Unwind & Enjoy at Bells at Killcare

The sign of a memorable holiday is when you’re still talking about it long after you’ve returned to the daily grind. This is true of Bells at Killcare.   Over a wine with my bestie last night in Brisbane, she reminisced about our relaxing time at Bells and asked when are we going to have a girls getaway again?

We had taken the 90 minute sojourn from Sydney some months ago and arrived at the peaceful haven that is Bells at Killcare. The pillows on our beds urged us to “unwind” and “enjoy” however we didn’t need reminding of this mantra. 

There are 25 rooms at the sprawling boutique hotel, in the leafy surrounds of Central Coast’s lush Bouddi Peninsula.  Accommodation ranges from king suites to villas and two storey cottages, all decorated in Hamptons chic of sandy shades, fresh blue and white stripes and designer Ralph Lauren furnishings.

We stayed in a Lakeview villa, a spacious open plan retreat with verandah overlooking the lake creating a tranquil setting. A friendly Kookaburra perches on the railing allowing us to connect with nature without even leaving our room.  Our twin beds (king if you prefer) are separated from the lounge/living area by a large fireplace. The luxurious bathroom features a deep, soaking bath, so deep I thought if I relaxed too much I might drown, but oh what a way to go!  Bells bathrobes and slippers seal the deal and I lather myself in the handmade toiletries so much I vow to purchase the products to remind me of our relaxing holiday once I’m back home.

At dusk, we stroll up to Manfredi’s one-hatted restaurant, known for its inspired seasonal menu of local produce, some sourced straight from the kitchen garden.  The restaurant echoes the palette of blue & white tones and the menu blends Stefano Manfredi’s northern Italian staples with an Australian coastal twist.  We shared an antipasti platter of delectable delights followed by homemade pasta rabbit ragout & my dining companion the beef cheeks.  The impressive wine list is extensive with a focus on Italian and Hunter Valley wines and includes a large range of half bottles, we of course choose a full bottle as we only have to stroll down the hill and back to our cosy retreat.

Next morning, we stroll back to the restaurant for breakfast. We are early enough to snare a prime position on the balcony with the sun gently warming us as we delve into the weekend papers and Stefano’s own Espresso di Manfredi coffee.  Breakfast is included in the tariff and is a well executed and generous selection of estate-baked breads, tarts, pastries and homemade muesli. Hot breakfast is cooked to order and a reasonably priced addition, with freshly laid eggs on offer from the Bells chooks, making it hard to resist.

There is much to discover in the region where bushwalkers and nature-lovers can explore the nearby Bouddi National Park, with its beautiful beaches and sandstone cliffs. For those with more leisurely pursuits in mind, there’s a great collection of cafes & restaurants on the shores of Hardy’s Bay including Garden 2 Plate a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a focus on sustainable produce and localism. Across the road is The Fat Goose a deli, bakery & patisserie serving up award winning pies and neighbouring restaurants Yum Yum Eatery and L’anxaneta.

A weekend at Bells at Killcare has you unwinding and enjoying the surrounds regardless of the subliminal messaging from your pillows. Quality time with your friends or loved ones allows you to recharge and reconnect and has you yearning for the next weekend getaway before you’ve even left Killcare.

The writer was a guest of Bells at Killcare. Words & images by Sally Scott.

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