Let’s face it, we all need pampering from time to time. Whether it’s crisp linen, crystal chandeliers, a personal chef and concierge, or perhaps just a private villa in the vines, one thing’s always certain... If you appreciate the finer things in life, a luxury escape to the Limestone Coast is something you’ll remember forever.
5 Luxurious Limestone Coast Lodgings
From coast to country and city to vines, here’s five Limestone Coast properties that take location, service and style to a whole new level.
1. Delgattie Estate, Mount Gambier.
Nothing says luxury like your own grand country manor, right? Mount Gambier’s super-refined and ultra-luxe Delgattie Estate delivers a boutique elegance that few other places can match. With sophisticated suites, glorious gardens and stellar city views, you’ll also score a private dining hall and billiard lounge just to dial up the decadence.
With each of its three guest suites (Frew, Walker and Hay) featuring private ensuites and entrances and its unique décor, you’ll find an elegant mix of contemporary and antique furnishings that blend seamlessly with all the mod cons. Think: grand French oak table (from Bordeaux, of course), bespoke local produce menu, a twinkling Parisian crystal chandelier and a roaring open fire!
2. Padthaway Estate, Padthaway.
At the historic Padthaway Estate, Victorian-era elegance combines with modern comforts, slap-bang in the middle of wine utopia. Here in the heart of the Padthaway wine region, you’ll relish soaking in the old-world charm of the Shearer’s Quarters (circa 1901) or Lawson Cottage – Tatiara district’s first permanent dwelling (circa 1847). With the Landaire Wines cellar door also conveniently housed in the adjoining stables, a sneaky glass in the sprawling garden is an absolute must while you’re here.
As we pen this article, the opulent Padthaway Estate Homestead (circa 1881) is also being restored to its former glory, with its imposing two-story freestone exterior housing a stunning split staircase leading to six double bedrooms – each overlooking vineyards and gardens. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates on progress.
3. Glamping at Bellwether, Coonawarra.
Ever stayed in a million-star hotel? Plonked right in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region and surrounded by 400-year-old gums, the glamping experience at Bellwether Wines is perfect for off-grid gourmands. There’s certainly no need to worry about tent pegs or poles at this rustic retreat, with six beautifully appointed (and blissfully unpowered) bell tents all decked out with beds, linen, floor rugs and lanterns – with a claw-foot bath just paces away in the onsite bathroom.
After drifting off to the crackle of the campfire, starry-eyed lovers can rise to the chatter of birds, with breakfast delivered to their door, or opt for a fully catered experience with all the extra trimmings (think: welcome platter, prepared camp oven meal, gourmet picnic basket, in-house wine tasting, local BBQ pack and other gourmet goodies). With its extensive produce garden, cooks and green thumbs can also get hands-on in the kitchen or veggie patch, while the adjoining cellar door is also just a cork pop from your fly screen.
4. The Menzies Vineyard Retreat, Coonawarra.
A designer blend of wine and luxury, Yalumba’s The Menzies Vineyard Retreat sits snugly between lush Coonawarra vines and native bush, offering a self-contained stay with all the fancy feels. With rammed earth walls and exposed beams, this idyllic escape is full of cosy comforts, with two beautiful bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen and an open fireplace that just screams red wine and a rosy glow when the rain beats down outside.
After a decent lie-in and a hearty breakfast (provisions supplied) take a stroll along the native revegetation trail with curious kangaroos for company, or pop into the exclusive Menzies Wine Room (open by appointment) on the other side of your door. To dial up your creature comforts, guests can also arrange an exclusive dinner to be cooked up by legendary local Chef, Kirby Shearing of Soul Projects during your stay.
5. Stony Rise Lodge, Robe.
Luxe lovers heading to Robe cannot look past Stony Rise Lodge. This stunning new boutique property is tucked neatly into bushland, with a modern layout that’s been carefully designed to capture sunrise, sunset - and ‘every view in between’.
Family-owned and operated, with a laser-sharp focus on local food and wine, accommodation is fully serviced with guests enjoying access to a range of exclusive experiences - including a chauffeured 4WD and concierge to get you to the best spots in style. Sleeping up to ten people across four beautiful bedrooms (each with an ensuite, outdoor lounge and view), this place is set to be anything but ordinary, with a highly personalised approach to ensure every little whim is catered to.
Notable Mentions
If you’re keen to settle into something else nice and cushy, you’ll find plenty of other sophisticated accommodation with all the high-end feels. Here’s a few notable mentions…
Mount Gambier.
In Mount Gambier, hit up Abode Accommodations for a classy stay in the city, where manicured gardens and park views combine with contemporary design and all the modern conveniences just a stone’s throw from the heart of town.
Also handy to the city centre, you’ll find luxury meets the Hamptons at Foxmount Estate, where three seriously suave villas (Magnus, Ilo and Astrid) deliver two-storey townhouse perfection with all the bells and whistles, plus a 24-hour check-in.
Robe.
Back by the sea in Robe, Aloha Waterfront Properties offer pure beachfront magic, with a range of holiday houses and apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms, boasting ocean and marina views, luxe furnishings and a seaside vibe to die for.
Not far away at Isla Tiempo, you’ll find drool-worthy boutique stays that simply ooze ocean vibes. Carefully constructed by local designer Victoria Jaxon Homes, each retreat home offers insta-worthy styling and are just a short walk from the main street.
If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated ocean therapy, it’s hard to go past a stay at Robe’s Room of Health, where stunning accommodation is seamlessly interwoven with their in-house Wellness Studio. Think infrared saunas, compression therapy, soaks, scrubs and more.
Or kick back in style with sweeping Southern Ocean views in the stunning Church on the Hill. An open-plan masterpiece facing Front Beach, where old-world charm meets modern-day luxury. You’ll find it all too hard to drag yourself away from the four-sided fireplace and oversized sofas, with a comfy leather recliner and well-stocked library also on hand for those lazy, light-filled mornings.
Ultimate Experiences.
Naturally, any stay in our most up-scale accommodation should be matched with an incredible food, wine and touring experience. Here’s a few locals that can take your luxury holiday to a new level.
Wine and Dine.
Join Coonawarra Experiences for an exclusive privately hosted dining experience at Wrattonbully’s Land of Tomorrow wines for a unique chance to lunch with locals that have plied this land for generations. With a range of other bespoke Coonawarra tours offering behind-the-scenes access to the region’s very best producers, you’ll travel at your own pace while feasting on local knowledge.
When in wine country, enjoy one of Coonawarra’s ultimate dining experiences at Pipers of Penola. Home to some of the nation’s most decorated chefs, this place is a mecca for foodies nationwide, with a distinct emphasis on local, high-quality produce and exceptional service.
Paddock to Plate.
The world-renowned The Tasting Room at Mayura Station is home to the nation’s only full-blood Wagyu beef and is a genuine culinary celebrity in every sense, with a boutique paddock-to-plate dining experience that’ll take you straight to carnivore heaven.
Catch of the Day.
No trip to the Limestone Coast is complete without splashing out on a big, juicy Southern Rock Lobster! With the annual season extending from October to May, expect to find this local delicacy on a smorgasbord of spots around town – here’s a few of the finest.
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