Following a $6m renovation, the Hunter Valley’s iconic Tower Lodge reopened this month as Spicers Tower Lodge.

First launched back in 1999 by wine legend Len Evans and a coterie of high-profile mates, the exclusive Spicers Tower Lodge in Pokolbin is the third Spicers Retreat in the area. It joins sister properties Spicers Vineyards Estate on Hermitage Road, and Spicers Guesthouse (formerly Peppers Guesthouse) on Ekerts Road.

Built in a modern Spanish mission style, the property features warm, earthy textures and hues that pay homage to the surrounding landscape: floors lined with handmade Mexican terracotta tiles, thick adobe rendered walls, high ceilings and cloistered walkways, along with the instantly-recognisable entry via its massive, late 19th century French coach house doors.

Spicers Tower Lodge is home to 14 suites, each with its own unique design and details. All the suites feature a large bedroom, lounge and dressing room, and some have additional elements, like a private courtyard, open fireplace or outdoor hot tub. Lavish new bathtubs were also added to each suite during the $6m+renovation.

“Tower Lodge is something unique in the Hunter. There will never be a design so personal or esoteric in the area again. Think of Morocco meeting Athens and going on holiday to Spain!” said Spicers Retreats Managing Director, David Assef. Related story: What to do if your flight is cancelled, according to an airline worker

New eatery, Sebastian Restaurant – helmed by Head Chef Gianni Moretto (formerly of Peruvian-themed Uma Restaurant at Perth’s Pan Pacific Hotel) – will serve a Basque inspired cuisine, with a focus on local, seasonal Hunter Valley ingredients.

“For Basque cuisine, proximity means quality and for us it is a fundamental part of our gastronomic thinking,” explains Moretto. “Obtaining the product from the closest area will help us with the quality of the ingredient itself, but it will also showcase the producers’ efforts to the world.” Related story: Where to drink, eat, play and stay next time you visit the Hunter Valley

Guests at Spicers Tower Lodge have the option to book an all-inclusive break in one of the 14 rooms and experience a five-course set dinner menu, which changes daily on a four-day cycle.

Spicers Tower Lodge reopened on July 1, 2022 at 6 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320. For more information and to book head to spicersretreats.com Related story: Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice