Jessica Frost As if we weren’t already overflowing with wanderlust, the opening of luxury lodge, Sequoia, has us pining for a wellness-induced getaway.
Located just 15mins from the Adelaide CBD, Sequoia offers guests a journey of discovery based around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature experiences. Sequoia sits on the side of Mount Lofty, high above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, a region currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Bringing a new level of luxury to South Australia, the lodge comprises fourteen sustainably-designed suites boasting panoramic views over the valley, an intimate lounge along with immersive nature-inspired experiences, natural artesian spring-fed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, day spa and valley rim campfire amphitheatre.
The exclusive Jurlique approved spa, Gate Keeper’s Day Spa, offers a range of facials, body treatments, and massages and allows guests to create their own spa packages by combining their favourite treatments.
We chatted with South Australian local and co-owner of Sequoia, David Horbelt, about bringing their unique wellness tourism experience to the Adelaide region.
What gap did you see in the market that led to Sequoia?
Building upon our offering at Mount Lofty House, we wanted to create a lodge that offered our guests an unparalleled journey of luxury in Adelaide. We curated experiences that would truly elevate our guests’ stay and based these around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature. It’s the combination of our fourteen luxury sustainably-designed suites and these intimate experiences that allows our guests to delight in the sheer beauty of being, something that only Sequoia holds as unique.
What was your inspiration for the overall experience you aim to create?
The inspiration was born out of our passion and deep connection with the beauty of this region, one of Australia’s most applauded landscapes. We wanted to share our desire to celebrate life and create a sense of place and connection with nature, combined with exemplary personalised service and fine-dining. The heart of the Sequoia experience is that we allow guests to connect with the unique stories of the region’s place, and truly experience a transcendental journey that revolves around the human senses, desire to connect, socialise and seek comfort in the beauty of the moment.
If you had to choose one thing, what would you say is the most surprising aspect of a stay at Sequoia?
The range of unique local bespoke activities that are offered to every guest. Each activity is carefully themed around the pillars of Food and Wine, Wellness, Nature and History to take guests on a journey of learning and self-discovery. Many not available to the general public, these experiences range from tasting the abundant local produce and fine-dining cuisine, wellness and rejuvenation to guided nature walks through the bush home of the world’s largest surviving koala population, star gazing, private helicopter tours and intimate tastings with some of Australia’s leading vintners.
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