The group – known as Hunter Boutique Accommodation – is an alliance of independent and prominent accommodators offering travellers their choice of more than 150 rooms and suites. This makes the group one of the largest accommodation groups in the Hunter.

Hunter Boutique Accommodation spokesperson, Quentin von Essen, said the group was formed to offer people visiting the Hunter Valley with an alternative to the large internationally-owned resorts that may not necessarily provide the same individual or typically distinctive “Hunter Valley” experience.

“We are concerned that travellers from all around the world and from within Australia are not experiencing what the Hunter Valley truly represents. With us they can. As relatively small operators we do not have the budgets or resources to effectively communicate this important message to the traveling public, but as a group Hunter Boutique Accommodation now have the resources and the budget to do just that,” Mr. von Essen said.

Another of the groups’ members, Peter Harman, from the Homestead at Peppers, said “Hunter Boutique Accommodation provides each guest with an authentic Hunter Valley experience - with each property being truly unique and ideal for an extraordinary honeymoon, memorable short break or relaxing vacation.

With properties set amongst beautiful surroundings and all owner-operated, Hunter Boutique Accommodation offers the discerning traveler a unique blend of luxury accommodation, personal service, privacy, tranquility, glorious views and an excellent base from which to explore the Hunter Valley and surrounding areas.

Participating accommodation places are: Berenbell Vineyard Retreat, Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin; Billabong Moon, Hermitage Road, Pokolbin; Casuarina Country Inn, Hermitage Road, Pokolbin; Grapevines Boutique Accommodation, Broke Road, Pokolbin; Hermitage Lodge, McDonalds Road, Pokolbin; Manzanilla Ridge, Talga Road, Lovedale; Peppers Homestead, Halls Road, Pokolbin; Ridgeview Cottages, Sweetwater Road, Rothbury; Splinters Guesthouse, Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, Capers Guesthouse, Wollombi Road, Wollombi;

Thistle Hill, Hermitage Road, Pokolbin; Villa Provence, Gillards Road, Pokolbin; Wild Edge Retreat, Narone Creek Road, Wollombi and Wilderness Grove, Wilderness Road, Lovedale.