Wherever you're heading in South Australia, take some time to indulge in one of these sumptuously decadent places to stay.

Words Kate Hill, Melissa Keogh, Liz McKinnon, Gretel Sneath, Christine Webster and Belinda Willis

Mount Lofty House
One of the most elegant and luxurious accommodation options in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty House is the spot for a touch of old-fashioned romance and sophisticated indulgence. The boutique hotel – built in 1852 – is famous for its fine dining restaurant, day spa experiences and breathtaking views over the Adelaide Hills. Stay in one of the suites or cottages or treat yourself and a loved one by booking one of the luxury suites as part of the new Sequoia Lodge, featuring an infinity pool, two Japanese hot mineral onsen tubs and a wildlife enclosure.

Old Chaff Mill Retreat
The old chaff mill at Sellicks Hill sat in ruins for decades. In 2014, new owners embarked on a six-year restoration, transforming the mill into two double-storey self-contained suites displaying rare historic artefacts and providing visitors with a unique luxury experience. The two suites – The Millery and The Granary – are completely separate from each other. Each has a king bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi and smart TVs. If you’re staying at The Millery, be sure to have a soak in the private outdoor bath under the stars, or if you’re at The Granary, relax in the upstairs tub overlooking the vineyards.

Barossa Pavilions
A luxury getaway from the bustle of modern life awaits at Barossa Pavilions, near Lyndoch. Six self-contained villas with all the comforts are set in 30 hectares of secluded countryside, offering impressive views across vineyards and the Barossa ranges. Each villa features a spa, the softest of king beds and keyless no-contact entry. Once the owner’s residence, the multi-award-winning Glasshouse, tucked away into the hillside, offers a unique stay for up to six people, with each room a private vista into the surrounding countryside. The property also features electric vehicle charging.

The Villas Barossa
From the plush slippers to the circular soaking tub, guests will want for nothing at the Villas Barossa. Cathy and Grant Wills have worked hard to maximise every inch of space in the pair of architecturally designed villas, which are styled to complement their surroundings and minimise guest impact upon the environment. Located in the historic village of Marananga, the villas are walking distance from some of the region’s top cellar doors and restaurants, yet still retain a sense of peace and seclusion. The ideal getaway for couples and solo travellers.

Kingsford the Barossa
Immerse yourself in rural luxury and next-level sophistication at Kingsford the Barossa. Set on 91 hectares of picturesque Barossa Valley landscape, this gem offers tailored service and VIP treatment for luxury escapes, special events and corporate retreats. Kingsford the Barossa – which has recently undergone an extensive renovation – offers a variety of accommodation options, plus the best in South Australian food and wine. Orleana Restaurant treats diners to a divine culinary experience, featuring incredible Barossa produce, while the Wine Vaults are home to a huge collection of wines and Champagne, including one of the world’s premier showcases of great Barossa shiraz.

Wilkadene Cottage
The luxurious Wilkadene Cottage is set on more than a hectare of lush gardens in a stunning backwater of the Murray River, north of Renmark. Experience native flora and fauna at your doorstep while you enjoy a spacious fully self-contained dwelling with three queen-sized bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry, and ducted evaporative cooling. Cook up a feast on the barbecue, relax and enjoy alfresco dining with river views and bask on the sun lounge. Sample locally-made boutique beers, hard lemonade, or cider at the nearby Woolshed Brewery.

Waikerie Golf & Country Club
With luxurious on-course accommodation, Waikerie Golf and Country Club boasts a verdant 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush green fairways and native South Australian countryside, all less than two hours from Adelaide. The perfect place to escape the city for some relaxation, rejuvenation – and golf, if you like – the course features a clubhouse, driving range, practise facilities and accommodation that captures the beauty of the natural surrounds. There are both suites and villas available, the latter catering for up to 24 people, all self-contained with everything you need for a Riverland golfing getaway.

Flinders Bush Retreats
Understanding the challenges of finding quality family accommodation, Allen and Sharon McInnis have created their unique farm-stay experience just outside of Hawker. From well-appointed three and four-bedroom guesthouses to an eco-tent tucked away in Willow Waters Gorge, Flinders Bush Retreats caters for couples and family groups looking for an outback holiday with all the little luxuries. Sprawled across the McInnis family’s 4450 hectares of working farmland, each venue is self-contained and unique in its own right, designed to complement the surrounding landscape and bring the Australian bush in. The perfect getaway to relax and unwind.

Oceanview Eco Villas
Elevated coastal views, sea breeze and local wildlife set the backdrop at Oceanview Eco Villas – a hosted eco-luxury accommodation on a 200-hectare rural property atop a stunning section of Kangaroo Island coastline known as Redbanks. Each villa offers two bedrooms with large en suites, providing unparalleled views to wake up to each day. Hosts Tim and Tamsin Wendt are happy to help guests plan special events, or simply a luxury weekend away, while the clifftop location provides views of the private cove and coastline for sunset cocktails.

Lifetime Private Retreats
Escape to one of these four luxury houses and villas: the Sky House, Cliff House, Beach Retreat or Pebbly Beach Retreat. Enjoy complete privacy, local wildlife sightings and ocean views from this luxury destination. Only a three-minute drive or a short walk away is the magical dining experience, the Enchanted Fig Tree restaurant, an outdoor feast of cocktails, canapes and dishes underneath a huge 120-year-old fig tree. LifeTime Private Retreats is the perfect romantic getaway, particularly Cliff House with its outdoor jacuzzi.

 

This information was first published in SALIFE FOOD+WINE+TRAVEL 2021