Adelaide Hills luxury retreat wins three major awards and ‘Best Overall Hotel in SA’ at AHA Awards for Excellence

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An Adelaide Hills luxury retreat has added to its growing list of accolades, taking home four major awards at the 2026 AHA SA Awards for Excellence.

Mount Lofty Estate Adults Retreat was recognised across accommodation and dining categories at the awards, held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, October 20th, with Mount Lofty House named Best Overall Hotel for the fourth consecutive year.

The win comes after the historic 29-room property received a Michelin Key last month, adding international recognition to its ongoing success in South Australia’s hospitality industry.

The estate’s Sequoia Lodge also continued its winning streak, taking out Best Luxury Hotel Accommodation for the fifth consecutive year. The award followed the lodge’s recent recognition with two Michelin Keys, highlighting its approach to luxury stays and personalised guest experiences.

David Horbelt, owner and current custodian of Mount Lofty Estate Adults Retreat, shared, “It is incredibly humbling to receive such wonderful recognition once again for the exceptional hospitality and experiences delivered across Mount Lofty Estate Adults Retreat.

“I am particularly proud to see Sequoia Lodge recognised as the Best Luxury Hotel for the fifth consecutive year and Mount Lofty House Adults Retreat named Best Overall Hotel for the fourth consecutive year. These achievements reflect the dedication, passion and consistency of our entire team.”

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant

Rounding out the estate’s four awards, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant was named Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division, while head chef Alessandro Mangione received the coveted Chef of the Year award.

“To see Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant recognised as the Best Restaurant for the fifth time, and our Head Chef, Alessandro Mangione, acknowledged as the best chef in the state, makes this recognition especially meaningful,” shared David.

“Alessandro’s commitment, creativity and pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in positioning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant as the pinnacle of fine dining in South Australia, and I am delighted that AHA SA has recognised his outstanding contribution to our state’s hospitality industry.”

Overlooking the picturesque Piccadilly Valley, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is an intimate fine-dining destination known for its culinary offering, extensive wine collection and focus on premium produce. With just 22 seats across 11 tables, the restaurant offers a considered dining experience in one of the Adelaide Hills’ most scenic settings.

Mangione leads a kitchen team of 18, with the latest recognition acknowledging his culinary creativity, leadership and commitment to the restaurant’s standards.

Alessandro Mangione by Duy Huynh

Set among the rolling hills of the Piccadilly Valley, the property is surrounded by national parkland and sits alongside the Adelaide Botanic Garden at Mount Lofty, around 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD.

Each part of the estate offers a different experience, from the historic character of Mount Lofty House to the more secluded luxury of Sequoia Lodge and the fine-dining focus of Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.

Sequoia Lodge

The latest awards add to the estate’s collection of local and international recognition, with the Michelin Keys and AHA SA honours placing the spotlight on its accommodation and dining experiences.

For South Australians planning a special occasion or a luxury escape without travelling far from the city, the estate brings together award-winning accommodation, fine dining and Adelaide Hills scenery in one destination.