Life just seems that little bit better after a few days at this rustic luxury hotel where romances deepen, tastebuds are delighted and vitality is restored. Tonic Hotel truly does what it says on the label – a chintz-free, adults only, supremely indulgent escape.
Tonic’s designer-style-meets-outback-luxury is only surpassed by the seductive serenity of Lovedale’s idyllic environs, and the kind of careful ‘we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to’ attention to detail that allows you to do nothing, easily.
Just let yourself into one of the eight private boutique rooms, there’s no formal check in or out, just access your little slice of Tonic using the pre-arranged electronic keypad at your door and voila!
It’s this kind of non-invasive service and forethought that makes Tonic truly unique in its ability to serve you up the best possible ingredients for the ultimate romantic getaway.
Inject even more romance like we did with a spontaneous getaway using the handy Hotels.com mobile app when the mood struck! A quick scroll through the choices from those hotel experts and Tonic was a clear winner.
As you drive up the winding entrance of Tonic past the private dam and tastefully landscaped native flora lining the driveway, don’t be put off by the ‘Aussie tin shed’ style of the boutique rooms.
These little sheds pack a punch of contemporary and stylish comfort. Rustic-chic corrugated iron roofing sets the tone but not the quality of what lies beneath.
Inside you’ll be delighted with eyefuls of view from the louvre windows, king-size beds (one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in) topped with goose-down duvets, plump pillows and crisp linen.
There are also spacious bathrooms with heated concrete flooring, a full suite entertainment system and WiFi, air-conditioning, soft leather interiors, cowhide rugs, fresh flowers, a crackling fireplace, a fridge packed full of local goodies upon your arrival (and stealthily refilled by the wonderful owners during your stay), and even a personalised welcome note on the blackboard.
It all melds into a lovingly personalised yet supremely private experience. Add this to the communal Tonic lounge in the main building on the property, which has a full service kitchen complete with frozen curries for those romantic nights in, BBQ that guests are welcome to use anytime, in-room massage and swimming pool and well, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Whether you lock yourself away in the lap of luxury or decide to sip your way around the glorious gourmet food trail of the Hunter Valley and Lovedale wine regions, a generous helping of killer local knowledge and a friendly smile await you day or night from Tonic proprietors Ian and his wife who live on the property.
It’s a take it, or leave it interaction with Ian, you may want absolute privacy or, as we chose, a great chat with a great bloke who gave us some gems of information on restaurants and unusual and boutique wineries in the area. And, dropping Ian’s name around the traps certainly added some extra flavour to our Hunter adventures when meeting local personalities – oh the stories we heard!
Hot Spots Beyond the Tonic zone
Muse at Hungerford Hill Winery: Spoil yourself with the ‘worth every cent’ degustation at the award-winning Muse at Hungerford Hill Winery. After deliberating on the cost, the down-to-earth professionalism of our waitress, the knowledge of our (French!) sommelier and the quality, combination and presentation of every element of each dish was simply outstanding. Highlight of the meal was a dessert of Muse Coconut which is melt-in-the-mouth bliss and puts Quay’s Snow Egg to shame. Cost: $120.00pp Food Only $180.00pp with Hungerford Hill Wines $220.00pp with Alternate Premium Wine
Picnic with Two Fat Blokes Deli: There’s so much delectable local produce on offer in this region and so many gorgeous picnic spots it seems a shame not to combine the two! Visit the Two Fat Blokes Deli for the very best in cheese, olives, tapenade, bread and crackers, smoked trout, pate, olive oils, cured meats and more. Wine is obviously in no shortage so grab yourself a couple of the region’s finest, pull up a piece of grass and soak it all up! Better yet, as we did, take your private picnic back to Tonic’s scenic private deck and watch the sun go down over the valley beyond – bliss.
Gundog Estate: If you want to steer your tastings clear of the big, brash tourist-filled vineyards and tasting stables, then Gundog is the perfect spot to stop and have a tipple and a chat to Nick – the boutique winery’s expert winemaker and teller of a darn good story. There’s a glint in his eye though, so beware you may be in for a long sitting but it’s well worth it.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: This picturesque vineyard has arguably the best sweeping views of the Hunter Valley. The wines are interesting and the rolling vines below are a sight to behold. Worth the drive and another great spot for a picnic.
Tonic Hotel
Address: 251 Talga Road, Lovedale, Hunter Valley, NSW.
The verdict: Absolute perfection for wine-soaking and upping the anti on the romance.
Price: Around $800 for a two-night weekend stay including breakfast; minimum two-night bookings on weekends.
Bookings Book here
Getting there About 2 hours’ drive north of Sydney. Head up the F3 and take the Cessnock turn-off into vineyard country.
