Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills has become the only Australian mainland property to be accepted into the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Association.
The 71-year-old association recognises hotels and restaurants owned by local families who are deeply committed to sharing their destination’s culture as well as their passion for what is good and beautiful. Currently, the association has 580 independently operated hotels and restaurants throughout the world.
The only other resort member in Australia is Lizard Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. There are two Australian restaurants in the Association, one being Lizard Island’s Salt Water Restaurant, as well as Laura at Pt Leo Estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Sequoia Lodge’s current custodians, South Australian hotelier David Horbelt and his family, together with business partner Malcolm Bean, developed the intimate luxury lodge on the grounds of the historic Mount Lofty Estate, opening in August 2021.
Horbelt said Sequoia Lodge expanded on the story of the 175-year-old Mount Lofty Estate with 14 luxury suites offering 180-degree views of the Piccadilly Valley and a level of opulence enhanced by exemplary personalised service and fine dining.
“The Lodge and its offering were born from our passion and deep connection with the beauty and history of the Adelaide Hills and the enduring hospitality story of Mount Lofty Estate, building on the much awarded offering that Malcolm and I developed at Mount Lofty House,” he said.
“Surrounded by thousands of hectares of national parks and botanical gardens, Sequoia’s guests connect not only with the land, but with its people through luxury bespoke experiences that celebrate our local artisans and produce.
“The Sequoia team’s mission is to give guests an unparalleled journey of discovery of the Adelaide Hills’ iconic food, wine, wellness, history and nature experiences through in-house dining and while exploring the region.
Bean said more than 30 Signature Inclusions had been developed for guests including a hands-on bee keeping experience, a South Australian cheese and wine discovery journey, and a self-drive itinerary discovering cellar doors, cheese makers, the home of R. M. Williams, and koala rehabilitation at the Cleland Wildlife Park.
“It is an honour to have the Relais & Châteaux Association recognise Sequoia Lodge’s commitment to preserving local hospitality and culinary traditions as well as our contribution to preserving local biodiversity through these exclusive experiences that provide an enriching getaway for our guests while celebrating South Australia’s stories,” he said.
Sequoia Lodge is at the summit of Adelaide’s highest mountain overlooking the Adelaide Hills wine region and is just 30 minutes from Adelaide Airport.
