Feel the zen, dine with a private chef showing you how to recreate the dishes, take a picnic to the nearby Botanic Garden, or extend your stay for a full weekend of wining, dining, cooking classes and relaxation. Home base will be one of three beautiful villas adjacent the celebrated Sticky Rice Cooking School where renowned SA chefs host hands-on classes and lunches. The villas are private, spacious, and appointed to fit luxurious themes, one all about that zen and relaxation. Booking all three villas with chefs and classes for three couples makes a fabulous getaway for food, wine and luxury lovers.
Sticky Rice Villas
Agatha on Devon Valley Farm
This is one mighty zhuzhed up caravan with hutzpah in Paris Creek. If you watched Dick and Angel transform a cute river boat on Escape to the Chateau, you get the picture. If not, then imagine a petite rounded Clipper caravan, circa say 1950s. She has been given the super Cinderella treatment, with heating and cooling, a queen-size bed and en suite, and an attached deck complete with a sunken bubble bath. Velvet seating, cute kitchenette and good glasses for your wine render this a bespoke caravan/camping escape. It has landed at a secluded farm spot with a private entrance and driveway. What fun.
Agatha on Devon Valley Farm
Nestled
Cosy has new meaning with the tiny homes trend. This pair, located near Hahndorf, exude a certain luxury and calm because of their connection to the surrounding nature. One of them, Spiegel, is a standout favourite. It is a complete extension and reflection of the landscape because the exterior walls are all mirrors. A frameless waterfall window over the bed is for star gazing and sunrises. Designed for couples, there is also a loft bedroom for extra guests. Whip up easy meals in the well-equipped kitchenette, have drinks on the deck toasting marshmallows on a fire pit, or soak in the setting in an outdoor bath.
A newly opened sanctuary in the heart of Hahndorf, Reisen takes its name from the German word for “travel” (pronounced Rise-n). Nestled in the town’s main street, it’s the perfect base for exploring Hahndorf and the greater Adelaide Hills. Guests are welcomed with warm, personable service – think, a glass of bubbles on arrival as you’re shown to your room. With more than 50 rooms, Reisen is the Hills’ largest accommodation hotel, and premium suites are set to open in 2025-26.
Stirling Creek Cottage
This gorgeous eco-friendly cottage has recently launched in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. The three-bedroom abode sleeps six and offers timeless timbers and rammed earth walls that complement the natural surrounds. Large double doors open to the balconies and gardens, drawing in the sweet jasmine aromas and calls of the resident black cockatoos and kookaburras. In winter, there’s the sound of the crackling log fire and a fast-flowing garden creek. Stirling Creek Cottage is just a short walk to local attractions and eateries such as the Stirling Hotel, Stirling Markets, Patch Kitchen & Garden and the new Restaurant Aptos.
This article first appeared in the 2025 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
What a fantastic experience. This was our first cooking class and we’re already planning our next cooking adventure with Sticky Rice. Yukio is an excellent instructor. The menu was well planned. We had a lot of fun and learned so much. Thank you Yukiko and Daniel for all your hard work.
It was a great experience, learning some trade secrets to great cooking. Met some lovely people, a totally enjoyable afternoon. Cannot wait to do the next one!!!
Amazing experience thank you. Beautiful food, beautiful people, magical from start to finish
Best inspiration to be creative back at home!
We did the Japanese Essentials. excellent chef guide in Yukiko. food was excellent quality and class was a lot of fun. Daniel was a delightful host. We stayed in the Bali villa which was beautiful and relaxing. Wonderful get away.
I’ve done five classes so far. Great time, great repeatable recipes. Japanese cooking class was amazing. Going to repeat entire menu for family this week.
A great day at Sticky Rice Cooking School, Stirling yesterday – so enjoyed “Sensational Seafood” with chef Tania. Fantastic food, flavours, cooking tips, wonderful host Daniel and new friends Trudy & Rachael. Thanks Claire for making your dream come true – such a beautiful place filled with happiness, love & care.
Fabulous Middle Eastern Cooking class with Genevieve Harris. Wonderful day cooking a delicious menu of Hummus and flat bread, Chermoula chicken, Harissa marinated Prawns,with a beautiful eggplant and tomato salad, and bbq lamb skewers marinated in Hilbeh served with baby spinach, pomegranate seeds and yoghurt sauce.
Then deep fried almond pastries with honey and orange blossom syrup.
All served with lovely wines or fruit juice and water.
Fabulous day, heaps of fun and staying at the villas made the walk home very easy.
Highly Recommended 5*****
It’s all hands on, all interacting with each other. The food, atmosphere and setting are just awesome. highly recommended.
Fantastic fun night out
The perfect Staycation ideas for these Adelaide Hills Luxury Villas. Stay and Play. Wellness, Adventure and Relaxation. Which Villa will you choose? Bali, Yoko or Zen
