voco Kirkton Park sits on 28ha of Hunter Valley countryside. Photo / Supplied
Lorna Riley enjoys country-estate glam at Hunter Valley voco Kirkton Park, a manicured boutique hotel offering indulgent Hunter Valley stays.
Want to get away from the big smoke but still enjoy a touch of indulgence in Australia? Just a two-hour drive from Sydney (or you can catch the train), voco Kirkton Park could be just what you’re after. Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this charming 28ha manor estate offers a serene escape, exceptional service, stunning views, great food, and is a short drive from everything the region has to offer.
Location: You’ll find voco Kirkton Park on Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin, in New South Wales.
Perfect For: Couples wanting a romantic escape; families wanting everyone to be catered for; conferences; weddings.
First Impressions: Friendly and efficient staff make the check-in process seamless, and parking is plentiful and free.
The Room: There are 70 boutique rooms and suites. I stay in Room 40 in the Manor House, a king standard with valley views. Everything oozes country-estate glam: from the large ceramic bedside lamps to the Art Deco dressers, the long-enough-to-stretch-out-on couch with mirrored coffee table to the useful writing desk – and of course the oh-so-comfortable king-size bed with its luxury linens.
The decor features bold monochrome patterns, inky blues and a splash of voco yellow by designer Greg Natale; the equine photographs bookending the 40-inch flat-screen TV complete the manor estate vibe, while the heat pump/air con and blackout curtains ensure individualised comfort. Wi-Fi is free.
My room feels spacious and upmarket, yet not impersonal the way many hotel rooms can – it’s like you’re staying at the family home of a wealthy friend.
The wardrobe is not quite as large as I first thought, with one half housing the mini-fridge (sans mini-bar), glasses and tea/coffee amenities, including a Nespresso machine and pods. In the other half is an iron and ironing board, plus fluffy white robes and slippers.
My favourite part, though, is the large and sunny semi-private balcony, overlooking the manicured garden with its serene water feature to the countryside and Brokenback mountains beyond.
Bathroom: The fully tiled bathroom is a perfect blend of retro glamour and modern luxury, with the shower featuring an optional rainfall showerhead. The antique-look bathroom cabinet beneath the pillar-tapped basin houses the usual hotel bathroom amenities, including a good hairdryer.
Perhaps most pleasingly of all, the toiletries are from New Zealand’s own Antipodes range – a little reminder of home in the Hunter Valley.
Facilities: The estate boasts a beautiful pool house, the large heated main pool surrounded by multiple loungers and hanging chairs, with fresh towels aplenty. There’s also a large spa pool under the same roof, and a small gym and sauna attached, plus changing rooms.
Outside, a host of activities are available, including a tennis court, basketball and lawn games. Say hello to the friendly pigs, Shiraz and Semillon (they love a scratch behind the ear), and the cheeky flock of chickens and turkeys: best time to visit is after breakfast, with a bucket of feed provided by staff.
There’s also a self-guided walking trail: wander through the huge estate and take in the fresh country air, visit the voco kitchen garden, see their solar farm, and uncover hidden corners along the way.
Food and Drink: Breakfast, a gourmet buffet bursting with seasonal flavours and local produce, is served in the stunning sunlit conservatory, with classic views of the 40-year-old rose gardens and landscape beyond.
Lunch and/or dinner can be enjoyed in the Epoch bar and lounge (think cocktails and wood-fired pizza, with a gorgeous fireplace for the cooler months).
A decadent high tea is available Wednesdays to Sundays, and for truly memorable estate-to-plate fine dining, book voco’s signature restaurant Locavore: where seasonal plates are paired with the region’s best wines in the sumptuous dining room.
Room service is also available.
In the Neighbourhood: It’s a wine lover’s paradise, with voco Kirkton Park within a short distance of myriad vineyards (I loved Audrey Wilkinson, but ask staff for other cellar doors to visit). Beforehand, however, I thoroughly recommend checking out the region from above with a hot air balloon ride. Pure morning magic. There are also smoke houses to visit, artisan cheeses to savour and local gourmet markets to explore.
I also suggest splashing out on EXP. Restaurant, less than a 10-minute drive away, to enjoy a celebration of Australian cuisine in a cosy and intimate setting (the moody dining area seats just 28, and is only open Friday to Monday). Grab a seat at the bar and watch the award-winning kitchen at work: I think I counted 11 courses and each one was a delight.
The Best Bit: Sitting on my balcony with a glass of local wine as the sun sets – the ideal way to unwind after a busy day exploring the region.
Room for Improvement: The rooms are not particularly well soundproofed: I could hear my neighbour yelling over the phone to his daughter (so I made sure to lower my voice when I yelled at my own a little later on).
Sustainability: Under its Green Engagement programme, the hotel records its carbon production; in fewer than two years, it has reduced its carbon emissions and energy usage by 20%. It now uses 13% less water, and recycles 26% more. Many ingredients are grown on-site to provide 80% of their own produce. Meeting rooms are powered by the solar farm, and single-use toiletries have been eliminated.
Accessibility: Ramps are available to reach most rooms, as well as the reception/dining/lounge areas.
Price: From A$400 per night (IHG Hotels & Resorts’ member rate, you can sign up for free upon booking).
Contact:
Visit huntervalley.vocohotels.com or email reservations.kirktonpark@ihg.com.
New Zealand Herald stayed courtesy of Destination New South Wales.