Travel guide Pokolbin

Cypress Lakes Resort
Cnr McDonald & Thompsons Roads
Pokolbin Hunter Valley NSW

This self-contained apartment is within the Cypress Lakes resort, but has a feeling of privacy and solitude, thanks to the elevated outlook and the leafy surrounds.

Overall rating?      Excellent

What makes Villa Merlot different?
It is wonderful to be so close to all the facilities that a world-class resort offers, and yet feel separate and private. The upstairs location, coupled with the beautifully tended grounds and bushy outlook, means that you feel quite apart from the bustle of the resort – yet with access all the facilities you could want.

Accommodation overview
Villa Merlot has one spacious bedroom with a king-size bed and fine quality linen.  There is a double sofa bed in the living room for an extra person or children.

Facilities overview
The apartment has an ensuite bathroom with a spa bath, there is a sun-drenched balcony with a hooded BBQ and the elevated aspect makes you feel like you are in the trees. There is pay TV and a DVD/CD (with some DVDs supplied), a kitchenette  and light and airy living area, with vaulted ceilings.  The apartment is on the top floor of a block of 8 or so apartments, but is on the end and has its own private entry, so there is a real sense of seclusion. Villa Merlot has air conditioning and heating and is walking distance to the resort and all it offers, including the championship golf course, the Golden Door Spa and restaurants and bars.

Location
Pokolbin is right in the heart of the Hunter Valley and perfect for exploring the wineries, galleries, restaurants and providores of the region.  It is around 2.5 hours from Sydney on the F3, take the Cessnock exit and the resort is about 10 minutes drive west of Cessnock.

Suitable for children?     Not really, although the sofa bed will sleep small children 

Suitable for pets?            No 

Wheelchair access?        No 

Perfect for?
Couples wanting time together in a picturesque region with plenty of things to see and do - not just wine tasting!  We really enjoyed the pool and spa and the sense of peace and relaxation.  We loved the choice of restaurants and wineries and spent many pleasant hours trawling around the different gourmet outlets, tasting olives, cheese and wine.

Why stay longer?
There is so much to do in the Hunter Valley region that you may want extra days to explore.

Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
If you want to whip up gourmet meals, then the modest kitchen may cramp your style.

Pricing
Standard mid-week pricing is $150 per night, but there are different rates for weekends and high season, so check the listing for current rates and deals.