Coming Soon: Step From Villa to Vine as Landmark Luxury Resort, Laval, Embarks on an Ambitious New Chapter in the Hunter Valley
Setting a new benchmark for luxury in the Hunter Valley, this high-end resort will offer outstanding indulgence, from top-notch dining to helicopter access.
A weekend away in the Hunter Valley is often pure bliss, what with its 150-plus wineries, abundant scenic adventures and burgeoning gourmet food scene. However, a new announcement is set to elevate the luxury side of the region to unprecedented heights, as Laval — a landmark 65-key resort and tourism destination — is officially scheduled to open its doors in the second half of 2027.
Situated on 165 pristine acres amid Pokolbin's historic Lindeman Estate, the arrival of Laval is the first new-build luxury resort to launch in the Hunter Valley in more than two decades. Behind the project is private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels, with Managing Director Dominic Lambrinos knowing a thing or two about luxury stays, having already led developments in Poland and Oman before turning his attention homewards.
This experience will help Laval achieve its concept — "an international hotel, made in Australia" — seeking to attract both pleasure-seeking domestic and international travellers to the standout development. With this in mind, expect lavish pavilion-style villas, 360-degree vineyard views, outstanding dining and, yes, fly-in, fly-out access via a private helicopter landing facility, in case you want to shorten your commute.
"Laval is more than the answer to a longstanding gap in the Hunter Valley's luxury accommodation segment. It represents an ambition to do something that hasn't been done before, on the most magical piece of land within the valley. Building from the ground up, we have complete freedom to shape our vision for Laval without constraint," says Lambrinos.
Designed as a villa-to-vine premium experience, the accommodation won't skimp on the extravagance. Think uninterrupted vistas, bold interiors, fully integrated Bang & Olufsen sound systems — the only resort to do so in the Southern Hemisphere — and a tech-enabled arrival system that supports anywhere guest check-in and a personal butler service.
The culinary program will also build upon the region's esteemed reputation for food and wine. Led by leading chef and culinary advisor Justin North, Laval will highlight regional provenance with international contrast. For instance, the signature restaurant, Vallery, will blend Med-inspired cuisine with subtle Japanese influences, complemented by an on-site kitchen garden. Then, La Vida will explore Cali-Mex flavours from a poolside bar and restaurant setting.
In addition, a Lobby Bar will serve as the social heart of Laval, while a specially curated wine program will draw on the site's 185-year winemaking traditions. Conceived by respected Sydney wine merchant Jon Osbeiston, a 10,000-bottle cellar and a 1000-strong wine list celebrate the Hunter Valley's viticultural heritage alongside global producers, featuring private collections, Coravin by-the-glass pours and a love for local shiraz and semillon.
Beyond great dining, Laval will also feature extensive wellness facilities, including the 1000-square-metre Veraia Spa, a two-level sanctuary equipped with 15 treatment rooms, a sauna, a salt room, sensory gardens and rejuvenative therapies. What's more, a sense of creativity extends throughout the grounds, with 13 Gillie and Marc sculptures dotted throughout the landscape, and a 175-year-old fig tree that hosts interactive dining experiences, complete with a monumental bronze installation.
Laval is expected to open in the second half of 2027 on the former Lindeman Estate in Pokolbin. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.
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