Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels has unveiled plans for Laval Hunter Valley, a major new 65-key luxury resort set to open in the second half of 2027 on the historic 165-acre Lindeman Estate in Pokolbin.
The project marks the first new-build luxury resort development of this scale in the Hunter Valley in more than 20 years and aims to position the region as a stronger international luxury tourism destination.
Luxury Resort Planned On Historic Estate
Located on the former Lindeman’s Estate and Ben Ean Estate site, Laval Hunter Valley will feature 65 pavilion-style luxury villas set within a working vineyard landscape overlooking the Hunter Valley.
The resort will include a Wabi Sabi-inspired Presidential Villa designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, alongside personal butler service and uninterrupted panoramic views across vineyards and rural terrain.
HVL Hotels Managing Director Dominic Lambrinos described the project as an opportunity to create a new style of luxury hospitality experience within the region.
He said Laval was designed as “an international hotel, made in Australia” aimed at attracting both domestic and international luxury travellers.
Large-Scale Ecological Regeneration Planned
The development will include a significant ecological restoration program across the estate, with more than 6,782 vines and 21,000 plants covering 300 species planned throughout the property.
The regeneration project is intended to restore the site’s historic agricultural character while increasing local biodiversity, birdlife, butterflies, and insect activity.
The estate will also house one of the world’s largest collections of Gillie & Marc sculptures, including 13 major outdoor installations and more than 130 in-room artworks.
Luxury Dining Concepts To Anchor Resort Experience
Laval’s culinary program will be led by chef Justin North and centred around signature restaurant Vallery, which will offer a Mediterranean-inspired menu influenced by Provence, coastal Spain, Southern Italy, and elements of Japanese cuisine.
An onsite kitchen garden will supply heirloom produce and botanicals for the resort’s dining experiences.
The property will also feature La Vida, a poolside restaurant and bar inspired by coastal Californian and Mexican flavours, designed to transition from relaxed daytime dining into evening entertainment and social events.
Wine Program Celebrates Hunter Valley Heritage
Built within Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, Laval Hunter Valley will feature a wine program curated by Jon Osbeiston with a 10,000-bottle cellar and a wine list featuring more than 1,000 labels.
The offering will place a strong focus on Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillon alongside international producers and rare private collections.
Wellness And Longevity Centre Included
The resort’s Veraia Spa will span 1,000 square metres across two levels and include 15 treatment rooms, thermal circuits, regenerative therapies, meditation meadows, yoga platforms, and sensory gardens.
Designed by Nikki Lambrinos, the wellness sanctuary will focus on longevity, recovery, and medical-grade wellness treatments.
A 100-square-metre fitness centre fitted with NOHRD equipment will also overlook the surrounding vineyard landscape.
Hunter Valley Luxury Tourism Sector Expands
The launch of Laval Hunter Valley reflects growing investment in Australia’s premium tourism and luxury accommodation sector as destinations increasingly target high-spending experiential travellers.
The resort is expected to become one of the region’s most significant hospitality developments when it opens in 2027.
