In Brief: Minor Hotels has announced plans to develop Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct at Avani Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley, signaling increased investment in comprehensive wellness facilities to attract leisure and business travelers.
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Minor Hotels to Launch Australia’s Largest Integrated Resort Wellness Precinct at Avani Cypress Lakes – Image Credit Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels will combine Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Elysia Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley into Avani Cypress Lakes Resort, with phased redevelopment beginning in October 2026.
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will cover 340 acres in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley and combine the existing Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort with the adjoining Elysia Wellness Retreat. The development is intended to create what Minor Hotels described as Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct.
The resort will have 204 rooms and suites across two accommodation experiences and will be the largest Avani property in Australasia. Facilities will include an 18-hole golf course, an AvaniWell spa and wellness center, 24 meetings and events spaces, two restaurants, a pool bar and all-day dining.
The redevelopment will be delivered in phases. New facilities scheduled to open in October 2026 include three pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with a DJ booth, Pilates reformers and outdoor cold-plunge pools. Chakraya, a restaurant inspired by Sri Lankan flavors and culinary traditions, is among the planned dining concepts.
Rates and packages will be available from Oct. 1, 2026. The redevelopment is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027.
Elysia Wellness Retreat will be converted into AvaniWell at Cypress Lakes Resort. The facility will include 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.
AvaniWell will offer multiday wellness programs, individual treatments, classes and day spa experiences. The facility will be available to resort guests, day visitors and members of the local community.
The resort will offer packages for hotel guests and Hunter Valley residents that combine AvaniWell programs, AvaniKids activities, golf, hot-air balloon experiences and accommodation. AvaniKids activities will focus on movement, creativity and time outdoors.
The meetings and events spaces will support conferences, incentives, weddings and corporate retreats. Programs for business itineraries may include yoga, wellness sessions, golf, pickleball and outdoor activities.
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be the third Avani property in Australasia. It follows the opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in May 2026 and the planned launch of Avani Queenstown in September 2026.
