhurried, and deeply connected to the landscape and local producers
Ideal stay
Weekend (2-3 nights)
Why splurge
The sheer number of included experiences, from hot pools to mixology classes, means you rarely reach for your wallet once checked in.
Rooms
Rooms & suites
Editorial pickAny suite delivers the same open-plan layout and valley views. The Indulgence Package adds spa treatments and premium dining.
Sequoia Suite
Every suite is identical in design, perched on the edge of the valley with a private balcony daybed, sunken lounge, large bathtub, and original oil paintings by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock.
- Size
- Open-plan
- View
- Panoramic Piccadilly Valley views
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- All guests, the lodge has a single suite category
- Private balcony with daybed
- Sunken lounge with valley views
- Large soaking bathtub
- Jurlique amenities and Hahndorf Soap Factory bath salts
- Original oil painting by Stephen Trebilcock
- Handmade ES Ceramics and Jam Factory pieces
Eat and Drink
Dining
The restaurants, bars, and rituals that shape how the hotel feels after the room itself.
Start here
Sequoia Lounge
The lodge's own all-day dining venue focusing on locally sourced and seasonal produce, with contemporary Australian dishes and an extensive curated wine list showcasing the best of South Australia's wine regions. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the lounge or delivered to your suite.
- Go here for
- All-day dining exclusive to lodge guests with seasonal Adelaide Hills produce
- Expect
- Relaxed, intimate, with panoramic valley views
- Book ahead
- Breakfast 7:00-10:30am, Lunch 12:00-5:00pm, Dinner 6:00-8:30pm. Reservations preferred.
Then try
Hardy's Verandah Restaurant
A three-hatted fine dining restaurant on the Mount Lofty Estate, available to Sequoia guests. The restaurant showcases exceptional Adelaide Hills and South Australian produce with a 1,300-label wine cellar curated by Hardy's Cellar.
- Go here for
- Three-hatted fine dining with a 1,300-label cellar, one of South Australia's finest restaurants
- Expect
- Elegant, occasion-worthy
- Book ahead
- High Tea sittings at 12pm, Dinner sittings at 6pm. Reservations essential.
Then try
Martha Hardy's Restaurant
An intimate dining venue on the estate, open Friday to Sunday exclusively for house guests, offering dinner from 6pm.
- Go here for
- Estate restaurant exclusive to in-house guests
- Expect
- Refined and personal
For cocktails
Hardy's Bar
The estate bar open daily from 6pm, offering cocktails and drinks in a relaxed setting alongside the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge.
- Go here for
- Evening drinks in a historic estate setting
- Expect
- Relaxed, social
Reset
Wellness
The parts of the property that slow the pace, restore energy, or justify spending more time on-site.
For downtime
Artesian Hot Pools
Spring-fed hot pools overlooking the Piccadilly Valley, included as one of the 32 signature experiences for all guests. A deeply relaxing way to absorb the valley views.
- Best for
- Artesian spring-fed hot pools with valley views, complimentary for all guests
For recovery
Gatekeeper's Day Spa
On-site spa offering a range of treatments using local and natural products. Additional charges apply, with bookings arranged through your Sequoia Host.
- Best for
- Estate spa with locally sourced treatment products
For reset
Infrared Sauna
A private infrared sauna included as part of the signature experiences, offering a gentle therapeutic heat session.
- Best for
- Complimentary infrared sauna sessions
For reset
Yoga
Sunrise yoga sessions held on site as part of the included signature experiences, with guided sessions set against the valley backdrop.
- Best for
- Sunrise yoga overlooking the Piccadilly Valley
What to Do
Signature Experiences
The on-property or destination moments that justify choosing this hotel over a generic luxury base.
Afternoon
Cheese discovery and mixology class
A private South Australian cheese journey followed by a hands-on cocktail class, both included in every stay.
June to August
Truffle season dinners
Winter-only multi-course truffle menus using locally sourced Perigord black truffles from Quercus Truffles in the Adelaide Hills.
Morning
Guided nature walk of Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
A guided walk through the neighbouring botanic garden, one of the 32 included signature experiences.
Any day, weather dependent
Prancing Horse supercar experience
Drive a Ferrari through the Adelaide Hills on a private charter. An off-site experience arranged through the Sequoia Experience Curation Team.
Location
Getting to Sequoia Lodge
Located on the Mount Lofty Estate, just 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD and 30 minutes from Adelaide Airport. Guests are greeted with a complimentary beverage and warm towels, followed by a personal itinerary review with their Sequoia Host.
Adelaide CBD
20 min
CarAdelaide Airport
30 min
CarHahndorf
15 min
CarMount Lofty Botanic Garden
NatureDirectly neighbouring the lodge, ideal for a morning walk through cool-climate gardens.
AdjacentCleland Wildlife Park
NatureHome to Australia's largest koala population, with private experiences arranged through the lodge.
5 min driveHahndorf
CultureAustralia's oldest surviving German settlement, known for artisan food and craft.
15 min driveAdelaide Hills Wine Region
WineCool-climate wine region with over 50 cellar doors, all within a short drive.
10 to 30 min driveWhat to Know
Before you book
Is Sequoia Lodge adults only?
Yes. Sequoia Lodge is an adults-only retreat for guests 18 years and over.
Are the on-site experiences really included?
Yes. Most on-site experiences are complimentary for all guests unless specifically marked. Spa treatments, premium dining and off-site experiences carry additional charges.
What is the best time to visit?
Autumn offers the best colours and comfortable temperatures. Winter brings truffle season and roaring fires. Summer in the Hills is five to seven degrees cooler than the Adelaide Plains.
Can meals be taken in the suite?
Yes. All meals from the Sequoia Lounge can be delivered to your suite, and picnic hampers can be arranged for outings.
Editorial Verdict
The verdict on Sequoia Lodge
Why book it
- 32 signature inclusions create genuine all-inclusive value
- Access to three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant on the same estate
- Artesian hot pools and infrared sauna with Piccadilly Valley views
Know the trade-offs
- Adults only, not suitable for families
- Single suite category means no room upgrade path
Explore the Area
