Luxurious Sequoia lodge expects to lure internationals to the Hills

The luxurious new $15 million Sequoia lodge at Mt Lofty House expects guests to be well-heeled international visitors. Because a three-night package of bespoke SA experiences does not come cheap.

Inside the Sequoia lodge.

Luxury rooms with a view are coming to the Adelaide Hills as the $15 million Sequoia project at Mt Lofty Houses nears completion.

The 14 suite lodge overlooking the Piccadilly Valley is due to open around December, aiming to lure well-heeled international as well as interstate and local guests to an idyllic location at the gateway to multiple world-class wine regions.

However, luxury comes at a price — $1200 a night per couple as a lead in, with all-inclusive packages from around $9500 for three nights per couple.

The site will promote local attractions from the Heysen Trail and Cleland Wildlife Park to the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden and relatively proximity to the CBD and beaches for international visitors.

As well as on-site activities, signature experiences will range from a private cycling tour with Stuart O’Grady and Adelaide Oval roofclimb tour to exclusive wine-tasting sessions at the famous Penfolds and Henschke wineries.

Sneak peek of Sequoia at Mount Lofty House

An external render of Sequoia at Mount Lofty House

Named after the three giant Californian Redwood trees planted around 1855 by the original owner of Mt Lofty House, Arthur Hardy, Sequoia has touches such as views from every room in an open plan design.

Each suite offers 180 degree valley views, a sunken lounge with sandstone-clad gas fireplace, king size bed with valley views, private courtyard and inclusions such as gourmet breakfast.

A private lounge for guests complete with concierge has a deck and plunge pool to relax over a complimentary drink while drinking in the views.

Most suites are for couples but four will be set up for intergenerational guests, each sharing two interconnected suites.

The luxurious bathrooms.

The $1200 a night Sequoia units at Mount Lofty House

General manager Jesse Kornoff expects around 60 per cent of the market for Sequoia to be international travellers, about half of these from the United States and around one-third from the United Kingdom.

“It really is a new level of luxury but it is also about the experience as well as the destination,” he said.

“This is an ideal base to visit so many wine regions, explore bush trails, go to places like Cleland which international guests will love, and even the beaches as well as wineries of McLaren Vale are within easy reach in a limousine tour.

“We expect much of the international market will go for all-inclusive packages where everything is taken care off, from airport pick-up to a range of bespoke experiences, so they can just enjoy their holiday.”

Mt Lofty House itself which dates to 1852 recently completed a 12-month, $3 million refurbishment of its 32 guest rooms.