The Adelaide Hills are the place to go when you are looking for a retreat. Enjoy luxurious accommodation surrounded by nature but with all the facilities you need to relax and enjoy your time away. Here are ten of the best Adelaide Hills accommodation options for that indulgent break.
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Feature image photo credit: Mish and Kirk, Sequoia, Adelaide Hills
TL;DR? Here's the outline
Adelaide Hills Accommodation
The Adelaide Hills are a rural area dotted with picturesque small towns set amongst vineyards, orchards, dairy farms and other farming businesses.
In the last few years it has also been gaining a reputation as a wellness location with luxury retreats, day spas and beautiful B&Bs.
Both local Adelaide residents and visitors go there to relax and wind down form their crazy lives in these crazy times.
Not only are the Adelaide Hills a great location to rest and relax, there is plenty to do in the area if you are after some activities, and in less than an hour you can be back in the Adelaide city centre.
When deciding where to stay in the Adelaide Hills it is worth taking in to consideration what you are planning to do during your stay. If you are simply going to enjoy the accommodation and relax then you can stay anywhere.
If you will be travelling around or exploring further afield, then I recommend a location closer to the Southeast Freeway to make access easier.
Here are some of the best Adelaide Hills luxury accommodation options.
Thorngrove Manor
If you have ever wanted to sleep in a castle you can tick that off your bucket list right here in SA with a stay at Thorngrove Manor. This is a small five-star luxury hotel located at Stirling.
This is possibly the best of the romantic getaways Adelaide Hills have on offer. This is the place for honeymoons, anniversaries, engagements and other special life moments. It is for when price is no barrier.
The rooms at Thorngrove Manor are absolutely private. They claim that you will not see any of the other guests during your stay. There are no communal areas and each room offers a private entry.
The rooms are uniquely decorated, spacious and filled with furniture befitting royalty.
With names like the Kings Chambers, the suites comprise of living and sleeping areas, including a private dining area in front of an open fire, and an ensuite.
See more about Thorngrove Manor Hotel here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Longview Vineyard
Stay right amongst the vines at Longview Vineyard and enjoy a luxurious Adelaide Hills accommodation with spa experience right here.
Your day could consist of a morning massage and facial followed by lunch and some wine tasting at the cellar door. The a whole lot more relaxing in the serene Adelaide Hills countryside.
Longview can be found less than an hour from Adelaide near the town of Macclesfield. There is a range of 4½ star accommodation options from suites for two to an apartment that sleeps eight – perfect for a girls weekend away!
All the rooms have a kitchenette/kitchen and some have a spa. Preparing the delicious breakfast from the basket of goodies provided is simple, and you can eat it while still enjoying the comfort of the room – or on a balcony overlooking.
Book your Longview Vineyard stay here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Sequoia Lodge
This is one of the newer options for luxury Adelaide Hills accommodation – and one of the most impressive. Sequoia Lodge is perched on the side of a hill at Mount Lofty with stunning views across the ranges.
There is an infinity pool and a hot tub fed by an artesian spring for taking in these views. Every suite has floor to ceiling windows and a balcony which also overlooks the view.
There is also a fireplace in each room and a bathtub with – you guessed it – a view!
It isn’t all about the view though, expect impeccable service here, from a pre-arrival call to 24 hour reception who can arrange chauffeur services, airport transfers and any outside experiences.
You might not need those though, as every stay comes with some included onsite experiences such as a nature walk or a food and wine class.
There are other things to do without leaving the area too.
Dine at the neighbouring 3 Chef Hat Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (part of sister-site Mount Lofty House below) or visit the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa right outside the property’s gates.
Book your Sequoia Lodge getaway here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Pavilions @Lenswood
Pavilions @Lenswood are nestled amongst the orchards at Lenswood, known for its apples, and where you can pick-your-own in autumn.
There are two studios, each with their own style – Ruhe is designed with a Swiss Chalet in mind, and Merak is a modern take on an Italian Alps warehouse.
Each pavilion has a free standing bath with a view and an open fire, perfect for romantic evenings in. Outside there is a deck with a spa.
Your hosts can organise extras such as a private massage or a chauffeur, and if you wish to simply relax here during your stay (and who wouldn’t?) then they can also organise dinner under the stars with meals prepared just for you.
A continental breakfast will be included in your stay, as will some complimentary local drinks.
Book your pavilion here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Sticky Rice Villas
This is one for the foodies! Sticky Rice Villas are associated with the popular Sticky Rice Cooking School, and located behind it in the lush Stirling bushland, just a 15 minute stroll from the centre of town.
They are perfect for staying the night after booking in one of the hands-on classes which are available in a range of cuisines.
Most are various Asian meals, but there are also vegetarian/vegan classes, kids classes, even private classes if you would like to bring a group.
The three self-contained villas each has its own style with Asian influences – one is Balinese, one Thai and one Japanese.
