Unveiled yesterday, Laval Hunter Valley is poised to occupy a category all of its own

The Hunter Valley is set to welcome a new era of luxury travel, with Laval Hunter Valley officially announced to open in 2027, and it’s unlike anything the region, New South Wales, or perhaps even Australia, has seen before.

Set across the historic 165-acre Lindeman Estate site in Pokolbin, Laval is being described as an “international hotel, made in Australia”, blending global luxury standards with a deeply local sense of place.

And while the Hunter Valley is already home to some incredible accommodation and dining experiences, Laval is shaping up to sit in a category all of its own.

Speaking at the spectacular launch event at Sydney’s Machine Hall on May 19, HVL Hotels Managing Director Dominic Lambrinos spoke passionately about his love for the region, describing Laval’s future site as “the most magical piece of land within the valley.”

“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.

"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”.

The first luxury resort development of this scale built in the Hunter Valley in more than 20 years, it’s clear Laval is aiming high. Think 65 pavilion-style villas immersed within a working vineyard, world-class dining, a longevity-led wellness spa that will place the Hunter Valley on the internation map for wellness travel, immersive art experiences, and a design philosophy that celebrates the natural beauty of the region in every way possible. 

The resort will sit among rolling vines and expansive rural views, with architecture and interiors designed to be deeply connected to the landscape.

Every villa has been positioned to maximise uninterrupted views across the vineyards and valley surrounds, while a private helicopter landing facility offers guests a dramatic arrival experience above one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.

But Laval isn’t simply about luxury accommodation. What really sets the project apart is the layered guest experience being created across the property. Throughout the grounds, guests will encounter immersive art installations, meditation meadows, sensory gardens, walking trails, and one of the world’s largest collections of Gillie & Marc sculptures. A striking 25-metre red-tiled pool overlooking the Shiraz vines is expected to become one of the resort’s standout features.

Food and wine will naturally sit at the heart of the Laval experience. The culinary program will be led by acclaimed chef Justin North, with signature restaurant Vallery offering an evolving Mediterranean-inspired menu influenced by Provence, coastal Spain, Southern Italy, and subtle Japanese touches. Poolside venue La Vida will bring a more relaxed Cali-Mex energy, while the Lobby Bar is set to become the social heartbeat of the resort.

Wine lovers will be more than catered for, with a 10,000-bottle cellar and curated wine list celebrating Hunter Valley heritage alongside global producers. The focus on local Shiraz and Semillon keeps the experience firmly anchored in the region.

Beyond the food, wine, and design, Laval also brings something entirely new to the Hunter Valley wellness scene. Veraia Spa, a two-level, 1,000-square-metre wellness sanctuary, will combine luxury spa experiences with cutting-edge regenerative therapies and wellness technology not yet seen elsewhere in Australia.

For locals and visitors alike, Laval Hunter Valley represents more than a luxury resort. It signals a bold new chapter for regional tourism, one designed to place the Hunter Valley firmly on the global luxury travel map while celebrating the landscape, creativity, and hospitality the region is already loved for.

Set to open in June 2027, we can't wait to see this incredible project come to life. The countdown is officially on!