In brief
- The merging of two iconic estates to create a 340-acre resort.
- An AvaniWell wellness sanctuary featuring 70 specialised suites and 26 treatment rooms.
- A phased opening starting in October 2026, with completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
- A comprehensive offering featuring an 18-hole golf course and 24 event spaces.
International hotel group Minor Hotels Hunter Valley has announced the merger of two of its iconic properties to create Avani Cypress Lakes Resort. This major transformation brings together Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Elysia Wellness Retreat across a 340-acre estate. The property will thus become the largest integrated resort dedicated to wellness in all of Australia.
The Hunter Valley, renowned as one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions, provides an exceptional setting for this major initiative. Located in New South Wales, this lush valley has for decades attracted visitors seeking serenity, rolling landscapes, and refined gastronomic experiences. It is against this backdrop conducive to rejuvenation that the merger project makes complete sense. By combining the strengths of two adjacent estates, the hotel group is not merely expanding its guest capacity; it is reshaping the dynamics of high-end tourism in the region. This operational synergy creates a comprehensive ecosystem where sports activities, corporate events, and wellness retreats coexist seamlessly within a preserved natural environment.
The fusion of these two flagship properties also reflects a profound shift in the luxury hospitality industry. Today’s travellers are no longer seeking merely comfortable accommodation, but a genuine thematic immersion capable of meeting diverse demands. By unifying the expansive recreational estate of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort with the recognised therapeutic expertise of Elysia Wellness Retreat, Minor Hotels is creating a major point of attraction. This vast 340-acre sanctuary allows the space to be segmented into areas of absolute calm suitable for meditation alongside livelier zones dedicated to group and family activities, thereby setting a new benchmark for integrated hospitality in Oceania.
Minor Hotels Hunter Valley: a vast 340-acre sanctuary
The rollout of infrastructure and renovations will take place in successive phases starting in October 2026. Full completion of the work is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027. Once the transformation is complete, the property will feature 204 rooms and suites split into two distinct accommodation styles. The site will stand as the largest Avani-branded property in the Australasia region.
The phased planning of this vast renovation project has been designed to safeguard the resident guest experience during the transition period. From the launch in October 2026, teams of architects and interior designers will work to harmonise existing structures while integrating modern and sustainable elements that respect the surrounding environment. The two distinct accommodation styles making up the 204 rooms and suites will cater to guest expectations in a tailored manner. On one hand, accommodation designed for families and groups of friends will focus on conviviality, space, and direct access to leisure facilities. On the other, pavilions and suites specifically conceived for wellness enthusiasts will offer a refined atmosphere conducive to mental rest and digital detox.
This ambitious project reflects Minor Hotels’ ambition to make Australasia a key market for its most innovative concepts. The choice of the Avani brand to lead this large-scale project is no coincidence. Known for its contemporary design, attentive service, and alignment with modern lifestyle trends, the brand finds an ideal canvas in the Hunter Valley. The property’s 340 acres offer a sense of vastness and freedom, enhanced by the presence of local wildlife, particularly the famous kangaroos that inhabit the region, adding a touch of natural authenticity to the overall guest experience.
The introduction of the AvaniWell wellness concept to Australia
The introduction of the holistic AvaniWell concept
At the heart of the estate, the current Elysia Wellness Retreat will be transformed to host the “AvaniWell” brand. This concept, new to Australia, includes 70 wellness suites, a magnesium pool, and 26 treatment rooms. Originally created at the Hua Hin property in Thailand in 2024, the AvaniWell brand favours a personalised approach to health. Facilities will also include ten Pilates Reformer machines, infrared saunas, and cold plunge pools.
The decision to bring the AvaniWell concept from Thailand to Australia demonstrates the commitment to offering world-class treatment protocols informed by Asian expertise in body therapies and holistic approaches. The 70 wellness suites comprising this sanctuary will be true havens of peace, equipped with natural materials, circadian lighting systems, and features promoting restful sleep. The 26 treatment rooms will offer a wide range of therapies, from traditional massages to modern recovery techniques. The magnesium pool will offer a unique floating experience, ideal for soothing muscle tension, improving skin quality, and encouraging deep relaxation of the nervous system.
