If you want the most beautiful escape to the country, then look no further!
The hub and I were desperate to escape the madness of the city, so we headed to the stunning voco Kirkton Park, which is nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia’s premier wine region.
We could not have been happier. Kirkton Park is a little slice of paradise in the Hunter. It’s the perfect combination of heritage charm and luxury. It’s set amongst stunning gardens and the most breath-taking countryside.
The Kirkton is a destination in its own right for us – it was the perfect escape where we eat delicious food, drank local wine, had the best high tea we’ve ever had, watched spectacular sunsets and hit the pause button on reality.
As soon as we arrived, the city stress melted away. If you want to recalibrate you couldn’t pick a better place.
Our room had sweeping views of the valley and had the most spectacular sunsets. Don’t get me started on the beds, I have never slept as well as I did those two nights. The bed was like floating on a cloud. Absolute bliss, the hub didn’t even snore. That’s high praise indeed.
Waking up to the sunrise, with hot air balloons in the sky was incredible. The only noise we heard were the cows, the birds and us. I can’t tell you how relaxing this was. The morning mist over the hills was magical.
The food at the Kirkton is sensational. It is a celebration of local produce and sustainability, which we loved. The Locavore Restaurant offers paddock-to-plate cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own kitchen garden and regional suppliers.
The food here is so good, and you can taste it! I also loved the vegetarian options, which were so well done, and incredibly tasty. Everything is so fresh, and the flavours were outstanding. I could have kissed the chef.
I had heard a lot about the high tea here, so you bet was I keen to try it out. Now, I love a high tea, and I’ve had a few. Well, let me tell you, this high tea was spectacular.
The best I have had. If you come here, you must try this. From the table setting, fresh flowers, gorgeous views to the most delicious cakes, it was an afternoon of pure indulgence. Top tip: Do not have lunch! You do not want to spoil this experience with a full belly.
I also have to mention the team on the day, they were so lovely, so attentive, and made the whole experience fantastic. I’m still dreaming of the macaroons, and the lemon tart, oh and the chocolate slice.
What I loved most about our stay, was you can do as much as you want, or as little as you want.
The Kirkton is the perfect base for exploring the Hunter Valley, it’s located minutes from renowned wineries and cellar doors. So, if exploring is your thing, go for it.
The vineyards are fantastic, the scenery is incredible and you have to go to the chocolate factory. WOW. Handmade delicious chocolates and fudge. It’s so good. As you can imagine, we went, we contoured and we were happy! Getting to come home to the Kirkton is pure bliss.
If you want to chill and go nowhere, it’s wonderful, too. Enjoy incredible food, unwind by the fire pit with a glass of mulled wine (so good!), stroll the property, feed the resident pigs Shiraz and Semillon (an absolute highlight), enjoy the sunset with a wine, do a few laps in the pool, or chill in the spa. This property feels like a luxury home away from home.
Voco Kirkton Park is more than just a place to stay – it’s an experience that combines luxury, sustainability, and a connection to the local landscape. It’s magical. Go frolic, recharge and feed your soul.
A massive thankyou to the team at the Kirkton, because they helped make our stay so wonderful. Everyone treated us like family, and I loved that. It’s a place you want to return to, time and time again.
Top tips
- Any time of the year is good to visit, but I think winter would be magical. I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place to wrap up and have a mulled wine by the fire. Bliss.
- Get a room with a view. All the rooms are stunning, but I particularly love the rooms overlooking the valley.
- Book a high tea. It’s a great experience.
- The food here is exceptional. Book a table and enjoy a romantic dinner.
- Make friends with Semillon and Sharaz, they are so cute. You will also find a double swing there, it’s such a beautiful spot.
- Walk the grounds. They are stunning.
- One night is not enough! You will need a minimum of two. Next time we go, we will be staying for longer.
Instagram: vocokirktonparkhv
Website: www.huntervalley.vocohotels.com
- 50 So What’s stay was hosted by voco Kirkton Park.