Private Hotel Owner and Developer HVL Hotels has announced Laval Hunter Valley—a new 65-key luxury resort and tourism destination on the 165-acre historic Lindeman Estate in Pokolbin, opening in the second half of 2027.
Laval marks the first new-build luxury resort development of this scale in the Hunter Valley in two decades.
Conceived as ‘an international hotel, made in Australia’, Laval is designed to offer global standards with a strong sense of place—drawing in a new market segment of domestic and international luxury
travellers to elevate the Hunter Valley’s profile as a global tourism destination.
The project is expected to generate approximately $49 million per annum in economic activity and create up to 479 jobs in construction and ongoing operations, delivering lasting impact for the region.
Dominic Lambrinos, Managing Director of HVL Hotels, 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.”
Laval sits within Australia’s most iconic viticultural landscapes in the Hunter Valley on the hills of a 165-acre site in Pokolbin (formerly Lindeman’s Estate and Ben Ean Estate)—offering expansive 360-
degree views of vineyards, valleys and layered rural terrain.
private helicopter landing facility enables fly-in, fly-out access and elevated perspectives over the landscape.
The guest experience unfolds as a journey along the natural contours of the serpentine ridgeline that the resort has been built on. Developed by Lisa Howard of TCL Landscape Architects, the gardens are designed to create a feeling of transition as guests move through increasingly abstract and dreamlike plant formations to discover a series of ‘intricate gems’ along the way—including immersive art installations, lush meadows, calming meditation areas, a Wollemi pine grove, and a 25m red-tiled pool, located right along the Shiraz Vineyard.
Across the estate, over 6782 vines and 21,000 plants, including 300 different species, will be planted as part of a major ecological regeneration program to restore the site’s former agricultural character
and increase birdlife, butterflies and insect activity.
Laval will feature 65 pavilion-style luxury villas immersed within a working vineyard including a Wabi Sabi style Presidential Villa by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer - all designed to frame uninterrupted
views of the surrounding landscape from the moment of entry.
Architecture by EJE Architects and Interiors by Some Studio will draw the personality, uniqueness and warmth of a residential space into
bold and sculptural architectural designs.
Technology is seamlessly integrated across the property through collaboration with Bang & Olufsen—their only resort in the southern hemisphere - bringing music alive as part of the guest
experience.
A fluid technology-enabled arrival system supported by “Everywhere People” allows guests to check in anywhere and have their own personal butler service.
Laval will be home to one of the world’s largest collections of Gillie & Marc sculptures—with 13 major works punctuating the landscape, alongside over 130 in-room pieces and digital artworks.
Guests can discover the collection through personal exploration or on curated art tours, guided by signature characters Rabbitwoman and Dogman through themes of love, unity, joy and nature.
A 175-year old fig tree acts as a living landmark and gathering place where guests are invited to take part in an interactive dining experience with a monumental bronze installation, The Wild Banquet of Love.
Here, Rabbitwoman and Dogman host a gathering of endangered animals, with four empty seats left open as an invitation for guests to become part of the story.
Led by Justin North, Laval’s culinary program is defined by regional provenance, intentional contrasts, generous hospitality and the joy of experiencing something new.
At the centre is signature restaurant Vallery. Diners can experience something new with each visit through an evolving à la carte menu informed by a Mediterranean expression of Provence, coastal Spain and Southern Italy, with subtle influences of Japan.
An onsite kitchen garden adds unique produce, heirloom varieties
and local botanicals directly to the restaurant, and serves as a setting for immersive communal dining experiences.
La Vida, the poolside bar and restaurant, delivers a vibrant, high-energy experience inspired by coastal Cali-Mex flavours. Framed by the signature red-tiled pool, it transitions from relaxed daytime
dining to sunset drinks, DJ-led afternoons and evening gatherings.
The Lobby Bar forms the social heart of the resort, designed for arrivals, informal meetings and pre- or post-dinner drinks, with a
focus on curated beverages and share-style plates.
Sitting in the heart of Australia’s oldest viticultural landscape and on the site of the former Lindeman’s Estate winery in Pokolbin, Laval marks a new chapter in the site’s 185-year winemaking
legacy.
A highly drinkable wine program curated by Jon Osbeiston spans a 10,000-bottle cellar and 1000-strong list celebrating Hunter Valley heritage and global producers - featuring rare private collections, Coravin by-the-glass access and an emphasis on local Shiraz and Semillon.
Veraia Spa is a 1,000-square-metre, two-level longevity-led wellness sanctuary featuring 15 treatment rooms and a world-class approach to health, recovery and regeneration. Designed by Nikki
Lambrinos, it features world-class treatments, thermal circuits and regenerative therapies, offering medical-grade innovative treatments and programs that haven’t been seen before in Australia.
Landscaped meditation meadows, yoga platforms and sensory gardens extend the experience outdoors, whilst spaces within the spa including the sauna, salt room and treatment rooms offer
panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
An 100-square-metre gym fitted with NOHRD equipment supports functional training, framed by expansive vineyard views that connect movement to landscape.