The centre’s technical equipment emphasises the latest advances in fitness and physical recovery. The integration of ten Pilates Reformer machines will allow for deep core strengthening and postural alignment sessions led by certified instructors. Infrared saunas, known for their ability to heat the body deeply and stimulate detoxification at temperatures more comfortable than traditional saunas, will be complemented by cold plunge pools. This thermal contrast, inspired by elite athlete recovery rituals, boosts blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and delivers an immediate surge of energy.
Unlike traditional centres that impose rigid programmes, the AvaniWell model is built on flexibility. Visitors can book an individual treatment or opt for a multi-day stay. Access to the facilities will also remain open to day visitors and local residents.
This flexible approach to health directly meets the aspirations of modern consumers, who reject excessive constraints during their downtime. Instead of imposing restrictive diets or strict schedules, AvaniWell encourages autonomy and self-awareness. A business guest can enjoy a morning yoga session or a massage after a day of meetings, while a local resident can incorporate a Pilates session or magnesium bath into their weekly routine. This openness to the local community creates a strong connection with the region, transforming the resort into a vibrant hub of social life and wellness for the entire Hunter Valley.
An offering combining golf, events, and gastronomy
An exclusive offering combining golf, leisure, and gastronomy
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will retain its renowned 18-hole golf course while expanding its business tourism offering. The complex will feature 24 meeting spaces designed to host seminars, weddings, and corporate retreats. Professional groups will have the opportunity to incorporate wellness activities, such as yoga classes or pickleball sessions, directly into their schedules.
The 18-hole championship golf course is one of the site’s major historic assets. Designed to blend harmoniously into the rolling Hunter Valley landscape, it offers spectacular views over surrounding vineyards and distant mountains. This challenging yet enjoyable course caters equally well to seasoned players and amateurs keen to hone their swing in an exceptional natural setting. Combining this premier sports offering with event infrastructure creates a particularly attractive proposition for the corporate events and seminar sector. With 24 adaptable spaces, the resort will be capable of hosting events of all sizes, from confidential board meetings to major product launches or regional wedding celebrations.
The dining offering will be enhanced with two new restaurant concepts, a poolside bar, and all-day dining options. Activities specifically designed for families will complement the stays of younger guests. Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, emphasises that modern wellness is now flexibly and personally integrated into travel habits, combining wine tastings, lunches, and educational seminars.
The two new dining concepts will showcase local New South Wales produce, drawing on short supply chains and partnerships with Hunter Valley producers and winemakers. The wine list will highlight regional vintages, allowing guests to discover the richness of the local terroir while enjoying inventive and balanced cuisine. The pool bar will offer a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for refreshing drinks after a round of golf or a spa session. For families, the focus will be on creating shared memories, with outdoor activity programmes making the most of the estate’s vast grounds to connect children with nature, while granting parents the serenity needed to fully enjoy their wellness break.
The ongoing growth of Minor Hotels
The development momentum of Minor Hotels
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort marks the third opening of an Avani-branded property in Australia and New Zealand in 2026. This project follows the launches of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in May 2026 and Avani Queenstown, scheduled for September 2026. Minor Hotels now manages over 40 Avani properties across five continents, combining city hotels, tropical resorts, and nature retreats.
This trio of openings planned for 2026 marks a major acceleration of the Avani brand’s presence in the Pacific region. By targeting prime destinations such as the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with the Mooloolaba Beach property, the alpine landscapes of New Zealand with the Queenstown site, and finally the famous Hunter Valley wine region, Minor Hotels is rolling out a highly targeted geographical strategy. Each property reflects the unique identity of its location while sharing the brand’s high standards of service and modernity. This expansion reflects the group’s confidence in the vitality of Oceania’s tourism market and its commitment to offering innovative accommodation concepts that cater to the evolving travel aspirations of local and international clientele.
On an international scale, the brand’s growth relies on a nuanced understanding of contemporary lifestyles. Whether through vibrant city hotels located in the heart of major global metropolises or retreats nestled in preserved natural sanctuaries, each property seeks to establish a perfect balance between comfort, style, and accessibility. The transition of Elysia Wellness Retreat and Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort toward this integrated model marks a milestone for Minor Hotels, illustrating its ability to reinvent established destinations and project them into the future of global hospitality.
