SA’s top luxury experiences

Take time out to indulge in one of these luxurious South Australian experiences that will set the scene for unforgettable memories with the loved ones in your life.

BK
Ben Kelly
Words
Jun 06, 2025, updated Jun 06, 2025
Naiko Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula
Naiko Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula

Ayers House, Adelaide

With its elegant architecture and timeless charm, Adelaide’s iconic Ayers House is the perfect setting for a special high tea that will transport you back in time. Indulge in a delectable menu of sweet treats, fluffy scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours created by Ayers House’s award-winning head chef Paul Groves. The delicate menu is accompanied by a selection of premium teas and blended coffee that can be appreciated in the grandeur of one of the four glamorous spaces: Ballroom, Library, Conservatory or Henry’s Table. Parties of 10 guests can have one of these ornate rooms all to themselves. Enjoy the option of bottomless bubbles, available for guests who opt for a private high tea.

ayershouse.com.au

Bounty of the Southern Ocean

Set sail for eight nights aboard the boutique Coral Adventurer Expedition Cruise Ship, departing Adelaide on December 1 for a circumnavigation to Melbourne, delving into the wild nature, rich history and farm-to-plate dining adventures along the way. Sample wild abalone on Kangaroo Island, fresh lobster in Robe, artisanal produce and premium wines of the Limestone Coast, visit a remote seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island, and sail past the 12 Apostles at sunset. To travel in style, select a Promenade Deck cabin from $8800 per person, or for extra luxury, there’s the luxurious suites and staterooms. With a maximum of 120 guests on board, chefs have creative freedom to work with premium, seasonal produce. To book, contact Phil Hoffmann Travel on 1300 748 748.

pht.com.au

Brand’s Laira, Coonawarra

The Brand’s Laira cellar door is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts when visiting the South East. Situated between Naracoorte and Penola, the recently-renovated cellar door has been designed around the original stone building of Eric Brand’s Cellar, ready to take you on a journey through time to explore the history of Brand’s Laira – the perfect setting to enjoy a guided wine tasting. A large, expansive interior welcomes guests with a modern dining area, lounge and fireplace – the perfect setting to sample award-winning wines. Stunning vineyard views are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto the deck and lawn so that guests can enjoy the alfresco dining area in the warmer weather.

brandslaira.com

CABN Hahndorf

Presenting a unique cross-section of art, culture, nature and luxurious accommodation, South Australian-based CABN has opened its newest offering to the public with nine off-grid cabins at The Cedars in Hahndorf. The new cabins, which include a luxury CABN X fitted with bathtub and sauna, allow true immersion into the property, made famous by the Heysen family. Visitors can discover some of Hans Heysen’s favourite painting locations on The Artist’s Walk, a peaceful trail through The Cedars, as well as observe changing displays from 200 original works in the studios and house. “The Hahndorf CABN experience is unique in that guests will stay where the Heysen family as artists lived and breathed their work,” says CABN founder Michael Lamprell.

cabn.life

Divine Domes, McLaren Vale

Divine Domes are four hemispherical domes situated on the edge of McLaren Vale’s Oliver’s Taranga and Chalk Hill vineyards. Established just over one year ago, the domes offer the ultimate luxury getaway, with clawfoot baths on decks, fireplaces, quality handmade body products, robes, slippers and breakfast delivered daily. Be nurtured in the unique, spacious cocoons with large clear windows to watch the sunrise each morning, and cosy king size beds with quality linen to snuggle within. Each of the four domes are individually designed and appointed. Furniture and fittings are bespoke and hand-picked to ensure guests feel a genuine connection to the space they have chosen. Each dome also has a full bathroom within.

divinedomesmv.com.au

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Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, Mount Lofty House

Mount Lofty House has welcomed the addition of new saunas, an ice bath and hot tub on its picturesque grounds, enticing guests to enjoy luxury treatments in the refreshing spring air. This area of the estate is known as the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, which has recently been transformed into a chalet-style wellness hub where guests can immerse themselves in an outdoor sanctuary, an optional extra for guests of Mount Lofty House and Sequoia. Soak into the cedar-clad hot tub, steam and infra-red saunas, and a chilly ice bath for an invigorating and rejuvenating health experience. Inside the historic cottage guests can continue the enchanting wellness sojourn, with exquisite treatments and rituals for face and body.

