With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s always plenty of us who are scrambling to find something unique – something special – to do with our loved one. While Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which doesn’t lend itself to a romantic night away, places like Mount Lofty House are taking bookings for a getaway a little further in the month, which will take your breath away. Always willing to sacrifice myself for our readers, I thought it would be the perfect chance to see what one of Adelaide’s most iconic, historic destinations has on offer.
As a highly sought after wedding destination in the Adelaide Hills (and a good one for proposals), Mount Lofty House is a stunning old property, which used to be the summer home for the Hardy family. Fast forward one hundred years, and it’s well on its way to becoming one of the best boutique hotels in Australia.
The newly opened HVR – Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, takes pride of place in the heritage section of the building, and tempts guests as they check in. There’s also a gorgeous new front bar near the reception area, that’s perfect for a romantic cocktail or two with your loved one, before heading to dinner at HVR. Officially opening later this month (Feb 23), the restaurant is already serving up a seriously good degustation, which is perfect for a romantic evening out. There’s a 4 course option, and the 7 course meal for the serious foodies. Read our full review of HVR (and see all the delicious photos) here.
One of the HVR degustation dishes (amuse bouche) we enjoyed as part of their 7 course offering
Whether you’re in the front bar, HVR having dinner, in your room, by the pool or anywhere in the hotel for that matter, you’ll be treated by amazing views of the Adelaide Hills and the beautiful tree-filled property. Ivy vines envelop walls, cultivated gardens blossom everywhere you look, and massive trees shade the many walking trails around the hotel.
The Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens is right next door as well, so if you’re looking to go for some long romantic walks with your loved one, it’s as convenient as it gets.
The suite we stayed in at MLH, the Tower Suite, was perfect for what my husband and I were after. A split level apartment, the suite had a lounge area with TV and tea/coffee facilities downstairs which overlooked the swimming pool and heritage area of the hotel. The view was gorgeous. Upstairs, a loft style bedroom was flooded with light, with a comfortable bed, another TV, and a great modern bathroom with soaker tub that opened into the room (if you wished). Some other rooms had small balconies, and no doubt there were other options too – but the Tower Suite, formerly home to the hotel’s manager, is definitely what we’d recommend for a special night away. There was even decent sized wine glasses, so there’s a great incentive to swing past some Adelaide Hills wineries during the day, and come back with a special bottle of wine to share in your room in the evening.
The Tower Suite bedroom
The hotel is also filled with gorgeous pockets of history, and lovely little areas to kick back and enjoy a book. Explore the library, the sitting room next to the pool, the deck overlooking the valley and other stunning areas around the property while you’re there. There is plenty of areas to explore, ensuring that if you’re after privacy, you’ll be able to find a spot just for you and your loved one.
If you want to ramp up the romance even more, consider adding a spa package to your romantic night/weekend away. The gorgeous little boutique Stables Day Spa, is the perfect treat to compliment your visit to Mount Lofty House, with services for both men and women. They even have special options for expectant mothers.
Not don’t get me wrong – none of this is cheap. You’re paying for, and receiving quality. But if you’re looking for something special – this is certainly something to consider. Dining at HVR is an intimate, exquisite experience. Staying at Mount Lofty House is a private, gorgeous affair. And pampering yourself at Stables Day Spa is a beautiful bonus. And who knows… if you stay here with your loved one as this year’s Valentine’s Day treat, you may be coming back for your anniversary for years to come. It’s firmly on our list now.
While Glam Adelaide was invited to stay as guests Mount Lofty House, the opinions expressed in this review are genuine and my own.
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