Hidden from all but the ducks on the dam and the roos in the vines, the Lane Retreat is perfect for a romantic getaway in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions.
We arrive the property just off Palmers Lane in Pokolbin keen for our long weekend of relaxation to begin. We’re early, which means our room isn’t ready yet.
We’ll get a text and an email when it is.
While we wait, we check out the large half-sandstone half-corrugated walls of the nearby barn. This is a popular wedding venue and there’s one being set up now; we watch the staff as they hustle to prep for the afternoon’s ceremony.
Check out our quick walkthrough video of our cabin at The Lane Retreat:
Soon, the notification comes that our room is ready. We’re surprised—we’re still early. But as we drive over the rise, the busyness of the wedding venue disappears and the peace of the Lane Retreat takes its place.
Scattered around the 14 acres (that’s about 10 football pitches) are 60 sleek retreats spaced out across the slope.
On one side is a sparkling dam and on the other are rows of grapevines. In the distance, the clambering peaks of the Broken Back Range make up the horizon. It’s a lovely setting.
The Lane Retreat by Bimbadgen, Pokolbin
Black and angular, with their flat sloped roofs covered in solar panels, these slick chalet-style retreats scattered around the property look almost futuristic.
However, they blend into the countryside well, their low profile and angles mimic the dark ridges of the distant mountains.
We unlock the door with the code that came with the good news of our room being ready early (the lock by the way is very cool) and explore the room.
WIN! A 3-night stay at The Lane Retreat as well as wine-tastings, hot air balloon rides, fine-dining, in-room massages, picnics and more!
We’ve worked with Bimbadgen to offer lucky winners 2x romantic escapes to the Hunter Valley for two— check out our post here for details or click here to enter the competition !
Our Studio Retreat
On one side we find the little kitchenette: a microwave, pod coffee machine, kettle and minibar. The latter is stocked with beers, wine and even some tasty premix cans using Bimbadgen’s spirits from its Night Merchant distillery .
There’s not much of an option to self-cater here, though that’s not really the point of a romantic break in the Hunter, is it.
Opposite the kitchenette is the bathroom, which is very roomy, with twin sinks and vanities, and even a double shower so you can both be in there together.
Body wash and other toiletries are by the appropriately named Hunter Lab, a lovely Australian-owned and made brand, which adds a luxe boutique vibe to this beautifully designed bathroom.
Further into the retreat, the bed takes centre stage, a huge and incredibly comfortable king flanked by minimalist tables whose bedside lamps also house a USB port.
At the end of the bed, two low-slung chairs face out of the glass sliding doors, perfect for taking in the view if it’s too hot (or too cold) to sit on the little deck beyond the thick, double-glazed doors.
Also in the room is a small dining table and chairs if you want to eat in or—god forbid—have work to do.
I suppose the only thing that’s really lacking in our retreat is hanging space. The wardrobe is quite small and there aren’t many hangers, and there are no drawers. Most of our clothes stay in the suitcases.
Sacrificing a decent sized wardrobe does give you more space though. There’s even enough room for the lovely Yvie and Millie from Hunter Valley Mobile Massage to set up two beds for our super-relaxing couples massage.
This is a real treat and the perfect way to start a romantic weekend in the Hunter. Highly recommended.
Around The Lane Retreat
The concept to the Lane Retreat is all about relaxing, unwinding and enjoying the region. Around the property, there are a few things worth checking out before (or after!) you’ve taken full advantage of being in the only best wine regions in the world.
First, the pool.
Right in the middle of the property is a beautiful Palm Springs style oasis pool with a shaded seating area too if you don’t fancy getting wet or laying on a lounger.
This is a perfect place to chill out on a hot afternoon.
At the back of the pool building, there’s also an ice machine if you need to keep your Bimbadgen sparkling nice and cold!
Less for swimming more for looking—and walking around if you wish—is the dam. This pond attracts birds and kangaroos, and is a lovely spot if you fancy a sundowner outside your retreat.
There are also vines here at the edge of the property that have been here since the 1960s. Bimbadgen still use the grapes from these vines, so don’t get too close.
But a picnic next to them really cements the feeling of being in wine country.
Finally, if you’re feeling like a bit of retail therapy or you’re in need of a coffee, The Lane Pantry is just up the hill.
Not only does it have a barista coffee machine and well-trained staff, there’s a whole room of fridges and shelves where you can restock your minibar with beers, Night Merchant RTDs and wine.
The main room though is a boutique full of beautiful things, from hats to homewares, that’s well worth checking out. And if you feel like sitting down to enjoy your purchases, there’s seating outside too.
And best of all, you’ve got some of the best wineries in the Hunter (ergo in Australia) right on your doorstep. Check out our posts on which Hunter Valley cellar doors to visit here !
We stayed as media guests of Bimbadgen, but our experiences and opinions remain our own.
The post Where To Stay In The Hunter Valley—The Lane Retreat by Bimbadgen appeared first on Mr and Mrs Romance .
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