Our top luxury picks
We’ve scoured South Australia to discover the top luxury experiences on offer in 2025 – from a helicopter wine adventure to enchanting dining experiences, private coastal escapes and exclusive tours of esteemed wineries.
A taste of the Barossa
Head to the Barossa Valley for an immersive, premium wine experience with Torbreck Vintners who offer unique access to their minimal intervention vineyards, winemaking process and the people behind their iconic wines. The $390 per-person full-day immersion is split into two parts. Enjoy a morning exploring the land and viticulture, followed by an afternoon at the Torbreck Cellar Door in Marananga, with a barrel hall tasting and deep dive into blending grenache, shiraz and mataro. This is topped off with a curated seated tasting of flagship wines.
On top of the world
As far as luxurious escapes go, it doesn’t get more indulgent than Eos by SkyCity’s five-star accommodation offering, The Grace Villa. Set on more than 300 square metres on the top floor, the suite commands sweeping views over the River Torrens and Adelaide Oval. This ultimate sanctuary in the heart of the city includes two spacious master bedrooms, with a marble en suite each. The Grace Villa incorporates a dedicated concierge service, fully-equipped gym and sauna, private balconies, and access to Eos Spa + Wellness, a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and dining destinations. Amenities include a private office, spacious entertaining spaces and a 12-seat marble dining table.
An immersive escape
With deep connections to local producers and farmers, Kangaroo Island’s Tim and Vanessa May have opened up a luxury new private escape on the island’s raw, rugged and exceptionally-beautiful south coast. Immerse Kangaroo Island can accommodate up to eight adults across four bedrooms, located on eight hectares of wild, coastal landscape. Each of the bedrooms has its own fireplace to relax and enjoy every season, with a chef-inspired kitchen equipped with European appliances. There is a stone outdoor bath, positioned for complete nature immersion, as well as indoor bathrooms with sublime views of the bay. Your stay includes complimentary produce, gin and wine to enjoy.
Lofty enchantment
Mount Lofty House offers an immersive and enchanting outdoor dining experience in a garden dome nestled underneath a giant 170-year-old Sequoia tree. In the warmth of the dome, groups of up to six people can enjoy a Mount Lofty House classic high tea with its symphony of flavours, delicate finger sandwiches, decadent desserts, and freshly brewed teas and coffee. The outdoor experience at Mount Lofty also includes outdoor fire pits to sit and enjoy a glass of Adelaide Hills red or toast a marshmallow or two. Visitors can also step inside the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge – the ideal spot to settle in for the afternoon and admire the colours of spring across the Piccadilly Valley.
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Dinner, drinks and drama
The Piccadilly North Adelaide was opened in 1940, and since 1983 has been operated by the Wallis family, who saved the iconic building from demolition. Today, guests can make the most of The Piccadilly with the Boutique Cinema experience, complete with deluxe armchairs and two-person sofas with lamp-lit consoles. Drinks, snacks and a full dinner menu can be ordered in-seat with QR codes. Choose from new releases, classics, retro, and series-based sessions in the two new boutique 48-seat cinemas. Cinema One remains the same with its large screen, traditional stadium seating and 35mm screening option. After the credits roll, visit the Piccadilly’s elegant art-deco lounge and bar.
Ascend to new heights
Ascend is an exhilarating luxury helicopter adventure that covers three esteemed wineries from McLaren Vale to the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek, each with their own bespoke food and wine experiences. The tour commences at Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards for their Homegrown Experience, which includes an immersive behind-the-scenes vineyard tour. Then, travel by air over the undulating Adelaide Hills to Golding Wines to enjoy wines from a private tasting platform, followed by a three-course lunch curated by head chef Evert van Niekerk. Finally, it’s on to Kimbolton Wines for an intimate wine and cheese pairing experience.
Wilderness meets luxury
Rumi is the state’s first private island eco-resort, on Port Lincoln’s picturesque Louth Island. In addition to high-end accommodation with ocean views and a two-hatted restaurant, Rumi offers immersive island experiences that can be personalised for each guest. Think luxury sailing cruises to kayak fishing, decadent beach picnics, cabanas, buggy exploration, or a lunch with friends. A second stage of development is underway to create 22 new luxury cabins, hot tubs, tennis courts and a Japanese-style onsen day spa, as well as a scenic island boardwalk. Starting at $630 per night, inclusive of transfers and a gourmet breakfast, this secluded island paradise is surprisingly within reach.
A taste of Yalumba
Take a journey behind the history and making of one of Australia’s most prominent wines with Yalumba’s immersive The Signature Tour. The tour begins at the historic Yalumba Wine Room for an introduction to Yalumba and The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which was first released in 1966. Then, visit the Signature Vineyard to enjoy a tasting among the vines with views of the wider Barossa Valley. The experience continues back at Yalumba with a private tasting of various iterations of The Signature before a tour through the Hill-Smith family’s private museum cellar. The experience is rounded out with lunch nearby at Vintners Bar & Grill, paired with Yalumba wines, of course.
Wake up in Wild Africa
Wake up and open your bedroom window to views across savannah-like landscapes as giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wild African animals meander around a waterhole. This is all part of the experience offered by the new Monarto Safari Resort, which overlooks Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct. The resort features world-class spa and treatment facilities at Marula Day Spa, including thermal and cold plunge pools and sauna, and a premium restaurant, Kutjera Restaurant and Bar, offering contemporary Australian cuisine and sweeping views. Explore the 550 hectares of wide-open plains with guided dawn and dusk safaris, which are exclusive to resort guests. In early 2026, the resort will open 20 new Luxury Safari Tents as part of the new Safari Lodge with bookings expected to open in the coming months.
