TOWER LODGE HUNTER VALLEY
BEST LODGE IN THE WORLD
Perfectly surrounded by the wineries of the Hunter Valley and just two hours drive from Sydney, is the luxe and sophisticated Tower Lodge. Slightly secluded amongst the gums within the Tower Estate, the lodge itself has a Spanish charm with a terracotta palate and a courtyard encompassed by porticos, where I envisioned being in Europe once again. The lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux which is known for worldly and intimate hotels, gourmet restaurants and excellence in hospitality to complement your luxury experience. Tower Lodge is a little piece of heaven which has been named Best Lodge in the World 2010, 2011 and 2012 by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
SLIGHTLY SECLUDED
COBBLESTONES AND TERRACOTTA
SPANISH CHARM
There was no check-in per se, to ensure a weary traveller can feel rested and relaxed upon arrival. We were greeted by Paul, the Maître de Maison who promptly guided us through the porticos to Lodge Room 7. Entry through the grand double doors made an impression and the guest room was lush with lemon infused walls, terracotta floors and eclectic furnishings. The entry and lounge are separated from the slightly elevated king size bed, dressing room and ensuite. The ensuite had a touch of Santorini with white washed walls surrounding an oversized spa and with no detail overlooked was accompanied by scented bath crystals. The ten lodge rooms and two suites all have classic style interiors with European influences. The lodgings are very distinct as they all differ in size and were individually decorated by separate owners.
LODGE ROOM 7 AND CHANEL
ORNATE MIRRORS
LEMON INFUSED
WHITE WASHED WALLS AND AN OVERSIZED SPA
LUXE MOLTON BROWN AMENITIES
The Lodge Room lounge was home to complimentary marshmallows by the natural wood fire, afternoon tea, a pre dinner beverage and gourmet breakfast in the morning. There is a boutique range of scotch and spirits and a rare Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist was there to relish in by the fire. Robert’s restaurant is highly regarded around the Hunter Valley and Paul is able to provide return transfers so ladies can also indulge in their heels. The cuisine is modern with luscious produce including black truffles, oysters, venison and foie gras. For a romantic dinner for two there is a private dining room complete with a fireplace for a modest surcharge, be sure to reserve in advance for a Winter’s evening. Breakfast was divine with the On the table morning starters of house toasted muesli and yoghurt, a muesli bar and a fresh fruit platter followed by an à la carte item of your desire.
RELAX IN THE LODGE ROOM LOUNGE
AFTERNOON TEA REFLECTIONS
A MORNING ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA
ON THE TABLE MORNING STARTERS
PETALS AND PANCAKES | GREEK STYLE YOGHURT PANCAKES WITH WHIPPED BUTTER, HONEYCOMB AND MAPLE
IN SUMMARY | What you need to know….
– BREAKFAST – On the table morning starters (house toasted muesli and yoghurt, pastries with preserves and fruit platter) and one freshly cooked dish. The pastries were substituted on our stay for a GF muesli bar
– ROOM SERVICE – Limited menu though reasonably priced
– LODGE – Intimate with a Spanish charm and set amongst the gums in the Hunter Valley. The lodge has an outdoor heated pool and gym
– SPA – Did not visit, but the treatments are reasonably priced
– LOCATION – Located within the Tower Estate in close proximity to the Tower Estate Winery for wine tastings. The lodge is also perfectly located for visiting the other wineries
– PRICE TAG – Luxe
– LOVED – The service was wonderful, Paul was accommodating and friendly. The GF dietary requirement was considered and an alternative afternoon tea provided. At breakfast the high level of service continued and GF alternatives kindly explained. Toasting marshmallows on the fire was a guilty pleasure and the Molton Brown amenities were another luxe detail
A STUNNING SETTING FOR AN OUTDOOR POOL
TURQUOISE HEATED OUTDOOR POOL
All photos by Mel McLeod ©
