HVL Hotels will open Laval Hunter Valley, a 65-key luxury resort on the former 165-acre Lindeman Estate in Pokolbin, the first new-build luxury resort development of this scale in the Hunter Valley in two decades.
Conceived as ‘an international hotel, made in Australia’, Laval is designed to offer global standards with a strong sense of place – drawing in a new market segment of domestic and international luxury travellers to elevate the Hunter Valley’s profile as a global tourism destination. The project, opening in the second half of 2027, is expected to generate approximately $49 million per annum in economic activity and create up to 479 jobs in construction and ongoing operations, delivering lasting impact for the region.
“Laval is more than the answer to a longstanding gap in the Hunter Valley’s luxury accommodation segment,” HVL Hotels managing director Dominic Lambrinos.
“It represents an ambition to do something that hasn’t been done before, on the most magical piece of land within the valley. 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.”
Location and landscape
Laval sits on the hills of a 165-acre site in Pokolbin, formerly Lindeman’s Estate and Ben Ean Estate, with expansive 360-degree views of vineyards, valleys and layered rural terrain. A private helicopter landing facility enables fly-in, fly-out access and elevated perspectives over the landscape.
Developed by Lisa Howard of TCL Landscape Architects, the garden experience unfolds as a journey along the natural contours of the serpentine ridgeline the resort has been built on. It includes meadows, meditation areas, a Wollemi pine grove, and a striking 25m red-tiled pool, located right along the Shiraz Vineyard, and art installations.
It will also be home to one of the world’s largest collections of Gillie & Marc sculptures with 13 major works punctuating the landscape, alongside more than 130 in-room pieces and digital artworks. Guests can discover the collection through personal exploration or on curated art tours, guided by signature characters Rabbitwoman and Dogman through themes of love, unity, joy and nature. A 175-year-old fig tree will be a gathering place for an interactive dining experience and features a bronze installation, The Wild Banquet of Love.
Across the estate, over 6,782 vines and 21,000 plants, including 300 different species, will be planted as part of a major ecological regeneration program to restore the site’s former agricultural character and increase birdlife, butterflies and insect activity.
Luxury accommodation
Laval features 65 pavilion-style luxury villas within the working vineyard, including a Wabi Sabi style Presidential Villa by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, all designed to frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape from the moment of entry. Architecture by EJE Architects and Interiors by Some Studio will draw the personality, uniqueness and warmth of a residential space into bold and sculptural architectural designs.
Technology is seamlessly integrated across the property through a collaboration with Bang & Olufsen – their only resort in the southern hemisphere – bringing music alive as part of the guest experience. A fluid technology-enabled arrival system supported by “Everywhere People” allows guests to check in anywhere and have their own personal butler service.
Food and wine philosophy
Led by chef Justin North, Laval’s culinary program is defined by regional provenance, intentional contrasts, generous hospitality and the joy of experiencing something new. At signature restaurant Vallery, diners will experience an evolving à la carte menu informed by a Mediterranean expression of Provence, coastal Spain and Southern Italy, with subtle influences of Japan. An onsite kitchen garden adds unique produce, heirloom varieties and local botanicals directly to the restaurant, and serves as a setting for immersive communal dining experiences.
La Vida, the poolside bar and restaurant, delivers a vibrant, high-energy experience inspired by coastal Cali-Mex flavours. The Lobby Bar forms the social heart of the resort, designed for arrivals, informal meetings and pre- or post-dinner drinks, with a focus on curated beverages and share-style plates.
A wine program, curated by Jon Osbeiston, spans a 10,000-bottle cellar and 1,000-strong list celebrating Hunter Valley heritage and global producers, featuring rare private collections, Coravin by-the-glass access, and an emphasis on local shiraz and semillon.
Two levels of wellness
Veraia Spa, a 1,000sqm, two-level wellness sanctuary featuring 15 treatment rooms and designed by Nikki Lambrinos, features treatments, thermal circuits and regenerative therapies.
Meditation meadows, yoga platforms and sensory gardens extend the experience outdoors, whilst spaces within the spa including the sauna, salt room and treatment rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
An 100sqm gym fitted with NOHRD equipment supports functional training, framed by expansive vineyard views that connect movement to landscape.