They contain a full kitchen so self-catering is possible, but as a special treat, a private chef can be booked to come and cook for you too. The villas each have a private walled garden, also styled in line with the theme of the interior.
Book your stay at Sticky Rice Villas here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Cladich Pavilions Bed and Breakfast
Just a short thirty minute drive from the Adelaide city centre, in the town of Aldgate, you will find the Cladich Pavilions Bed & Breakfast. You will not feel like you are in a town here though.
The leafy surrounds of native bushland and abundant birdlife will have to feeling relaxed as soon as you arrive.
There are three different pavilions available here at this adults-only property, each one slightly different. They all have beautiful, contemporary decor that compliments the location.
Two of the pavilions have decks to sit and enjoy the show the local birds put on.
Cladich Pavilions provide supplies for a delicious and healthy continental breakfast to start your day exploring the nearby Adelaide Hills attractions.
Book your Cladich Pavilions stay here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Mount Lofty House
Mount Lofty House is a sister site to Sequoia Lodge listed above, but while they might sit side by side with the same views over the hills, they are completely different properties.
Mount Lofty House is a 5 star boutique hotel, with the services and amenities you would expect to come with that.
Mount Lofty House was built as a stately home in 1852, but had to be totally rebuilt (and therefore updated) after it was burnt down in the 1983 bushfires that affected this area.
This means it still has the stature and feel of 19th century luxury but upgraded to modern standards with the latest refurbishment in 2018. Expect classical rooms and impeccable service for your stay here.
Dining at Mount Lofty House is a treat, with the acclaimed Hardys Verandah Restaurant offering some of the best fine-dining in South Australia.
Martha Hardy’s Kitchen is a less formal restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. You can also relax with a drink in the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge & Bar.
If the weather is good you can enjoy the views from the outdoor pool, or indulge a little more at the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa right here on site.
Book your stay at Mount Lofty House here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
The Crafers Hotel
The Crafers Hotel has a range of heritage rooms available for a cosy weekend away in the Adelaide Hills, perfect for a solo “mum-cation”.
With only seven rooms, this newly renovated 4.5 star hotel is perfect for a weekend of exploring or wine tasting, starting from the picturesque village of Crafers.
Since it’s part of the pub, you have access to a restaurant and bar right here too.
All the rooms have luxurious bedding and modern bathrooms. Some of the rooms have a deep bathtub and access to a balcony with outdoor seating.
The complimentary minibar is stocked with water, soft drinks, beer, chips and a packet of Tim Tams! There is a communal kitchen where you can make tea and coffee, and a simple breakfast is available for you here too.
Book your stay at the Crafers Hotel here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Grandview Accommodation – The Flaxley Apartments
Just because you are planning a relaxing weekend away doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing it alone. These beautiful apartments in Mount Barker have two bedrooms, making them perfect for travelling with family or friends.
They are walking distance from the centre of Mount Barker for access to restaurants, a cinema and supermarkets.
The apartments are spacious with a modern kitchen and living area perfect for socialising. All the mod-cons are here, including a washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave and hairdryer.
The whole place is tastefully decorated and each apartment includes more than one bathroom. There is a private outdoor garden area to sit and sip your complementary bottle of wine.
Book your stay here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Earthship Ironbank
This surely has to be the most unique accommodation Adelaide Hills can offer you! If you would like your relaxing getaway to be off-grid and sustainable, Earthship Ironbank could be just the place you are looking for.
This self-sufficient studio is located on a rural property at Ironbank. With solar power and its own water and sewerage systems, your stay here will impact lightly on the planet.
In line with the eco-friendly ethos, supplies for a vegetarian breakfast are included, and it can be changed to vegan on request. If that’s not your style, there is a kitchen inside the studio to prepare meals. The open fire double as a wood-pizza oven in winter too.
See more details about Earthship Ironbank here
Gums ‘n Roses
Gums ‘n Roses is a new acommodation option at Macclesfield and it’s being included here as a bit of a wildcard.
If you are truely looking for a relaxing escape from the city to just chill out, enjoy nature, take some walks and relax with a good book and a glass of wine, then this could be just what you are looking for.
With no wifi available, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect.
It’s a tiny house located out in a field with nothing around you except country views and nature – and maybe a farm animal or two. It does come with all the basic amenities, including a fire pit for those cooler nights.
Gums ‘n Roses is pet friendly so your furry friends are welcome too.
Book your Gums ‘n Roses stay here
Read TripAdvisor reviews here
Looking for more places to stay around SA? Try these posts
The Manna by Haus – Accommodation in Hahndorf
Hotels in Adelaide
Best Places to Stay in Port Lincoln
Luxury Accommodation on Kangaroo Island
For things to do during your stay in the Adelaide Hills, take a look at these posts
33 Things to do in the Adelaide Hills
15 Fun Things to do in Hahndorf
Best Adelaide Hills Wine Tours
…and call into the Visitor Information Centre in Hahndorf
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