Best luxury accommodation in South Australia
An indulgent stay at a luxurious location has never sounded better - especially with these massive price drops that make luxury ~ actually ~ affordable.
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An indulgent stay somewhere luxurious has never sounded like a better idea than now.
Thankfully, Australia is awash with high-end properties that guarantee a decadent escape from reality — and there are few better places to do that than in scenic South Australia.
From the hustle and bustle of Adelaide to the calm of the scenic Mount Lofty region to the seaside ruggedness of Kangaroo Island, there’s something to suit every whim... and budget.
For central stays, Escape Deals has 15 per cent off rooms at the beautiful Hotel Alba Adelaide (the pool is "amazing" according to a five-star review), while for creature comforts, you can score 20 per cent off Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury with its apartment-style rooms and historic architecture.
On Adelaide city's bring, Luxury Escapes is championing the Stamford Grand Adelaide. This beachfront property is 26 per cent off and has "stunning views" of the ocean.
Finally, for romance, you can't pass up a stay at Mount Lofty House - not least because Luxury Escapes has knocked stays back by 15 per cent off.
Looking for more options? Here are some of the outstanding luxury stays across South Australia where you’re guaranteed the time of your life.
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY STAY
Sticky Rice Villas, Stirling, Escape Deals, $433.12 per night
Luxuriate in the calming surrounds of Sticky Rice Villas, just a stone’s throw from the Mount Lofty Summit lookout in Stirling, and not far from the Adelaide city centre.
The eco-friendly, self-contained villas are perfect for couples and feature a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor furniture and garden views, a bedroom, dining and lounge area with a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and an iPod docking station. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub, fluffy bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.
Perhaps the most indulgent perk of all is the private chef on hand to whip up meals for you — and you have the opportunity to take a class at the onsite cooking school. "Beyond perfect," says on traveller. "We could not have asked for a better experience."
BEST OVERNIGHT CRUISE
4 Night Murray River Cruise on the Murray Princess, Viator, from $2349 per person
For something a little different, why not spend a few nights on the water, taking in the spectacular sights from a different perspective.
This four-night cruise takes you on an unforgettable journey along the Murray River, from the historic port of Mannum to Blanchetown, on the PS Murray Princess.
You'll see the towering sandstone cliffs at the Big Bend, go on a nocturnal tour to look out for kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls, enjoy a bush tucker breakfast and riverside Aussie barbecue, visit the cellar door at Burk Salter Boutique Winery, make discoveries at the Swan Reach Museum explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with a local guide and opt to take a Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour.
On board, you'll get to relax and take in the views from the lounges or the sun deck and enjoy the entertainment and feast on delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
BEST ROMANTIC RETREAT
Mount Lofty House – MGallery by Sofitel, Luxury Escapes, 2 nights from $853 per room
You won’t be surprised to find this historic country house, with sweeping views of Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills wine region, is just a 15-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD.
The beautifully restored house, set upon more than 7ha of native gardens and English-style rose gardens, is the perfect setting for a luxury escape.
Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, croquet lawn and tennis court, and there’s a national park and golf course next door, with the Mount Lofty Summit lookout just 450m away.
The nearby historical towns of Hahndorf and Stirling and the surrounding wine region are close by for day trips.
At property’s restaurant serves hearty, seasonal dishes using produce from the area and the hotel’s own organic kitchen garden.
BEST STAY ON KANGAROO ISLAND
Tide Lines -Kangaroo Island- Island Beach, Haines, Airbnb, from $600 per night
You can’t visit South Australia and not take a trip to Kangaroo Island, just off the coast, which has won global praise for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and emerging food scene.
Set in Haines, just 1.2km from Pennington Bay Beach on the south coast, but pleasantly feeling a world away from civilisation, this modern holiday home offers some of the best beach views on the island.
There are three bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, kitchen and a terrace, as well as a garden and free private parking.
You’ll have your own private boardwalk down to the white-sand beach, and you’ll be close to hectares of Kangaroo Island’s marvellous native bushland.
BEST PLACE TO STAY IN ADELAIDE CITY
The Playford Adelaide – MGallery by Sofitel, Escape Deals, from $234 per night
In the heart of bustling Adelaide is this award-winning, five-star boutique hotel — The Playford MGallery by Sofitel.
Just opposite the Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Casino, a quick stroll to Adelaide Oval and Rundle Mall, and the West End bars and restaurants right around the corner, this hotel has an unbeatable location — and we haven’t even got to the room perks yet.
Each classically designed room features high ceilings, work desks, airconditioning, a TV with cable channels and a marble en suite bathroom, with tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar. Some suites have a spa bath, separate living area and small kitchenette.
The award-winning Playford Restaurant is on hand to serve breakfast with fresh and organic produce, and evening dining showcases modern cuisine featuring the best South Australian ingredients. And to cap it off, unwind with a drink at the stylish, Art Nouveau lounge bar.
BEST VIEWS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Sequoia Lodge, Crafers, Luxury Escapes, 2 nights from $2848 per room
Located among the natural beauty of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, just 1.8km from the mountain’s summit, this incredible property offers outstanding views — yet well within reach of the heart of city and the airport.
The five-star hotel offers airconditioned rooms with private bathrooms and a balcony to take in those magnificent garden views. Other perks include a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and private garden, meaning you’ll barely need to leave the lodgings at all.
If you do want to check out some of South Australia’s top sites during your stay, hotel staff can help you book tours.
The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk, room service, free private parking, and an American breakfast served daily.
What’s the best time to visit South Australia?
Any time is a good time to visit South Australia, with each of the seasons offering something special. Summer can get quite hot and winter is typically the wettest month, with temperatures particularly low in the Adelaide Hills.
Autumn, between March and May, is an attractive time to visit, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures in the low to mid 20s — and well as lots of gorgeous autumnal colours, especially in the Adelaide Hills. Spring, between September and November, is also a colourful time, with gardens in bloom and temperatures reaching a daily average of about 21.7C.
What events are held in South Australia?
South Australia and, in particular, its dazzling capital Adelaide boasts a year-long schedule of exciting events that have put the state on the world stage.
If you’ve like to time to your visit to coincide with a major event, some highlights include the Adelaide Fringe Festival in February and March, Santos Tour Down Under in January, WOMADelaide in March, Tasting Australia in April to May, and Winter Reds Weekend in July.
To save even more on holiday, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Luxury Escapes, Expedia and Wotif.
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