From the moment you arrive at Sequoia Lodge, there’s a sense of effortless flow – in the intentional design that unfurls across its architecture and in the way the unhurried ambience seeps into your soul. The two work in tandem to foster relaxation, and to be honest, it’s intoxicating in the way things that are good for your soul should be – leaving you feeling lighter, more supple.

In this way, Sequoia Lodge isn’t just a place to stay. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself in one of Australia’s most picturesque regions.

Settled high in the Adelaide Hills (Peramangk) with sweeping views across Piccadilly Valley, the lodge creates a rare balance between refined comfort, natural beauty and a sense of seclusion. It’s a harmonious blend that, even over a short weekend, can lead to a deep sense of balance and calm – a feeling best described as centred.

This sense of coming back to yourself amid nature is entirely intentional. When David Horbelt conceived the idea for a private adults-only sanctuary nuzzled into the verdant hills of Mount Lofty, the goal was for guests to feel completely ensconced in luxury – a calm haven ostensibly miles removed from the pressures of city living. In reality, Sequoia Lodge has achieved a level of seclusion and serenity worthy of far-flung places, and just 20 minutes from the bustle of Adelaide (Tarndanya).

“I thought about all the Luxury Lodges around the country that are great but quite inaccessible,” explains Horbelt. “Why not bring a luxury lodge closer to a gateway destination?”. Sandwiched between Mounty Lofty Botanical Gardens and thousands of acres of lush national park brimming with native flora and fauna, the estate exists within its own private pocket – 12 hectares to be exact – of the Adelaide Hills.

The surrounding landscape is mirrored in every detail at Sequoia Lodge, anchoring it in the elements while enhancing its connection to the region. “The Adelaide Hills region influenced our design immensely,” explains Horbelt.

Using light, earthy tones, Horbelt says the lodge imitates the essence of nature and wellness that reverberates across the region, firmly embedded with the use of materials such as local Basket Range stone, limestone and spotted gum.

Guest suites were crafted in collaboration with local talent, from artisans who rendered every corner of the suites into a space of tranquillity, to the original oil paintings by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock that adorn the walls. Together, they’ve created a serene retreat characterised by a soft, soothing colour scheme complemented by the natural warmth of wood and stone finishes.

Rooms are completely soundproof, fitted out with custom-designed mattresses and a ‘sleep easy guide’ book – because at Sequoia Lodge, sleep is a crucial ingredient to rejuvenation. “We also kept the suite count limited to retain the private ‘away from the world’ feel,” Horbelt says.

Rounding out the heady sense of relaxation and rejuvenation that echoes throughout the lodge are the on-site artesian hot pools, Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, nature walks and yoga classes for guests to revel in while here.

“It’s critical to calm the senses,” Horbelt says. “That is why we enclosed the Sequoia Lodge in a private enclave, fully fenced with Jurassic-style gates that keep the outside world at bay.” It’s an ideology that’s been fully realised, creating a sanctuary that envelops guests in a unique way of living, making them feel like the last people on Earth.