This was published 1 year ago
ESCA at Nest and Nature review: Off-grid escape an immersive luxury experience
By Sheriden Rhodes
Designed by Adelaide-based architecture, interior design and landscape practice DAS Studio, the customised black suites are made off site and positioned by crane to minimise impact on the environment.Credit: Harry Vick
CHECK-IN
While many travellers have heard about South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, Inman Valley is on few people's radars. Even the locals scratch their heads when we tell them where we're staying. Which makes the secluded hilltop ESCA at Nest and Nature feel even more like an undiscovered gem. With bush behind and rolling valley vistas stretching to the Southern Ocean in front, the 81-hectare site overlooking Duck Nest Creek was specially chosen as the pilot for ESCA's ambitious concept of a network of luxurious off-grid retreats.
While it feels remote, ESCA is in fact only 75 minutes from Adelaide Airport while the charming coastal town of Port Elliot is roughly a 25-minute drive away. Landowners Mark Kirk and Claire Mills live onsite and are on hand to assist with everything from lighting the fire to delivering milk for your coffee. The last couple of roads before you reach it are dirt and there are no street lights so be sure to arrive well before sunset.
ESCA a destination in itself. It's a truly immersive luxury experience.Credit: Harry Vick
THE LOOK
Don't make my mistake and call ESCA a shipping container conversion. While there are some similarities in terms of its shape, the 62sqm architecturally designed suites (or containers) are anything but. Designed by Adelaide-based architecture, interior design and landscape practice DAS Studio, the customised black suites are made off site and positioned by crane to minimise impact on the environment. Completely off grid, ESCA delivers a high-end hotel quality experience surrounded by nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping uninterrupted valley views while exteriors feature outdoor baths, fire pits, stone steps, timber privacy screens and a beautiful terrace with barbeque.
THE ROOM
All the high spec luxuries you'd expect from a hotel suite are included and then some: Nectre wood fire, stone bathtub (in addition to the inbuilt outdoor one), bespoke furniture and lighting by Adelaide's Jam Factory, heated bathroom floors and central heating. There are handcrafted cups and crockery, a king size bed, minimalist kitchen, coffee machine, dishwasher, plush bathrobes and towels, leather lounge, TV, Netflix, Wi-Fi and more. Favourite feature? The automatic blinds which unveil sweeping valley vistas (often shrouded in mist) at the flick of a switch.
FOOD + DRINK
Generous breakfast and aperitivo provisions are included along with beverages however you'll need to BYO provisions for lunch and dinner. This isn't an issue if you're a local or have been travelling within the state, however flying interstate and needing to arrive before dark (due to kangaroos and ESCA's remote location) made it problematic for us on our first night. On our second night we cooked a BBQ with provisions from Indulgent Meats and the fabulous Jetty Food Store at Port Elliot. Eating dinner while watching wallabies graze on the hillside followed by wine and marshmallows around the firepit was special.
OUT + ABOUT
ESCA's location puts you in a plum spot for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula (a car is a must when staying here). Enroute turn off for the coast and lunch at the iconic Star of Greece (starofgreece.com.au) fresh from a year-long makeover. Be transported to the Mediterranean at this clifftop eatery overlooking the arresting coastline of Port Willunga where local seafood is a specialty and the wine list showcases the best of the neighbouring McLaren Vale region.
The nearby township of Willunga is home to Hither&Yon's cellar door (hitherandyon.com.au) housed in a cosy former 1860s butcher shop with a fireplace, limestone walls, vintage furniture, books and paintings. Do a flight tasting of four wines made using a minimalist intervention approach.
At Port Elliot stroll the scenic Harbourmasters Walking Trail which hugs the coastline taking in five beaches. Reward yourself afterwards with a pie from the renowned Port Elliot Bakery (portelliotbakery.com).
THE VERDICT
Attention to detail, thoughtful inclusions and the spectacular natural beauty makes ESCA a destination in itself. It's a truly immersive luxury experience – made even more remarkable given the accommodation is completely off grid.
Time your visit to other Fleurieu Peninsula attractions, including the many wonderful wineries of McLaren Vale, before or after your stay. Once you arrive it is a wrench to pull ourselves away from all of ESCA's creature comforts and those magnificent valley views.
ESSENTIALS
Esca at Nest and Nature, Inman Valley, South Australia. From $590 per night for two people including breakfast, aperitivo provisions and bottle of local wine. Ph: +61 499 174 654. See esca.com.au
HIGHLIGHT
A toss-up between soaking in the stone bathtub while watching flocks of birds swoop over the valley and having the outdoor fire pit lit for us at dusk.
LOWLIGHT
The dramatic dark interiors are aesthetically pleasing but don't make it easy to find things in the kitchen nor in my black suitcase, especially at night.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★½
Sheriden Rhodes visited as a guest of ESCA and the South Australian Tourism Commission.
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