Destination
Escape to the
Château Above: Château Élan at The Vintage Hunter Valley Below: Greg Norman-designed golf course
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f there’s one positive to come from the lengthy travel bans and closed borders 2020 threw at us, it’s the opportunity to see our home states with fresh eyes. New South Wales isn’t short of stunning regional destinations, and one that never fails to impress is the Hunter Valley. The region is a strong favourite among Aussie event planners and for good reason – it’s just far enough from Sydney’s CBD that it feels like a break from the city, yet close enough that a short two-hour drive will get your delegates there in time for breakfast. There is an array of conference venues and premium accommodation on offer throughout the region, but one that encompasses both, plus a highly regarded day spa and golf course, is Château Élan at The Vintage Hunter Valley. On arrival, Château Élan feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Coming from Sydney (or any capital city for that matter), the open space and lush greenery brings an immediate sense of calm and relaxation. For corporate groups, that feeling might be exactly what’s needed after the challenges of 2020.
Endless green lawns, inquisitive wildlife and charming event spaces are on offer at one of the Hunter Valley’s hidden gems.
Wide open spaces Spanning acres upon acres of manicured lawns and gardens, Château Élan can be exclusively booked for conferences and events, ideally suited to groups around the 200-delegate mark. Stepping into the property’s dedicated meeting spaces, the first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of natural light – it streams in through large glass windows and doors, and is reflected back via cleverly positioned mirrors. Of course, when it comes time for a presentation, block-out curtains are there to strike the right balance. The Founders Room is the largest venue on offer at 269 square metres and can be divided into two rooms. Meanwhile, the smaller 169-square-metre Barrington Room features 5.2-metre-high ceilings accented by striking dark wood beams and elegant styling. Both spaces boast views over the golf course and open out into a quaint courtyard, perfect for pre- or post-event networking functions. While traditionally a popular choice for weddings, the Carriage House also makes for a great break-out space for corporate teams. The handcrafted, convict-cut sandstone building opens onto to a dreamy alfresco setting shaded by large gum trees. Château Élan also makes use of its expansive outdoor areas and can organise marquee setups on its lawns.
Inviting accommodation Château Élan features 100 accommodation rooms in total, including 20 spa suites within the main hotel building that offer special spa access, and the rest are villa-style rooms that cascade down along the fairway. While making your way to one of the studio, one- or two-bedroom villas, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by an inquisitive kangaroo or two – the resident wildlife are just as comfortable on the property as guests are. The one-bedroom villa is incredibly spacious, with a balcony overlooking the 52 Spice Autumn 2021