Picture this: you’ve booked yourself in for a South Aussie staycation. You’ve had a jam-packed day of spa treatments or explored the region. Your belly grumbles and you’re in the mood for some of the delicious, gourmet food the state is known for. Lucky for you, there just happens to be one of SA’s premier restaurants attached to your accommodation.

We’ve dug deep to find five of our favourite accommodation options that’ll have even the pickiest foodie salivating.

1. Mount Lofty House and Sequoia Lodge

Crafers

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of South Australia’s iconic Mount Lofty House, a boutique hotel nestled into Mount Lofty Estate in the Adelaide Hills, just 25 minutes from the city.

Built in 1852 as a summer house for politician, businessman and colonial settler Arthur Hardy, the hotel is set on 30 acres of manicured gardens, offers views across Piccadilly Valley and boasts a luxury day spa.

Sequoia Lodge is the newest addition to Mount Lofty Estate. Here, you’ll feel a million miles away as you’re pampered in deluxe suites and offered experiences that connect you to the land, including a night by the campfire by the valley rim listening to the story of the ancient Aboriginal meeting place.

The grounds themselves boast artesian spring-fed hot pools, an infinity pool and a wildlife enclosure. Adding to the exclusive appeal, Sequoia Lodge only accommodates guests aged 18 and over.

Degustation delight: When you’re feeling peckish, head over to the renowned three-chef hat Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant for some fine dining and indulge in a seasonal four-to-seven course degustation menu, including mouth-watering dishes such as Black Angus tenderloin, Enoki mushroom, and caramel crème. You can also visit Arthur Waterhouse Cocktail Lounge and Champagne Bar on-site for a cheeky nightcap.

2. Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

Kangaroo Island

Overlooking American River Bay, Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge sits among bushland and was designed to blend in with its surroundings.

Most of the hotel’s rooms have views over the bay, and leisure amenities such as a saltwater pool. If you’re after a wildlife experience, you can borrow torches from the reception to spot possums and wallabies after dark or enjoy a pelican feeding experience on the foreshore.

Taste of Australiana: When it comes to whetting your appetite, the in-house restaurant, Reflections, offers an a-la-carte menu specialising in seasonal local produce, with an emphasis on Island and Australian flavours.

Think local American River oysters, KI garlic and garden sage prawns and native dukkah crusted kangaroo fillet – is your mouth watering yet? You can enjoy your dining experience indoors, alfresco or barbecue under the stars.

3. The Louise

Barossa Valley

Set in heart of the Barossa wine region, The Louise is described as a luxury culinary retreat. The suites offer breathtaking views and luxurious inclusions such as water features, marble ensuites and private outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy wide range of experiences, including tours, food, and wine tasting.

Tantalise the tastebuds: There are two world-class eating experiences are on offer on-site – Appellation restaurant and three75 bar + kitchen. Appellation has an emphasis on fresh, local produce provided with 85 per cent of the menu coming from within the Barossa Valley and South Australia. The bread is baked on site and ancient food traditions are embraced so nothing goes to waste. They even carbonate their own rainwater.

three75 bar + kitchen specialises in comfort food – think burgers, fries (including truffle ones!), donuts and cocktails – which you can enjoy while taking in uninterrupted views of vineyards. Yum!

4. Eos by SkyCity

Adelaide

Take a break from the daily grind and enjoy the ultimate luxury staycation experience at the five-star Eos by SkyCity. Set in the heart of the city, you’ll bask at all the opulence on offer, from the modern rooms with stunning city views, day-spa pampering to your heart’s content, and 24-hour room service.

Let them eat: When you’re finished being fussed over for the day and ready to be wined and dined, make your way to the ninth floor and prepare to be dazzled by Sôl Restaurant, and not only by the 270-degree views from the hills to the coast. Sôl Restaurant has a strong focus on sustainability and sources its key ingredients locally, from mushrooms harvested as close as Henley Beach to Riverland almonds and Port Lincoln seafood.

5. Rawnsley Park Station

Flinders Ranges

Overlooking Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station is an inspiring spot to relax and recharge. For those looking for adventure, it’s also the ideal base to explore the Flinders Ranges.

A range of accommodation options are available to suit every budget, from luxury eco villas to a traditional Australian homestead and campsite under the stars.

Spotlight on local: Located in a traditional Australian woolshed, the on-site restaurant, appropriately named Australian Woolshed, is where you can feast on traditional Aussie dishes, including Rawnsley’s own lamb. An ever-changing menu makes the most of local produce while offering a range of Southern Valley and Clare Valley wines to wash it down with.