Feeling worn out, rundown? Need a little weekend escape? Well, we've found just the medicine - the perfect place for a pick me up.
It's called Tonic hotel, at Lovedale in the NSW Hunter Valley. Lovedale is a small boutique wine area in the better known Pokolbin region. According to Hunter Valley Tourism, a transformation has taken place in this area over the last 2
years with the introduction of a number of new facilities and attractions.
The area now boasts a number of excellent boutique wineries, pasta making classes, horse and carriage tours, olive oil tastings, olive oil producers and affordable places to eat and stay.
Tonic's not your linen and lace, doilies kind of B&B. In fact, it's just the opposite. Think urban chic, designer furniture, polished concrete floors and ultra modern design.
Tonic has all the mod cons that city slickers can't do without like broadband internet, TV, DVD and even the hi-fi's are ipod friendly. Each suite is stocked with the best Hunter Valley wines and local produce and a 3 course breakfast banquet that guests serve themselves.
The other quirky thing about Tonic is that most of the contents of the hotel room are up for sale. Guests can buy the rugs, the pillows the ornaments and artworks and even the fluffy slippers are up for grabs!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tonic Hotel - Ph: (02) 4930 9999, Web: www.tonichotel.com.au
Rooms from $395 a night. Prices includes taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes breakfast. Minimum 2 night stay. Prices correct at 21/8/06.
Qantas - Web: www.qantas.com
One way to Sydney from $138 ex Melbourne, $144 ex Brisbane, $179 ex Adelaide, $301 ex Perth. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 20/7/06.
The Vintage Golf Club - Address: Vintage Drive, Rothbury NSW 2320, Ph: (02) 4998 6789, Email golf@thevintage.com.au
18 holes at the Vintage will cost $85.00 weekdays and $110 on weekends and public holidays and you get a motorised cart included in the cost. You can also hire clubs for $55.00.
Tatler Wines Pty Ltd - Address: 477 Lovedale Road, Lovedale NSW 2321, Ph: (02) 4930 9139, Email sales@tatlerwines.com, Web: www.tatlerwines.com
Tatler wines are open for tastings from 10am- 5.30pm, seven days a week.
Gartelmann Hunter Estate - Address: 701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale NSW 2321, Ph: (02) 4930 7113, Email: sales@gartelmann.com.au, Web: www.gartelmann.com.au
You can sample Gartelmann wines from 10am- 5pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Leaves and Fishes - Address: 373 Lovedale Road, Lovedale, Hunter Valley NSW 2320, Ph: (02) 4930 7400
