It's often said that nature is nurture - and Sequoia Lodge embodies this sentiment so completely that locals want to keep it all to themselves.
Sat upon the side of Mount Lofty above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, this hidden gem oozes ultra-luxury, sustainability and tranquility.
And despite its high-end price tag and top-notch service, those who visit are often everyday couples and solo travellers treating themselves to some much needed R&R or toasting a special occasion.
Once you drive through the gates it's immediately clear why so many escape to this cool-climed part of the world each year - and why they are reluctant to share its magic with others.
In fact, the journey starts the moment you book your room.
Sequoia, in a nutshell, is an immersive and inclusive adults-only lodge. It offers 14 spectacular suites, countless activities - think healing pools, cocktail-making classes and outstanding dining 'journeys' - and brilliant yet down to earth customer service.
While subtle with their luxury approach, the approachable staff have thought of everything, down to the personalised quiz and phone call guests receive hours after they book from their very own Experience Host.
'Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime,' they promise.
It's often said that nature is nurture - and Sequoia Lodge embodies this sentiment so completely that locals want to keep it all to themselves
Once you drive through the gates it's immediately clear why so many escape to this cool-climed part of the world each year (pictured, one of 14 suites)
Guests can reap healing benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or infinity pool which overlooks the valley rim (pictured)
'Part of our philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated on-site experiences that are included in your stay.'
Armed with a personalised itinerary and a curated day or five ahead of them, guests are then invited to step into their suite - an open-plan space perched on the edge of the Piccadilly Valley.
Boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom, the suites each feature an enormous bath tub, earthy colour palette, cosy fireplace and an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities.
Other stand-out features include a retractable TV, a multi-directional double wellness shower, astone-walled courtyard with a water feature and underfloor heating and air-conditioning - most of which can be controlled from the many hi-tech panels.
Once all settled in, the experiences can begin. Guests can choose between a jam-packed schedule or simply opt to kick back, relax and sit themselves by the pool for the weekend.
The latter would be a bold choice, however, with the 30-something selection of add-ons on offer.
Included in every stay is a lodge welcome at sunset where guests are introduced to the Sequoia story, the region and experiences during their stay with local wines and local produce.
Also included is a South Australian cheese and wine discovery session, guided nature walks, star-gazing, yoga, e-bike rides and a private dip in the artesian hot pools.
In the resident beekeeper's words, the 'frenetic energy' of bees is being harnessed on site not only to produce honey for the luxury lodge menu but to give guests an unexpected mindfulness experience
In between or following activities, guests can then choose to indulge in one of three unique dining experiences in the lodge, at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant or at Martha Hardy's Restaurant
'Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime,' they promise (pictured, the shared lodge space)
The latter is, understandably, very popular with the estate connected to local ancient natural spring waters that run deep down in the mountain.
Guests can reap these benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or infinity pool which overlooks the valley rim.
It's the newest addition to the list, however, that has guests a-buzz: beekeeping.
In the resident beekeeper's words, the 'frenetic energy' of bees is being harnessed on site not only to produce honey forthe luxury lodge menu but to give guests an unexpected mindfulness experience.
Passionate beekeeper Brad Whittaker, who founded The HumbleApiarist in Adelaide, has established a hive to deliver the session - and it's already been an enormous success.
Guests don protective beekeeper clothing and spend an entertaining hour with Brad, who goes dives into the power of bees, why they are so important for the future of the planet and how to tune into their energy.
A truly special experience, Brad draws on his 14 years of sustainable beekeeping practices and workshops to help guests see the 'magic' of bees.
'I help guests see how a Flow Hive works, and let them get up close and personal by holding a bee frame in their hands,' he said.
'Part of our philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated on-site experiences that are included in your stay,' staff promise
'They get to sit for a moment and be mindful while they feel the buzz and magical frequency of bees which are the most healing creatures on earth.
'The sound and vibration of bees has been used to ease PTSD and anxiety and eating honey produced within 8km of where you live can get rid of allergies to local pollens, and even the smell of bees has homeopathic properties to relieve asthma.'
In between or following activities, guests can then choose to indulge in one of three unique dining experiences in the lodge, at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant or at Martha Hardy's Restaurant.
Meals in-house are available all day, with lunch and dinner highlights including Coffin Bay oysters, SA blue swimmer crab dumplings, porterhouse steak and Glacier 51 toothfish.
The award-winning Gatekeeper's Day Spa is also a must-visit, with the on-site cottage (and its very own resident koala) offering a blissful secondary escape.
Guests can choose between a jam-packed schedule or simply opt to kick back, relax and sit themselves by the pool for the weekend
Boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom, the suites each feature an enormous bath tub, earthy colour palette, cosy fireplace and an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities
The very essence of a 'hidden gem', Sequoia is up there with the very best spots to unwind and/or celebrate a milestone in Australia
There guests will have access to a holistic menu that offers relaxing rituals, rejuvenating experiences and gentle beauty treatments usingthe finest biodynamic and organic ingredients that are grown and hand harvested at the nearby Jurlique farm.
One of the most popular treatments is the Couples Retreat - a two-hour session featuring dry body exfoliation, a hot stone massage, a scalp massage, a petit facial, a glass of Estate sparkling wine and hand-crafted chocolates.
As with the entire venue, staff are as friendly and educated as they come - so much so they'd happily show you around the property personally and clue you in on some of their favourite nooks.
The very essence of a 'hidden gem', Sequoia is up there with the very best spots to unwind and/or celebrate a milestone in Australia.
And for those of you who do take the plunge... just be sure to keep it to yourself.
Sequoia Lodge is a 35-minute drive from Adelaide Airport. Transfers can be arranged.
