Château Élan at The Vintage is a new, five-star golf and spa resort located in the Hunter Valley.
The $30m development, just two hours north of Sydney, will open in February 2010. It has been co-conceived by the group behind the prestige Château Élan brand in Atlanta, Georgia.
Offering luxury retreats for up to 200 guests, the resort comprises a new 'Destination Spa', a collection of super-luxury spa suites and a series of private lifestyle villas.
It sits among the celebrated fairways of The Vintage – the Greg Norman-designed golf course and home to the NSW Open. Its elevated position means views over sublime vales and vines come as standard.
The Château Élan Destination Spa is the newest spa centre in Australia. Equipped with 19 specialist rooms, it is also one of the largest, promising treatments that are available nowhere else in the country.
In addition, the complex houses 20 spa suites giving guests privileged access to treatments, as well as total privacy courtesy an 'airbridge'. Features unique to spa suites include a sensual plinth-mounted spa bath that is open to the room, and an ErgoMotion bed providing massage therapies and a 'zero gravity' option for neutral body position. Guests wanting total seclusion can opt for a suite with a Sanctuary Courtyard.
Ten private villas overlook the 10th Hole of The Vintage course. The two-storey villas offer a total of 80 rooms which can be configured in three ways depending on group size. Each is designed for style, comfort and space – up to 124 square metres – and enjoys stunning views from a private balcony or terrace.
All resort interiors are tailored in muted tones and warm textures. In keeping with the Château Élan philosophy, 'excellence is in the detail' which is why all rooms include original artworks, spa baths, Nesspresso Essenza coffee systems, French Thalgo bathroom amenities, digital entertainment and online connectivity.
According to CEO Erik Stuebe: "There really hasn't been anything like it in the Hunter Valley – or in Australia, for that matter. Château Élan at The Vintage brings together top-flight golf, world-beating spa treatments and a superior level of luxury, and all within one of the country's great destinations. French spa treatments, Australian pro-golf and Hunter Valley wine – it's a pretty compelling combination!"
Château Élan at The Vintage is a joint venture between New South Wales development firm, The Stevens Group, and American entrepreneurs, Don and Nancy Panoz. Stage One of the development sees the completion of the resort; future stages include the addition of outdoor entertainment facilities, a new conference space and extended hotel accommodation.