sequoialodge.com.au

Hamilton & Dune, Kangaroo Island

Located at Kangaroo Island’s stunning Emu Bay, Hamilton and Dune are two beautifully appointed holiday homes, each perfectly blending comfort with style and seclusion. The homes are operated by Emily and Richard Young, whose connection to the Island goes back to their childhood. Hamilton House is set on a block in a prime location, just 100m from the jetty, boat ramp and white sandy beach. Hamilton is fitted with a French fireplace, bespoke fittings, contemporary kitchen and top of the range appliances. Its nearby sister property, Dune House, is nestled on the crest of a protected sand dune, with a circular design that provides light and views from every room. Spend your day walking, boating, paddle boarding or swimming with the dolphins, enjoy spectacular beachfront sun lounging, retreat to the sunken lounge or doze by the fire.

hamiltondune.com.au

JamFactory Glass Studio, Adelaide

You don’t have to travel all the way to the Venetian island of Murano to acquire a piece of hand-blown glass art – in fact, you can make your very own right here in Adelaide. The JamFactory Glass Studio provides the opportunity for anyone to learn the fascinating art of glass-blowing with their Individual Glass Blowing Workshop. Experience an intensive one-on-one introductory session in the glass studio, and learn traditional glass blowing skills in gathering, forming and design to make your own glass piece under the tutelage of a professional glass artist. Suitable for complete beginners, these one-off sessions run for four hours and cost $630 per person.

jamfactory.com.au

Journey Beyond

Indulge in a luxurious outback adventure onboard The Ghan and Great Southern, with Journey Beyond’s new special Gold Premium carriages that have been rejuvenated with a contemporary design by global design firm Woods Bagot. The new Gold Premium cabins are appointed with a colour palette inspired by the rich colours of Albert Namatjira’s landscapes, with walnut and polished brass detailing, and Indigenous prints on upholstery. These cabins convert from a lounge by day into a sleeping berth at night. Guests have exclusive access to the new-design Gold Premium lounge and dining carriages. Enjoy the ever-changing outback vistas in luxurious comfort, with sublime dining and premium beverage options, starting from $3495.

journeybeyondrail.com.au

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Kingsford The Barossa

Stay in one of Kingsford The Barossa’s 16 lavish suites, ensconced in the surrounding bucolic hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Guests can choose from rooms in the original 1856 homestead, the Stonemasons’ Cottage, or lavishly-appointed Valley View suites. Indulgent culinary experiences are designed by Head Chef De Buys Nortier who pays homage to the rich tapestry of South Australian flavours. From coastal abundance to the fertile farmlands, enjoy an unforgettable journey through the very essence of the region, blending Australian comfort and native flavour with a modern spirit. Surrender to nature and indulge in Kingsford’s bush bath, take a bushwalk, or enjoy the night sky around a roaring firepit with a Barossa shiraz in hand.

kingsfordbarossa.com.au

Naiko Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula

Naiko Retreat is an adults-only secluded oasis on the cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula with unparalleled views over the ocean to Kangaroo Island. This five-star self-contained accommodation sleeps up to six guests in three spacious king bedrooms, each with luxurious ensuite bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. There is a secluded beach below the retreat perfect for swimming, with private walking trails and a host of exclusive onsite activities for guests to do as little or as much as they want. Just 90 minutes south of Adelaide, Naiko is the perfect setting for catching up with friends and family, romantic getaways and special celebrations. The iconic Futuro located just below the retreat provides a serene wellness hub for pampering and massages.

naikoretreat.com.au

Oval Hotel, Adelaide

The boutique 138-room Oval Hotel wraps around the eastern facade of the iconic Adelaide Oval, providing a location like no other. While every room offers luxurious design, the premium offerings are the hotel’s two suites, located on the top floor of each wing. The Cathedral Suite offers floor-to-ceiling views of St Peter’s Cathedral, while the River Suite is located on the south wing and overlooks the city skyline and riverbank. Both boast premium king bedrooms, custom mattresses, and luxurious double ensuites. Head to dinner at the flagship Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen where executive chef Daniel Simpson dry ages all meats, including the Wagyu scotch fillet which can be paired with a Penfolds Grange from the 2000-bottle wine wall.

ovalhotel.com.au

Penfolds Magill Estate

To celebrate 180 years of Penfolds and the 60-year anniversary of Bin 707 Cabernet sauvignon, Penfolds Magill Estate has launched a new Collectors Experience tour which includes a bespoke tour of Magill Estate, private tasting of Penfolds’ iconic wines, and fine dining at Magill Estate Restaurant, all from $495 per person. Meanwhile, for the true Grange afficionados, the $1650 “Platinum Grange Experience” offers the ultimate in luxury. Arrive in style with a chauffeured transfer, followed by a guided historical tour of the estate. Taste Penfolds’ most coveted wines, before indulging in a five-course lunch with paired wines at Magill Estate Kitchen, all including a personalised bottle of Grange and return luxury transfer.

