Spicers Retreats is an Australian brand that has become synonymous with luxury in Australian hospitality. Their gorgeous nature retreats are located in the most distinct NSW and QLD locations – Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Southeast Queensland.
We had a pleasure to experience Spicers Guesthouse Hunter Valley a few days ago and the hotel has quickly become my favourite getaway destination.
Location
If you need to unwind or are simply looking forward to a romantic weekend away, head two hours north from Sydney to Australia’s largest wine region Hunter Valley. The scenery here is almost as pretty as in Tuscany, with vineyards stretching as far as an eye can see, bordered by mountain ranges and dotted by kangaroos that occasionally come to visit you during a winery tour or keep you company by the fire pit, while you enjoy an evening glass of chardonnay.
Accommodation
Spicers Guesthouse blends in seamlessly into the landscape with two storey cottages, home to 49 meticulously designed rooms and suites. Spacious rooms are luxuriously appointed with ultra comfy king beds, large TVs, ensuites with rain shower and heated towel racks.
Suites feature a cosy living room with an oversized sofa, study desk (that hopefully you won’t need to use), Bose sound system and large bathroom with a deep bathtub perfect for a long soak after touring the wine region.
The resort is quite new, opened in 2018 after a 30-million renovation.
Facilities
Guesthouse boasts a pretty infinity pool (not heated in winter, but perfect for the summer months), tennis court (you can hire rackets and balls at reception), electric bikes that make exploring of the region even more fun (we took them out for a couple of hours and covered quite a lot of territory zipping around at 40 km per hour; really good fun for the whole family).
For those who like their holidays a little slower discover Spa Anise at the nearby sister hotel Spicers Vineyards Estate. It is a 10 minute drive or 20 minute bike ride from the Guesthouse and a world away from everyday worries. The spa has a single and couple’s room overlooking the gardens and offers facials and massages that come with a relaxing foot bath before the treatment. Try to book ahead as this little spa is very popular.
Dining
Spicers brand prides itself not only on amazing lodges in unique destinations, but also on their creative approach to dining. Delivering beautiful dishes that showcase the best local produce is equally important to the team.
Éremo, the modern Italian restaurant at the Guesthouse is created by hatted Executive Chef Cameron Matthews. We tried the set menu, share-style, and highly recommend it – it is a selection of seven small dishes, the chef’s favourites. Each and every one was amazing and even despite being very full we didn’t stop and tried the desserts too, they were just so delicious.
The highlights were grilled scallops, hand rolled gnocchi and black angus bavette. However the menu changes often depending on what ingredients are in season at a time. Even writing about our dinner at Éremo a couple of days later makes me hungry. Yum, enjoy you lucky people!
Breakfast is also beautiful, served between 7 and 10am and offers an a la cart selection of various eggs, smashed avocado, accompanied by croissants, freshly squeezed juice, tea and coffee.
The restaurant has a beautiful ambience both in the morning and at night and is full on most evenings, so make a reservation well in advance. Our favourite were booth seats, but if you are travelling as a large family or group of friends, book the private dining room located next to an impressive wine wall featuring local producers’ top wines.
Service
From the moment we arrived to the minute we left we enjoyed a superb service – attentive, yet not intrusive. Our dinner reservations were done even before we arrived and activities organised on a minute’s notice. The General Manager Mark Whitnell is one of the most hard working, hospitable and hands-on managers I have ever met and that could be one of the reasons why guests keep coming back to the Guesthouse again and again after their first visit.
The Lux Traveller Loves
We loved the welcoming lounge with comfortable sofas and a fireplace – one of our favourite places for an afternoon drink or a game of chess.
Friendly service
Spacious and luxurious Hunter Suite (that works beautifully for families as well as couples)
Exquisite dining at Éremo
Splitting Hairs
We booked a two-night stay and felt that it was one night too short. We recommend at least a three-night vacation to fully experience the resort and the stunning neighbouring area, that has so much to offer.
All In All
Spicers Guesthouse has become my favourite getaway destination for a weekend away and I can’t wait to head back to explore all the things we didn’t do last time.
