Central Coast’s new luxury lodges raise the bar

The place

Bells at Killcare, Killcare Heights NSW

Check-in

Each standalone lodge features soothing foliage and earthy hues.

Nothing beats pulling into Bells at Killcare for a weekend of wining, dining and understated luxury. It’s been many moons since I last stayed at this iconic Central Coast retreat bordering Bouddi National Park. This time, I’m excited to check into one of the four new luxury lodges. We’re given a rundown on how to operate all the lodge’s fancy gadgetry and shown the impressive, fully inclusive minibar (charcuterie board, anyone?). Dinner reservations are booked for us and room service preferences noted.

The look

The central 25-metre saltwater pool.

Underpinned by a food and wine focus, this chic Hamptons-inspired getaway is hemmed by bush and beach. Twenty-five cottages and suites with wide striped awnings are situated to one side of the main lodge, which houses the bar, restaurant, library and artisanal bakery. The central 25-metre saltwater pool with retro caravan pool bar (operating on an honour system) is also found here.

The new tri-level lodges – designed to meld into the Angophora canopy – are at the front of property in a separate, gated compound.

The room

Bouddi: one of the four new luxury lodges at Bells at Killcare.

Built from stone and timber, each standalone lodge (ours is named Bouddi) features soothing foliage and earthy hues mirroring the surrounding sandstone escarpment – a departure from Bells’ signature blue and white palette.

Pony Rider robes and cushions, Cultiver linen, double-sided silk and linen pillowcases, non-toxic Second Earth yoga mats and A.H. Beard king beds lend the two identical guest rooms a particularly luxurious feel.

The lodge’s private magnesium pool is heated to 24 degrees year-round.

Both rooms come with an oversized en suite with glossy Spanish jade tiles, underfloor heating, indoor rain shower and a concrete tub. Step outside to a private magnesium pool heated to 24 degrees year-round with double day bed, outdoor rain room, poolside barbecue and al fresco dining space.

Upstairs is a fully equipped kitchen with open-plan dining and living area, lavishly stocked bar and larder, fireplace and wrap-around terrace. The third level – aptly named the Sunset Deck - offers sweeping views of Bouddi National Park, Broken Bay and the distant Sydney skyline.

The aptly named Sunset Deck offers sweeping views of Bouddi National Park.

Fresh bread baked in-house (and coffee if you don’t fancy making it yourself) is delivered each morning to your lodge along with your choice of newspaper (Sydney Morning Herald, of course).

Food + drink

The lodges have generous minibar provisions.

Cameron Candsell has returned as head chef of Bells at Killcare’s Wild Flower Bar and Dining after running renowned local restaurants, including Bombini and Saddles.

Choose from classic dishes like suckling pig with local honey and garden sage, handmade pasta or fruits de mer from the seasonal menu inspired by the hotel’s kitchen garden. An award-winning wine list featuring notable local and international drops rounds out the experience.

With decadent a la carte breakfasts and lunches prepared from the generous minibar provisions (think Binnorie triple cream brie and Mr Charcuterie duck liver pate) there’s little reason to venture beyond Bells’ 12 manicured hectares.

Out + about

Explore the local area via its many walking trails.

Mere steps from our front door is Bells’ intimate Indigenous-inspired day spa. Drawing on the surrounding national park, all treatments use Australian iKou products and begin with a smoking ceremony using wild-harvested native flora.

Walking trails leading to towering Eucalypt forests, coastal boardwalks and hidden gems like Maitland Bay and the Bouddi Coastal Walk are on the hotel’s doorstep. Tackle any walks pre- or post-stay, as it’s a wrench leaving your lodge.

The verdict

The dining room at Bells at Killcare.Credit: Marco Del Grande

The bar has yet again been raised for the region’s only Luxury Lodges of Australia member. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the exemplary service to the stylish interiors designed by Karina Barry, who co-owns Bells with husband Brian. With five-star resort facilities, concierge service and a lauded eatery onsite, you’ll want for nothing.

The essentials

From $1798 a night all-inclusive for two – minimum two-night stay. The charge for children under 13 is $185 a night (kids three and under stay free). The garden studio (with a no-step shower) and the restaurant both have ramp access. 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights NSW 2251. Phone: [phone]. bellsatkillcare.com.au

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

Highlight

Pre-dinner drinks on the Sunset Deck, taking in far-reaching views all the way to Palm Beach.

Lowlight

Said Sunset Deck overlooks the pool in a neighbouring lodge, though we never saw anyone in it.

The writer stayed as a guest of Bells at Killcare.