Private hotel owner and developer Hunter Valley Luxury Hotels (HVL Hotels) will open a new luxury resort and tourism destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia.

The 65-key property will be built on the 165-acre winemaking Lindeman Estate in the Hunter Valley. The project has attracted AUS$130 million (US$85 million, €74 million, £64 million) in investment from various undisclosed partners, in addition to HVL Hotels’ managing director, Dominic Lambrinos.

The aim is to create “an international hotel, made in Australia” which offers global standards with a strong sense of place.

Dominic Lambrinos said, “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, 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”.

HVL says the project is expected to generate approximately AUS$49 million (US$32 million, €28 million, £24 million) per annum in economic activity and create up to 479 jobs in construction and ongoing operations.

The design

The architectural vision for the resort is by EJE Architects, with interiors by Some Studio. Technology by Bang and Olufsen, which will be integrated across the property to provide music and a technology-enabled arrival system.

One of the pavilion-style villas will be a Wabi Sabi-style presidential villa by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

Lisa Howard of TCL Landscape Architects has designed the grounds’ immersive art installations, meadows, calming meditation areas, a Wollemi pine grove and a 25-metre red-tiled pool along the Shiraz vineyard.

More than 6,782 vines and 21,000 plants will be planted to restore the site’s former agricultural character and increase ecological activity.

Veraia Spa

The resort’s Veraia Spa will be a two-level 1,000sq m longevity-led wellness centre with 15 treatment rooms. It has been designed by Nikki Lambrinos, Dominic Lambrinos’ wife. 

Nikki told Spa Business: “Veraia Spa has been created with the intention of offering something Australia hasn’t really experienced before. It's a place where advanced longevity technology, clinical treatments and traditional spa rituals all sit together in one considered sanctuary. There’s incredible innovation within the spa, from recovery and regenerative therapies through to cutting-edge treatments, but what makes it truly special is the setting. When guests step foot outside the spa, they are immediately greeted with the calming effects of the surrounding nature, gardens and vineyard landscape.” 

The spa will offer medical-grade treatments focused on recovery and regeneration, plus a thermal circuit.

There will also be a 100sq m gym with NOHRD equipment and outdoor yoga platforms will extend the experience outdoors.

Other facilities

The property will have a private helicopter landing facility.

There will be three dining venues and a kitchen garden. The property will also invite guests to a gathering space around a 175-year-old fig tree to take part in an interactive dining experience where guests can become a part of the story told at a banquet.