Wow! How come I haven’t been here before?
This is my first thought when I arrive at Bells at Killcare. I have lived in Sydney for a quarter of a century and I did not know about this place.
It’s spectacular! Elegant, sophisticated and dripping with serenity.
A mere 90-minute drive north of Sydney, Bells at Killcare is surrounded by the Bouddi National Park and features 25 cottages and suites, and four nature-inspired luxury lodges.
Upon arrival we are whisked into a Hampton-esque world of impeccably manicured gardens, perfect hedges, cute bridges and little streams complete with white picket fenced cottages. It’s quite magical and feels like a world away from Sydney.
Check in is a cheery experience made even more pleasant when we are given a $50 voucher to spend in the bakery and told we have free welcome drinks in the bar for each night of our stay.
We are in a King Suite cottage on the “enjoy “package and “enjoy” would be a massive understatement.
After “enjoying” a very nice Shiraz (it was after 4pm!), we find our cottage and as it is a cold but sunny Sydney day I am delighted to see a roaring fire in the cute lounge room opposite the oversized love chair.
As we have booked dinner in the restaurant, I know that chair will be a perfect after dinner spot prior to climbing into the very comfy king sized bed which, after a couple of bounces, I’m confident will provide the sweetest of slumbers.
The room is very well appointed and extremely spacious. Tea and coffee making – phew! As a tea addict, I can’t go too long without a brew and I’m impressed by the array of great teas available.
The great surprises keep coming as I peek into the bathroom and yes – there is a full free standing bath tub. Joyously, I am now skipping around this lovely cottage as I am so over bathless bathrooms.
Tea in the bath perhaps before the love chair and the huge comfy bed with the gazillion thread count sheets!
Dinner is in the Wild Flower Bar and Dining restaurant where the service is impeccable but relaxed.
We are asked so many times “is it a special occasion” yet I’m not really surprised as this place warrants a special occasion because it’s so…special.
My partner has the linguine, diamond shell clams, parsley, garlic & chilli and I have pappardelle with duck and red wine ragu.
I opt for another glass of the excellent Silkwood shiraz and he has a beer. The whole dining experience is exceptional and it’s just so good to stroll back to our cosy cottage afterwards.
After very sweet slumbers we spend a sunny Sunday doing the excellent coastal walk through the national park. Once again, I am completely blown away. As a keen hiker, how come I’ve never done this walk before?
It’s quite spectacular and a great way to minimise the calorific damage of dinner and a superb breakfast.
After our walk we explore the nearby coastal town of Ettalong which is another Central Coast gem.
After a swift pint in the RSL we return to the swanky comfort of Bells where I am looking forward to another complimentary Shiraz. It’s now a cold Sunday night and after the day’s exertions we opt to have a cosy night in by the fire in the love chair with an indoor IGA supermarket picnic.
Another great night’s sleep, a beautiful breakfast and then sadly we are off but not before we select our goodies from the bakery with our voucher. I’m told people come from miles around for their amazing bread, cakes and treats.
As I bite into the most decadent cream slice, I think I can understand why. I’ll be back … but not just for the bakery.
This place is as close as it gets to the perfect weekend getaway.
