About this hotel
General information
The Louise lies among rolling hills and vineyards in the hamlet of Marananga, at the heart of the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s best-known wine regions. Hoteliers Jim and Helen Carreker opened it in 2005 after a decade-long search for the right site, and in 2010 it became the birthplace of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. Today it is part of Beckons.
The style is that of a Southern European villa: 15 townhouse-like suites open through French doors onto private courtyards, and a central walkway planted with vines, lavender and rosemary leads to the main lodge, its lounges, bar and Appellation restaurant. A private collection by more than 14 regional artists runs through the property, including a glass water feature of 28,000 pieces at the entrance. Rates include breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and snacks, dinner at Appellation with matched wines and the in-suite bar.
Location
At the corner of Seppeltsfield and Stonewell Roads in Marananga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 70 km or about an hour’s drive north-east of Adelaide and its airport. Private car transfers from the airport or rail terminal can be arranged, and the lodge has a daylight helipad; most guests drive themselves in a hire car.
Spa
There is no spa as such, but a cedar sauna with dry or humid settings sits beside the gym, and relaxation massages and private yoga sessions can be arranged in the suite.
Sports & leisure
Twice a week, complimentary Swirl Sessions bring Barossa winemakers into the lodge for hosted tastings, and a guided talk introduces the private art collection. Complimentary e-bikes are available for winery rides, alongside a pool and a gym with cardio machines and weights. At extra cost: helicopter flights over the valley landing at cellar doors, a Seppeltsfield tour with a tasting of wine from the guest’s birth year straight from the barrel, artist studio visits, blending sessions and tours to Adelaide.
For children
Children aged 10 and over are welcome; the two-bedroom Bethany Suite is designed with families in mind.
Restaurants & bars
Appellation, overlooking the hills, is one of South Australia’s most celebrated regional restaurants: a tasting menu drawn from local farmers and growers, with around 85% of ingredients sourced within 100 km and greens from the kitchen garden, each course paired with wine. It also welcomes outside diners for dinner. Beside it, a walk-in cellar holds more than 800 bottles from the Barossa, South Australia and France, including Grange and Hill of Grace. Sunset drinks and snacks are served in the lounge each evening; there is no in-suite dining.
Swimming
A wet-edge lap pool by the main lodge is placed for watching the sun set over the vineyards.
Rooms
The 15 villa-style suites open off a vine-lined central walkway, their gates leading into private rosemary-edged courtyards. High-ceilinged interiors open through French doors to fields and vineyards.
Each suite has a king bed, a fireplace, a work desk, a bathroom with spa bath, walk-in rain shower and private outdoor shower, a courtyard and terrace, a daily-replenished bar with local treats, wine and gin, and Wi-Fi.
Stonewell Suite
Entered through a stone-walled garden courtyard, with a generous lounge in walnut and a sofa bed, a king or twin bedroom with fireplace and a marble-walled bathroom. Sunset vineyard views; up to three guests.
Marananga Suite
A high-ceilinged suite with a lounge, writing desk and bar, and a king or twin bedroom warmed by an open fire. The terrace has daybeds facing the vines; for one or two guests.
Bethany Suite
A two-bedroom family suite with two king bedrooms (one convertible to twins), two bathrooms with outdoor showers, a lounge with gas log fire, a work nook and compact kitchen, plus a private courtyard and terrace. Up to four guests.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.