Minor Hotels announced the upcoming launch of Avani Cypress Lakes Resort in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. The development covers 340 acres and will unite Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Elysia Wellness Retreat into Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct. The resort’s opening is scheduled in phases starting October 2026.
Accommodation, Facilities and Leisure Features at Avani Cypress Lakes
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be the largest Avani property in Australasia, offering 204 rooms and suites. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, a wellness centre branded AvaniWell, 24 meeting and event spaces, two concept-driven restaurants, a pool bar, and an all-day dining venue. The resort’s transformation introduces three
pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with DJ booth, Pilates reformers, and outdoor cold plunge pools. New dining options feature Chakraya, inspired by Sri Lankan culinary traditions.
AvaniWell Wellness Concept and Services
AvaniWell will debut in Australia at this resort, transforming the former Elysia Wellness Retreat. The wellness precinct includes 70 wellness suites, a magnesium pool, 26 treatment rooms, 10 Pilates reformers, infrared saunas, outdoor cold-plunge pools, and spaces for seminars and group sessions. The facility will provide multi-day wellness programmes, individual treatments, fitness classes, and day-spa experiences. Services will be accessible not only to resort guests but also to day visitors and
local community members.
Development Timeline and Regional Portfolio Positioning
The phased redevelopment will see the first new facilities open in October 2026, with full completion targeted for the third quarter of 2027. Rates and packages will become available starting 1 October 2026. Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be the third Avani property in Australasia, following Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel’s opening in May 2026 and Avani Queenstown’s scheduled launch in September 2026. Together, these properties expand Avani Hotels & Resorts’ premium lifestyle offerings across Australia and New Zealand.
Strategic Context and Travel Market Demand
The Hunter Valley’s natural attributes are central to Minor Hotels’ plan to establish the region as Australia’s home of
wellness. By integrating wellness programmes with leisure, family holidays, corporate retreats, golf, and outdoor activities, the resort aligns with growing demand for wellness-led and experiential travel in Australia, particularly in regional destinations. The 24 meeting and event spaces will support conferences, incentives, weddings, and corporate functions incorporating wellness, golf, pickleball, and other outdoor activities.
