A landmark luxury resort and tourism destination will open in the Hunter Valley in 2027.
Set on the former Lindeman and Ben Ean estates in Pokolbin, Laval Hunter Valley marks the first new-build luxury resort development of this scale in the Hunter in more than two decades.
Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels predicts Laval Hunter Valley will put the region on the global luxury tourism stage.
The new-build luxury resort will feature 65 pavilion-style villas, a world-class culinary offering led by culinary director Justin North, a longevity spa, and one of the world's largest collections of Gillie & Marc artworks.
"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," HVL Hotels managing director Dominic Lambrinos said.
"Building from the ground up, we have complete freedom to shape our vision for Laval without constraint.
"What we're creating is a unique experience where intentional contrasts unfold at every turn, designed so our guests can experience the joy of feeling something new."
Conceived as "an international hotel, made in Australia", Laval will offer global standards with a strong sense of place. The project is expected to generate about $49 million a year in economic activity and create up to 479 jobs in construction and ongoing operations.
Laval Hunter Valley will be on 165 acres in Pokolbin with 360-degree views of vineyards, valleys and layered rural terrain.
There will also be a private helicopter landing area.
Developed by Lisa Howard, of TCL Landscape Architects, the gardens are designed to create a feeling of transition as guests move through increasingly abstract and dreamlike plant formations to a series of "intricate gems" along the way. These will include art installations, meadows, meditation areas, a Wollemi pine grove, and a 25-metre red-tiled pool, alongside the Shiraz Vineyard.
Across the estate, more than 6782 vines and 21,000 plants will be planted as part of a major ecological regeneration program.
Jon Osbeiston's wine program for Laval will draw on a 10,000-bottle cellar and 1000-strong wine list celebrating Hunter Valley heritage and global producers. It will also feature rare private collections, Coravin by-the-glass, and an emphasis on Hunter Valley shiraz and semillon.
Laval's signature restaurant is Vallery, which will have an evolving a la carte menu inspired by Provence, coastal Spain and Southern Italy, with subtle Japanese influences.
La Vida, the poolside bar and restaurant, will be inspired by coastal Cali-Mex flavours and transition from relaxed daytime dining to sunset drinks and evening gatherings.
The Lobby Bar will be the social heart of the resort, with a focus on select beverages and share-style plates.
A two-level, 1000-square-metre wellness sanctuary will feature 15 treatment rooms. Designed by Nikki Lambrinos, Veraia Spa will offer world-class treatments, thermal circuits and regenerative therapies, offering medical-grade innovative treatments and programs that have not been seen before in Australia.
Landscaped meditation meadows, yoga platforms and sensory gardens extend the experience outdoors, while spaces within the spa - including the sauna, salt room and treatment rooms - have panoramic views of the vineyards.
Details at lavalhuntervalley.com.au
