Who needs to hop on a plane or drive for days when you can be in one of Sydney’s most luxurious country retreats in under an hour from the city?
The Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, just 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD, has an enviable reputation as one of the greatest boutique venues in the country. This is true for the simple fact of its repeat client list. They come, they meet, they relax, they leave, and they return to do it again.
Set on eight hectares of manicured gardens, the Crowne Plaza is nestled between the historic villages of Windsor and Richmond in the lush Hawkesbury region of Sydney.
The resort, like the area, is a special place, oozing country charm with all the modern conveniences of those found in the big city.
It’s the kind of place that seems to almost instantly brush off any of the stresses you might have been feeling as soon as you turn into the drive and meander along the tree-lined entryway.
The property underwent a multimillion dollar refurbishment of its 105 rooms and suites in 2021, providing guests with the latest in styling, technology and comfort, all with environmental considerations in mind through the use of low consumption LED lighting.
The fully renovated bathrooms feature frameless glass walk in showers, free standing soaker baths, premium Kohler tap wear, and elegant stone and timber floating vanities with illuminating mirrors.
There are eight room types ranging from queen configurations to king bed Executive Suites with balcony views to the Blue Mountains. The most lavish option is the three-bedroom Bilpin Suite complete with two bathrooms, a kitchen and a separate dining and lounge. Defi nitely the room of choice for your company CEO.
Beyond the accommodation rooms if you can drag yourself out of them are three dining outlets, a welcoming reception area, 10 light-filled meeting and event spaces, an indoor heated pool and the Villa Thalgo Day Spa.
The property’s signature restaurant is Harvest, often rated the best in Windsor, which is committed to sourcing and partnering with local suppliers. Menus are seasonal and include delicacies like Windsor Duck and Pistachio Ravioli.
Like Harvest, Barracks Bar is a popular venue for locals and guests, providing a relaxed ambience with a touch of country hospitality, complete with an open fireplace. Barracks Bar has an extensive range of wines, spirits, beers and cocktails and features homegrown award-winning ciders from Hillbilly Cider based in nearby Bilpin, and gin from local Karu Distillery.
Meetings, Events & More
When it comes to meetings and events, the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley has all bases covered.
There are 10 event spaces in total, the largest of which can accommodate up to 250 people theatre-style.
And the beauty of this property is that the expansive grounds surrounding the resort means that indoor meetings can spill into the outdoors where morning and afternoon tea breaks, lunches and even evening events can be held. A number of meeting rooms have direct access to the gardens.
Some groups take advantage of this further by creating team-building-style experiences with local professionals just beyond the conference rooms.
Those staying for two or more days are encouraged to shake off the cobwebs together in one of the many activities available within the region. These include the Tree Tops Adventure Park, the iFly Indoor Skydiving centre,
Indy 800 Go-Karting, the Wild Cats Conservation Centre and the Tobruk Sheep Station.
Nature lovers can pick apples in nearby Bilpin or sample cider. The Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley has an exclusive arrangement with Bilpin Hillbilly Cider where master cider makers come to the resort to treat guests to a cider tasting masterclass.
The same is possible with the local award-winning gin makers Karu Distillery, with a tasting right on-site. Both are wonderfully unique ways to break up a conference program.
Country Hospitality & Value For Money
Sydney-based executive assistants are no doubt aware of the high prices currently being quoted for Sydney CBD venues. Not to mention the challenges many are having with finding experienced staff. There are no such issues at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. As expected accommodation and meeting room hire rates are more conducive to those found in regional areas, and the property has a strong team of local employees, many of who have been working at the venue for many years.
Having played host to everything from product launches to board meetings to corporate retreats and sales conferences, and not to mention weddings, the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley should be your resort destination of choice for at least one of your upcoming event programs.
So what are you waiting for? Visit http://www.cphawkesburyvalley.com.au, jump in your car and do a site inspection yourself. It won’t disappoint.