National Wine Centre
Be whisked away on a sweeping sensory journey across Australia’s best wine regions, with the National Wine Centre’s range of immersive sommelier-guided wine tasting experiences. Choose the Australian Wine Masterclass for a 90-minute dive into the characteristics of Australia’s 65 wine regions, the stories behind each wine and the industry’s passionate and talented personalities. Meanwhile, the Taste of South Australia Guided Tour and Tasting will give you an insight into SA wines, paired with a delectable selection of chef-designed canapes that showcase local ingredients.
All roads lead to Seppeltsfield
For a taste of what the Barossa Valley has to offer, you can’t go past a visit to the famous Seppeltsfield Road – home to fine wineries, prestigious restaurants, luxurious vineyard stays and hidden gems. Take a day trip or book a luxury stay at one of several boutique offerings such as The Louise, CABN, or The Lodge at Seppeltsfield. Dine at Fino Seppeltsfield, Appellation at the Louise, The Atrium at Hentley Farm or The Eatery. Visit JamFactory @ Seppeltsfield, book a Barossa Valley Ballooning adventure, or tackle the bike trail. Gin lovers must call in to the new Prohibition gin bar within the Seppeltsfield Distillery grounds.
Degustation with a difference
Earlier this year, the Clare Valley’s much-loved Watervale Hotel launched Penobscot Restaurant – a 10-seat degustation-only dining experience within the hotel’s kitchen. Here, guests sit at the Chef’s Table for a front row seat into the process of chef Nicola Palmer who integrates ethically-raised proteins with her own biodynamic produce, grown on-site. There’s a focus on wild meats from animals culled in the best interests of the environment, and fish recommended by the Good Fish Guide. Guests can match the degustation with local wine or gin, or choose Penobscot Farm mocktails. Sittings are available at noon or 6pm and diners can also book for a Penobscot Farm tour as part of the experience.
Indulge in a grand Barossa retreat
Discover boutique wineries, world-class dining, scenic drives and rejuvenating spa experiences with a luxury getaway designed by Barossa Grand Retreats. Their three luxury accommodation offerings are designed for indulgence, connection, and relaxation. Stay at the five-bedroom Benbullen Homestead, where historic charm meets modern luxury. For a more intimate escape, the two Benbullen Pavilions offer private, self-contained stays with panoramic views of the natural surrounds. The newest property, Gawler Park Estate, is equipped with a heated swimming pool and private sauna, nestled on a sun-drenched hillside. Reconnect with loved ones, host a corporate retreat, or celebrate a milestone in the heart of the Barossa Valley.
Experience art in action
Enjoy a guided tour and behind-the-scenes experience at Adelaide’s iconic craft and design hub, JamFactory. Led by one of JamFactory’s senior team, this VIP tour takes guests through the gallery and shop providing insight into the latest exhibitions and ventures into the glass, ceramics, furniture and jewellery studios to meet the makers and see craft and design in action. Guests will also be gifted a signature Kink Oil Bottle or two Good Morning Mugs as part of their VIP experience. The experience is available Monday to Wednesday for $480 per couple.
Culinary adventure close to home
Located on Unley’s vibrant King William Road, STH Restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where exceptional food meets heartfelt hospitality. At the core of the STH experience is the premium feed-me menu – a curated journey through the best of seasonal and local produce, designed to surprise and satisfy. For $120 per person, guests are treated to a generous progression of dishes crafted by chefs who are passionate about flavour, balance, and creativity. This menu is designed by chef Frenky Ma who aims to create adventurous, soulful and refined experiences for each guest. “Every plate is designed to tell a story, crafted with care, precision, and a touch of playful indulgence,” Frenky says.
Wild luxury on the Eyre Peninsula
Embark on a wild yet luxurious Eyre Peninsula getaway that can tailor as much adventure or rejuvenation as you like. Located on the sandy shoreline of Baird Bay, 50 kilometres south of Streaky Bay, the two self-contained villas – one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom – are linked by a shared outdoor lounge, barbecue area, and pool. Bespoke all-inclusive holidays provide the opportunity to swim with wild sea lions and dolphins, explore the coast with a passionate field guide, and embark on outdoor adventures by foot, boat, kayak or safari truck. Chef-created premium dining experiences tell stories of the region through local produce.
Mind, body and soul
One of Adelaide’s most lavish spa and bathhouse escapes, IONE Spa and Wellness offers five-star luxury wrapped in a breathtaking, holistic waterfront escape that soothes the mind, body and soul. With opulent-sized suites and surrounds designed with meticulous attention to detail, IONE, at West Lakes, has emerged as an award-winning jewel in Adelaide’s spa and wellness landscape. Immerse yourself in a tranquil world of massages, facials and spa and bathhouse experiences, including their standout Water Goddess and Spa Soiree, encompassing hours of exquisite spa therapies. Indulge in this bathhouse journey with the Swiss jet shower room experience, before enjoying gourmet catering served in their post-treatment relaxation lounge with waterfront views.
This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of SALIFE magazine.