penfolds.com

Pod[e], Streaky Bay

Pod[e] Mulla-Mulla offers a taste of luxury in the unspoilt remote coast 20 minutes outside of Streaky Bay. Pod[e] was created by husband-and-wife team Scott and Susan Taylor in 2021, after a long-held dream to create an eco-escape. With a love of South Australia’s unspoilt west coast, Scott and Susan wanted to bring that feeling into an off-grid luxury remote stay. Mulla-Mulla is the first eco-retreat of their brand Pod[e]. The smart design, spectacular views, isolation, ruggedness of the environment and being completely off-grid combine to make Pod[e] a truly unique luxury experience. Enjoy a luxurious bathroom, wood fire, two queen beds and outdoor shower, with the pod fully-equipped to make the most of the location.

pod-e.co

Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide

Restaurant Botanic is partnering with Dom Pérignon to offer a sophisticated evening of fine food and world-class Champagne available to just 28 discerning guests, with each ticket priced at $2000. To be held at the restaurant on September 26, under the new executive chef Jamie Musgrave, the evening will not only feature a vertical tasting spanning three decades of Dom Pérignon’s finest vintages but will also be a celebration of three expressions: Plénitude one, two and three. The ultra-rare Plénitude 3 is aged for more than 20 years and comes at an ultra-premium price point. “Pairing these exceptional vintages with our carefully crafted menu allows us to create a unique and unforgettable experience for our guests,” says Jamie.

restaurantbotanic.com.au

Stowaway, Kangaroo Island

With the luxurious facilities expected of a world-class boutique hotel, but in a relaxed, uniquely Australian setting, Stowaway Kangaroo Island is the ultimate couple’s retreat. The four private Stowaway lodges offer sublime, luxurious accommodation, yours to enjoy in total seclusion. The premium lodges are located on an 80-hectare property of mixed farm and native bushland, ready to be explored if you so wish. Inside, a stone double-sided wood fireplace separates bedroom and living areas, and a cantilevered window seat frames spectacular vistas; the perfect place to relax with a good book. Soak up the epic landscape from the timber deck and rejuvenate in the al fresco hot tub under a glittering canopy of stars.

stowawayki.com.au

The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island

This year, exciting Kangaroo Island chef John Stamatakis has taken ownership of Kangaroo Island’s enchanted open-air restaurant, which John has rebranded simply as The Fig Tree. Formerly known as The Enchanted Fig Tree, this majestic and ancient tree is not your typical diner, growing beside the shimmering waters of Snelling Beach where beneath its verdant canopy, dappled sunlight sets the atmosphere for a mediterranean feast. With the passionate chef’s love for this iconic location expressed on every plate, The Fig Tree uses foraged ingredients and local produce, all complemented by sensational South Australian wines. Afterwards, guests may stroll across the road to enjoy the beach and reflect on their experience.

instagram.com/thefigtreeki

The Line & Label, Port Lincoln

The Line & Label restaurant has cemented Port Lincoln as a must-visit destination for foodies and wine lovers, with executive chef Mark Jensen and his team creating dishes that hero local produce, presented with colourful herbs and flowers from the on-site gardens. The team regularly forages in the vegetable garden, fruit trees and greenhouse and restaurant guests are invited to tour these on-site elements. In addition to the regular lunch and dinner menus, there is a five-course tasting menu for $120 per person, with wine matching for an additional $50 per person. Enjoy the best produce from Eyre Peninsula luxuriously plated with colourful elements from the garden, while taking in the views of the on-site vineyards.

peterteaklewines.com

The Tailor’s Barossa Art and Wine Private Tour

Indulge in a privately guided day of epicurean delights, local flavours and artistry in the Barossa wine region aboard this tour with luxury travel company, The Tailor Touring Co. This special day starts with a private tour at Wonderground – a contemporary art gallery and cellar door run by local artists Kirsty Kingsley and Renee de Saxe. Then it’s off to Alkina Wines for a regionally inspired lunch and a guided micro-terroir flight of rare wines that make up the property’s Polygon Project. Finally, be hosted by a Baron of the Barossa for a spectacular private wine tasting at The Barossa Cellar where the famed Vault hosts a 3000-plus collection of distinguished wines. Don a pair of gumboots and go for a walk to learn about a vineyard with some of the oldest shiraz genetics in the world.

thetailor.com

The article originally featured in the September 2024 SALIFE magazine.