The Hunter Valley is the valley of the Hunter River, a major eastwards-flowing river of south-eastern Australia. There are numerous towns and villages scattered across the valley which is best known for its wine growing and coal industry.
The major tourist destination has many vineyards, restaurants, golf courses and country guesthouses. Even though it's an easy drive from Sydney, most people like to linger over a day or two and enjoy the Valley's food and wine.
A couple of new hotels have caused some interest in the area, so Getaway just had to send a crew along to check them out.
The Crowne Plaza
A superb hotel with 150 rooms and suites; as well as 72 two-bedroom self-contained villas amongst the greens of a redeveloped 18-hole golf course.
It is a very family-friendly property with a huge outdoor pool and spa, a day spa utilising Thalgo marine algae and plant-based cosmetics and treatments, four floodlit tennis courts, basketball court, beauty salon and gymnasium.
Redsalt serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and staff are trained to match just the right wine to accompany your meal.
Grapevine overlooks the pool and golf course and serves a full range of boutique beer, fine wine and a comprehensive whiskey selection.
Vista Lounge in the hotel's atrium is the perfect place to ponder your golf game, plan your next day's activities or just sit by the open fire enjoying a drink.
Guests don't need to leave the resort, but of course most want to explore the Valley's vineyards, maybe take a hot air balloon flight or go horse riding.
Grand Mercure Apartments at the Vintage
The Vintage is a $450 million integrated residential, golf, leisure and conference development at Rothbury in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
Grand Mercure is part of the complex and has a range of self-contained one and two bedroom apartments, designed to complement the location and environment.
Arrive to a fully stocked kitchen, or enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds. Apartments are contemporary with state-of-the-art facilities, air-conditioning, fireplaces and barbecues on outdoor terraces.
Guests enjoy the world-class Greg Norman 18-hole par 71 golf course and its clubhouse, health and fitness centre, day/night tennis courts, 25 metre heated pool and spa and pedestrian, cycle and buggy network which links the community.
The Vintage Apres Restaurant is a stroll away from the apartments and offers award-winning fine dining.
Set against the backdrop of the Brokenback Ranges, Grand Mercure Apartments are adjacent to the Bimbadgen Estate and close to the Hunter's best vineyards, restaurants, craft shops and galleries and interesting tourist attractions.
