A trio of architectural villas in the Adelaide Hills has joined an exclusive collection of outstanding stays, earning international recognition in the 2026 MICHELIN Key awards.
Sticky Rice Villas in Stirling has been awarded One MICHELIN Key, making it one of only three properties in South Australia to hold the prestigious hotel distinction.
Even more remarkably, two of those three properties can be found in Stirling, with the villas joining the distinctive Thorngrove Manor, which holds Two MICHELIN Keys.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island completes the state’s collection and has been elevated to Three MICHELIN Keys, the highest distinction in the program.
The results mean South Australia is now represented across all three levels of the MICHELIN Key awards.
Much like MICHELIN Stars recognise exceptional restaurants, MICHELIN Keys are awarded to outstanding hotels and accommodation experiences following anonymous and independent assessments by MICHELIN Guide inspectors.
Properties are considered on factors including architecture and interior design, individuality and character, quality and consistency of service, value for the experience and their contribution to the surrounding location.
One MICHELIN Key signifies “a very special stay”.
Sticky Rice Villas comprises three private retreats named Bali, Yoko and Zen, each measuring approximately 70 square metres.
Designed by architect John Adam in 2014, the award-winning villas were individually conceived through their architecture, interiors and landscaping, rather than created as variations of the same accommodation.
Each has a distinct identity and is designed to immerse guests in a different setting, from the tropical character of Bali to the restrained Japanese influences of Yoko and Zen.
For owners Claire and Mark Fuller, the MICHELIN Key recognises the role architecture has played in the guest experience since the villas were created.
“To see Sticky Rice Villas recognised by MICHELIN and represented alongside some of the most iconic tourism properties in Australia and around the world is an extraordinary honour,” Claire said.
“When we created the villas with John Adam, we wanted the architecture itself to be part of the experience. Bali, Yoko and Zen each have their own identity, and every element was designed around the experience we wanted our guests to have.”
The Stirling property forms part of Sticky Rice Cooking School & Villas, combining private architectural accommodation with one of the Adelaide Hills’ established culinary tourism experiences.
Its inclusion is one of just 37 new MICHELIN Key awards and promotions announced across Oceania in 2026.
The wider region, encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, now has 92 MICHELIN Key properties. Globally, 2,832 properties feature in the 2026 selection, including just 155 holding the highest Three-Key distinction.
With Southern Ocean Lodge, Thorngrove Manor and Sticky Rice Villas now representing each tier, South Australia’s three recognised properties range from the wild coastline of Kangaroo Island to two highly individual stays tucked away in the leafy heart of Stirling.
What: Sticky Rice Villas
Where: 96 Old Mount Barker Road, Stirling
More information: Sticky Rice Villas
