21 Nov 2025
Tags: Sequoia Lodge, Adelaidehills, #southaustralia, Tourismaustralia, Relais & Chateaux, Adelaide, SATC
Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills wine region has become the only Australian mainland property to be accepted into the exclusive Relais & Chateaux Association which unites an exceptional collection of 580 independently operated hotels and restaurants throughout the world.
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.
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.
Mr 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.
“Many South Australian icons are within 20 minutes of Sequoia such as Penfolds Magill Estate, the home of Grange, and Jurlique's flower farm which grows botanicals for the natural skincare range.”
Mr 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 & Chateaux 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.
The multi-award-winning Sequoia Lodge is at the summit of Adelaide's highest mountain overlooking Australia's acclaimed Adelaide Hills wine region and is just 30 minutes from Adelaide International Airport.
More information: sequoialodge.com.au.
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About Sequoia Lodge
Sequoia Lodge is an intimate adults-only luxury lodge, carved into the escarpment on Mount Lofty Estate in the Adelaide Hills where it shares the story of the Mount Lofty region, its nature, and produce. Home to 14 luxury guest suites with 180-degree views of the Piccadilly Valley, each suite has a sunken lounge room featuring a stone-clad fireplace, a spa-retreat bathroom, and moon window allowing guests to sleep under the star-filled sky on a custom-made bed.
Artesian spring-fed pools, an infinity pool and a wildlife enclosure are within the lodge grounds. Just outside Sequoia's gate is the Gatekeeper's Day Spa cottage offering a holistic menu of relaxing and rejuvenating beauty treatments. Guests can access a tennis court and walking trails and the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant on Mount Lofty Estate. Guided nature walks, a South Australian cheese and wine discovery experience, mixology class, and beekeeper talk are included for guests.
Awards
- TripAdvisor No1 Small and Boutique Hotel in Australia & South Pacific
- Australian Hotels Association Best Luxury Hotel in South Australia 2025, 2024 & 2023
- HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence Winner for Australian Lodge 2024
- 5-Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner South Australian Tourism Awards 2025 & 2023
Sequoia Lodge is a part of the Australian Bespoke Collective. The Collective includes Mount Lofty House, TripAdvisor's 2025 No1 Luxury Hotel in Australia and South Pacific, and The Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove, the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner in the Queensland Tourism Awards 2025, 2024, 2023 & 2022 and in the Australian Tourism Awards 2024 & 2023.
Images, experience guides and itineraries: https://www.sequoialodge.com.au/trade-portal/
About Relais & Chateaux
Established in 1954, the Relais & Chateaux Association unites an exceptional collection of 580 hotels and restaurants throughout the world, operated by independent owners. Embodied by men and women – most often families – they are deeply committed to sharing their local culture as well as their passion for what is good and beautiful.
Contact Liz Inglis at liz@lizinglismedia.com or 0419 643 494.
