"How did it strike you on arrival? Set among rolling grape vines and native bush, boutique hotel Spicers Vineyards Estate is about a two hours’ drive north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley wine region— just far enough for a long weekend away. Not content to be a romantic, gourmet getaway (the dining program here is top-notch), the retreat is also a pampering destination: detox in style at Spa Anise, then retox with a sampling of the hotel's wines. Nice. What’s the crowd like? Spicers attracts a chic tribe of guests from home and abroad, including young couples and yummy families. A great weekend break for Sydney foodies, it’s also an ideal base for international visitors keen to sample the Hunter’s liquid charms. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. The hotel's 12 guest rooms and suites sit between the property's eight-acre vineyard and natural bush—so when you look out your window, it'll feel more like a real escape, and less like you have to go back to work on Monday. Each unit features a wood-burning fireplace for cooler days, along with an ensuite spa bath. Ground-floor King Spa Rooms have French doors opening to a shared veranda, or scenic views from the first floor; luxury spa Ssites have separate living areas, with a spa bath and rain shower, plus a private courtyard or balcony for views of the vines. Families and large groups of friends should book the four-bedroom Vineyard’s House for its spacious living, dining, and bar areas, along with its kitchen, wraparound veranda, barbecue, fire pit and large pool. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Eco-friendly Australian Appelles toiletries are cool enough to want to slip into your bag. Techy in-room extras include Vittoria or Nespresso coffee machines, flatscreen TVs, as well as a Bluetooth stereo in the standalone house, and WiFi is free. Room service: Worth it? Blessedly, room rates include breakfast, which you can request to be served in your boudoir. Also, keep in mind that the on-site restaurant's chefs are off on Mondays and Tuesdays. Fortunately, the alternative—dinner hampers packed with house-made pickles, pâté, Hunter Valley brie, and a few others treats, and delivered up to your room—is plenty satisfying. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? British chef Matthew Bremerkamp showcases the Hunter’s gorgeous seasonal produce at Restaurant Botanica, harvesting ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable and herb garden. Modern Australian yet regional, the food—think wild-caught New Zealand langoustine, served with gnocchi and prawn butter chili, and Wagyu beef cheek with goats curd, peas, mint, and tomato—is joined by an award-winning wine list, including bottles from the hotel's private vineyard and wine cellar. Try the small-harvest Chardonnay—the grapes are grown right in the hotel's own paddock out front. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Restaurant Botanica's earthy vibes and airy terrace, which offers views over the Brokenback Mountain Range, are major draws. But the food is up to par, too: book ahead to feast on two- or three-course dinners, or the signature tasting menu with optional wine pairing. A guest lounge with an open fireplace encourages convivial chats among the hotel's few privileged guests, though you can also spend time playing bocce in the garden or lolling in the outdoor swimming pool and hot spa. If you'd rather bond over glasses of vino, Spicers' team can recommend expert-led private winery tours where you'll visit boutique and established cellar-doors for tastings. Bottom line: worth it, and why? All told, this elegant estate is a magical spot for discovering the Hunter Valley." - Sophie Davies
