Escape to CHÂTEAU ÉLAN
WHO Editor Shari Nementzik recommends this eco-conscious resort
Just a short two-hour drive from Sydney or a 45-minute commute from Newcastle Airport, you’ll find serenity in the form of Château Élan. The extensive resort is nestled among the vineyards in the heart of the Hunter Valley – yes, wine country!
STAY IN STYLE
Looking for a couple’s escape? The Spa Suites are situated in the adult-only section of the resort (in the main building) and have been designed with relaxation, rejuvenation and romance in mind. If staying in bed all day sounds heavenly, prepare to have a fling with the Ergomotion king-size bed, which offers multiple massage options as well as a “zero-gravity” function. The unique position doesn’t take long to adjust to and can relieve back pressure, increase your circulation and ensure you have the sweetest of dreams – and a well deserved lie-in. Another talking point of the suite is the very inviting spa bath. Turn up the charm by ordering a cheese platter and bottle of bubbles to share on the balcony at sunset or in the privacy of your own courtyard. Fancy a girls’ trip or holiday with the family? Opt for one of the spacious villas, which have separate dining areas, designer kitchens and a gas fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. Sit on the terrace to take in the impressive grounds and spot the kangaroos that call this place home (sure to excite the little ones!).
REST AND RELAXATION
Without a doubt, the highlight of the resort is the award-winning spa. With 17 treatment rooms, it’s one of the largest – and most luxurious – private spas in Australia. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the impressive menu that includes massages, hydrotherapy, facials and cosmetic treatments. It’s well worth indulging in a few, because you’ll be hard pressed to choose just one. I opted for an afternoon of spoils, including a hair and scalp treatment, a facial and a balneotherapy (a geisha bath with essential oils and detoxifying algae). If you want to share the experience with a loved one, choose a double spa suite and get pampered together. A trip to the spa is not complete without a visit to the hydro lounge and deck, which is complimentary to all spa guests. Featuring two outdoor jacuzzis, it’s the perfect spot to sip on a glass of bubbles (or two!) and enjoy some local cheeses while taking in the scenic view of the mountains. Each jacuzzi is unique, too – one is fresh water, gentle and softening to the skin, and the other is an ocean mineral pool, which aids detoxification, reduces muscle aches and increases energy (an ideal pick-me-up after a day of winery-hopping).
FOODIE’S DELIGHT
The Hunter Valley is not just known for its award-wining wines, it’s a foodie’s haven. The resort’s main restaurant, Legends Grill, won’t disappoint. The menu focuses on seasonal and local produce, and all dishes go very well paired with a fine wine. I can highly recommend the grilled scallops as an entrée, Black Angus eye fillet, bouillabaisse risotto (I’m not usually a risotto fan but this bowl of creamy seafood deliciousness is worth going back for!) and the New York baked cheesecake (ideally enjoyed with a dessert wine). For breakfast, you can’t go past the eggs benedict – or, if you have a sweet tooth – the stuffed French toast. What a way to start the day!
ACTIVITIES
If fitness is your escape, there are tennis courts, a gym, a 25-metre lap pool and breathtaking walking trails throughout the 40ha property. The five-star resort is a golfer’s delight, given it’s situated on an 18-hole course designed by golf icon Greg Norman himself. Even if you’ve never played before, you can book some professional lessons and try your beginner’s luck.
While you’ll be forgiven for not wanting to venture out of the impeccable grounds, the Hunter Valley is home to some of the country’s best wineries, most of which offer cellar door tastings. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, book the Brokenwood Journey tasting and tour, which gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wine-making. Your host guides you through an epic tasting “flight” of Brokenwood’s best wines, each matched with specially prepared canapes (think oysters, chicken terrine and chocolate tarts), before you embark on a tour of the winery. My favourite part?
The chance to taste special pre-release wines straight from the barrel (the two-hour tour costs $110 per person; book at brokenwood .com.au). Hot air balloon rides, horse-drawn carriage rides and horseback riding are all available to book through the resort’s concierge. If you’re travelling with kids, a visit to the Hunter Valley Gardens is a must – the Storybook Garden is a true delight, with our favourite nursery rhyme characters making appearances around every corner. Rooms available from $189 per night. To book, go to chateauelan.com.au