Hunter Valley's Ben Ean estate set to gain super luxe resort

A new retreat is coming to the Hunter Valley, and it’s set to redefine the meaning of five stars.

Hunter Valley is a well-known and loved wine region in Australia, but many will agree that while its accommodation options are wonderful, there has definitely been a gap in the ultra-luxury offering. Not for long. HVL Hotels has announced a new five-star-plus offering coming to Ben Ean Estate , the oldest vineyard in the country.

The 65 architecturally designed suites of this development, in partnership with Figure 8 Capital, will be set on the grounds of the original Lindeman’s Estate within Ben Ean. Each will be spacious, between 49 and 58 square metres, with stylish features including a sunken lounge area and panoramic views of the vineyard.

“We believe the hotel will set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality in Australia," said HVL Hotels’ CEO, Mr Dominic Lambrinos.

pool deck render of proposed luxury accommodation at ben ean estate — A 25-metre lap pool will be just one of the ways to relax.

The $120 million hotel and tourism complex will also feature wedding, conference and outdoor event facilities. The group has a design philosophy of integrating “with the natural landscape and existing vineyards" to ensure a visually stunning result with minimal disruption to this historic site.

But it’s not just the rooms that are meant to inspire relaxation. An on-site, two-storey spa will be designed for total rejuvenation, modelled after European style.

Upstairs will be the dry area, with special spa treatments incorporating some of the world’s best treatment machines (designed in Germany and popular in Europe and the Middle East, this will be the first time these machines are in Australia).

Downstairs is the wet area: find Finnish and infrared saunas, plus steam, salt and snow rooms. For the brave, there will be a “super ice bath".

couple holding hands and walking thropugh vineyard at hunter valley nsw — And all with stunning views of the vineyard. (Image: DNSW)

There will also be a magnesium pool, which, in another Australian first, will be able to be used indoors and outdoors. Outside the spa, find a gym and a 25-metre swimming pool.

Stay on dry land by exploring the planned large-scale outdoor sculptures and contemporary art installations by renowned artists Gillie and Marc.

And what is wellness without a satisfied belly? The hotel’s restaurant, White, will offer a poolside cocktail bar by day, turning into a nightlife space after dark – DJ and all. What’s more, there’s an 80s theme brewing, with specialty food carts coming back to guest tables. This vision will be led by celebrity chef Justin North.

“Justin will be managing nine food outlets, including a signature restaurant, with specialty food carts brought to the tables of guests," added Lambrinos.

render of proposed luxury accommodation at ben ean estate — The accommodation is set to take up 6558 square metres.

And all this while winemakers Brian McGuigan and Col Peterson continue to operate their award-winning vineyards at Ben Ean Estate.

“We have put together a first-class team, including wine experts Brian, Col and Jon Osbeiston, as well as former Managing Director of Spicers Retreats, David Assef as head of Hotel Operations and well-known restaurateur Justin North," finished Lambrinos.

No open date has yet been set, though building is planned to begin in June 2025. But when it is, be ready for the ultimate Hunter Valley getaway with these incredible wineries and our top pick of local restaurants.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

A new luxury resort is coming to NSW’s Hunter Valley

A new retreat is coming to the Hunter Valley, and it’s set to redefine the meaning of five stars.

This luxury villa in the Hunter Valley is my new go-to

A Hunter Valley stay with lakeside views, wine and a gourmet pantry

Most charming Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley for a weekend getaway

17 Hunter Valley caravan parks and luxe glamp sites to escape to

No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith