Situated amongst the lush Bouddi National Park is the somewhat secluded suburb of Killcare and its prestigious accommodation offering, Bells at Killcare – boasting boutique accommodation, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar, and artisanal bakery.

Since its inception in 2007, Bells at Killcare is not just one of the Central Coast’s most stunning boutique accommodation properties, but one of the most luxurious across Australia.

In February, the long-standing resort announced the opening of their newest venture, The Lodges – elevating the Bells at Killcare offering even more. To share with you the experience of this newly opened and almost all-inclusive accommodation offering, HUNTERhunter was lucky enough to be invited along to test the experience ourselves.

As you enter Bells at Killcare through the front gates, you’re given no indication of what awaits you, the minimal signage and mass of leafy greens hints that something truly special is tucked away.

On this recent trip, we took a deep dive into the full Lodges experience at Bells at Killcare; touching on the accommodation, the food, the drink, the property and its facilities, and those unmatched offerings of the venue’s natural surroundings.

The Accommodation 

Four new architecturally designed luxury tri-level lodges have officially launched at Bells at Killcare. Encompassed in their very own eco-wilderness sanctuary, all four lodges [Bouddi, Angophora, Ironstone, and Banksia] come complete with panoramic ocean views and their very own heated magnesium pool – making for the perfect accommodation for a luxury small family escape, or small group getaway.

Once you’ve checked in at the resort’s reception, be guided to your accommodation by The Lodges’ manager, Emma – your contact for the entirety of your stay.

Be welcomed through the private entrance (secured by private code) and pull up as you take in the building’s design and its unique natural surroundings.

Step inside and be wowed at every corner. The ground level of each lodge features two almost identical bedrooms with their own verandah, bathroom, and outdoor rain room that leads into the private magnesium pool – heated to a heavenly 24 degrees all year round.  Enjoy the privacy of your own therapy plunge pool, two double day beds, and poolside BBQ.

Make your way up the winding staircase flooded with natural light to the accommodation’s entertainment hub. A fully equipped contemporary kitchen sits to your left before expanding into an open-plan dining and living area, opening out onto another private verandah space.

As far as minibars go when it comes to accommodation, the Lodges at Bells is anything but small, more so is a lavishly (and artisanal) stocked bar and larder – and is in fact, all included in your stay.

With exposed wooden beams and skylights throughout, the lodge’s second level will no doubt be the perfect spot to unwind in any season. On a hot summer’s day, blast the air-conditioning or open the bifold doors to let that iconic Australian southerly through. Or in winter, switch on the fireplace and settle in for an intimate evening.

Drift upstairs to the sunset deck and take in those sweeping views of Bouddi National Park, Broken Bay, Palm Beach, the Hawkesbury River, and even the distant city Sydney skyline. This Mediterranean-inspired upper sundeck makes for the perfect spot to indulge in a welcome drink, a sunrise coffee, or a sunset cocktail.

Additional inclusions of a stay at The Lodges include fresh sourdough (baked on-site) delivered every morning alongside your newspaper of choice, turn-down service every night (complete with chocolate on your pillow and tea ready to be brewed), daily breakfast, and nightly dinner (choose either a 3-course à la carte or 5-course Chef’s tasting menu).

Not one thing has been missed with Bells at Killcare’s newest accommodation offering – with The Lodges fully equipped and inviting you to stay, relax, indulge, and enjoy all that Bells at Killcare has to offer.

The Food & Drink 

Whilst we’ve touched on the generous offerings included in a stay at The Lodges (the lavishly stocked larder, the daily sourdough delivery, and inclusive breakfast and dinner),  it would be remiss of us not to mention the quality of Bells at Killcare on-site restaurant, The Wild Flower Bar & Dining, as well as their on-site bakery, Bells Bakery & Larder.

Known for their farm-to-table aspect, The Wild Flower is now headed by Culinary Director, Cameron Cansdell. A position welcomed by locals and visitors alike, as Cameron returns to Bells, as he was the venue’s very first Head Chef under the then Culinary Director, Stefano Manfredi.

Breakfast, lunch, à la carte, and Chef’s tasting menu are all grounded in Bell’s core values of authenticity, simplicity, and freshness, featuring seasonal dishes inspired by the produce grown and harvested in their kitchen garden.

The kitchen garden includes an orchard, olive trees, an avocado tree, honey beehives, and free range hens – all that can be wandered by on the venue’s grounds.

The Wild Flower’s wine list has been lovingly curated by owner, Brian Barry, and is an accumulation of influences of over 40 years’ experience in the wine industry.

Bells Bakery & Larder is open for both the local community and in-house guests from 8am-4pm daily, and stocks a range of in-house baked goods including organic bread, baguettes, and ciabatta along with other treats like Portuguese tarts, vanilla slice, and more. Believe us when we say get in early, these goods get snapped up fast. 

The Property

Situated on 25 acres, Bells at Killcare is a luxury world-class retreat, with owners Karina and Brian Barry having a clear vision of how the property would evolve. The 25 boutique cottages and suites, and four nature-inspired luxury lodges are sprawled over the property’s manicured grounds, established native flora, running streams, a tranquil lake, and even a few smaller ponds.

The main venue plays host to the venue’s reception, a private dining room [The Library], Bells Bakery & Larder, a gift shop, The Wild Flower Bar & Dining, and event space [The Conservatory].

A short stroll from the main building will have you on the doorstep of the property’s much-loved Bells Day Spa. The spa offers a range of therapies from deep meditative massage to repairing, therapeutic, and targeted massage, and a selection of tailored facials.

The property is also home to a 25m magnesium lap pool available for all guests, which comes complete with a help-yourself caravan pool bar, complete with an honesty box approach. 

The Surroundings

The property’s surroundings are a nature lover’s paradise, with seven pristine beaches and numerous spectacular walking trails quite literally at your accommodation’s doorstep.

If you’re not wanting to venture too far, grab the binoculars and take in those views from the sunset deck at The Lodges, or explore some low-impact wilderness walks that will lead you through towering Eucalypt forests, past ancient rock formations, along dramatic coastal boardwalks and down to hidden gems.

The Lodges at Bells encompasses and showcases the very best the Central Coast has to offer, all whilst evoking a sense of sophistication, elegance, and, of course, luxury.

To celebrate the launch of The Lodges at Bells at Killcare, the team are offering a special all-inclusive offer of only $599 per person, per night (normally $750), based on 4-people per lodge, or $899 per person, per night for 2-people per lodge. For more information, and to book, click here.