The Convent, owned by the Cowley family and less than two hours' drive from Sydney, beat some of the very best hotels from around the world to win the awards. This year's competition involved more than 1,000 properties from 145 countries.
Known as the Oscars of the hospitality industry, the World Luxury Hotel Awards recognises the worldwide luxury hotel industry and legendary hotels with respect to overall service excellence. Winners are judged by votes from industry leaders and travellers.
The Convent is located in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, amidst lush gardens and vineyards. Built in 1909 as home to the Brigidine Order of nuns in central NSW, it was transported to Pokolbin in 1990. Karlie and Matt Cowley took over The Convent in 2010 after seven successful years at the helm of multi-award winning Tower Estate Lodge & Winery nearby.
Earlier this year, the husband and wife pair, along with General Manager Nick Lee (formerly Qualia, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers), implemented an extensive and lavish renovation to transform The Convent into an award-winning boutique hotel and one of the most romantic retreats in Australia. The Convent has the grand ambience of European yesteryear; the timeless elegance of Art Deco mixed with those distinctive relaxed comforts that are undeniably Australian hospitality at it's best. Every piece of furnishing has be personally sourced from all over the world to create a grand and luxurious space.
Matt Cowley, CEO of The Convent, says to win such a prestigious international award in such a short amount of time is a huge honour.
“To achieve world recognition for what we are doing here at The Convent is incredible. I dare say most people wouldn't even know such an amazing property exists within New South Wales. We're not resting on our laurels though and have further enhancements planned for 2015 to continue offering our guests a world-class experience.”
Complementing the indulgent accommodation at The Convent are two stellar restaurants - historic Roberts Circa 1876 and newly opened Eighty Eight, both overseen by world-renowned, multi award-winning Executive Chef George Francisco.
Circa 1876 restaurant is one of the Hunter Valley's most treasured, iconic and picture perfect locations. The heritage listed cottage is full of elegant antiques and open fires that beckon guests to relax with a glass of red wine. In contrast, the newly opened Eighty Eight located within the decadent Convent has an emphasis on integrity of ingredients, serving only organic, sustainable and ethically sourced produce to 'nurture the soul'. It's comfort food at its absolute best, created by highly acclaimed chef and 'artist of food', Executive Chef George Francisco.
An unwavering passion for fresh produce spurred George to create a spectacular three-acre organic kitchen garden on the property in 2013, supplying fresh produce for both restaurants and The Convent.
The Convent's mix of grandeur and comfort makes it the perfect location for romantic escapes, corporate events, or just peaceful time out in the country air.
Peppers Convent Hunter Valley
88 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320P: 02 4998 4999 / E: convent@peppers.com.au
peppersconvent.com
Robert Circa 1876
64 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (located on The Estate, a short stroll from The Convent)P: 02 4998 4998
circa1876.com
Opening hours:
Lunch: 7 days, 12pm-3pm
Dinner: 7 days, from 6pm
Eighty Eight
88 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320P: 02 4998 4999 / E: convent@peppers.com.au
peppersconvent.com/restaurant-eighty-eight
Opening hours:
Breakfast (Mon-Sun): 8am-10am
High Tea (Mon-Sun): 12.30pm-4.30pm
Lunch (Mon-Sun): 12pm – 3pm
Dinner (Thu-Sun): 5.30pm-close
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