Avani Cypress Lakes Resort, a premium lifestyle and wellness resort in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, is set to launch in phases starting in October 2026, reports Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator.

The development will bring together the existing Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and adjoining Elysia Wellness Retreat across 340 acres, creating what will become Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct.

Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be the largest Avani property in Australasia, offering 204 rooms and suites across two distinct accommodation experiences. Facilities will include an 18-hole golf course, AvaniWell spa and wellness center, 24 meetings and events spaces, two concept-led restaurants, a pool bar, and all-day dining.

The resort’s phased transformation will introduce three pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with a DJ booth, Pilates reformers, and outdoor cold-plunge pools.

Avani Cypress Lakes will also offer a range of flexible packages, bringing together AvaniWell programs, AvaniKids activities, golf, hot-air balloon experiences, and resort accommodation.

Craig Hooley, Minor Hotel Australasia’s chief operating officer, said the Hunter Valley had the attributes to become the country’s home of wellness.

“We believe the Hunter Valley has all the hallmarks necessary to establish itself as Australia’s home of wellness,” he said. “From wintery visits and long-table lunches to Pilates classes, cold plunges and educational seminars, modern wellness is personal, flexible and increasing integrated into everyday travel.

“Avani Cypress Lakes Resort has been designed around this shift, allowing guests to incorporate wellness into a family holiday, corporate retreat, golf escape or weekend break. The launch reflects Minor Hotels’ confidence in the continued growth of wellness-led and experiential travel across Australia, particularly in regional destinations.”

Introducing AvaniWell to Australia

Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will see the debut of AvaniWell in the country, following the concept’s debut in 2024 at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in Thailand. Designed as a flexible alternative to the traditional wellness retreat, AvaniWell enables guests to incorporate wellness into a wider resort stay or take part in a more structured program.

The existing Elysia Wellness Retreat will be transformed into AvaniWell at Cypress Lakes Resort. It will feature 70 wellness suites, a magnesium pool, and 26 treatment rooms, 10 Pilates reformers, infrared saunas, outdoor cold-plunge pools, and spaces for seminars and group sessions. The facility will offer multi-day wellness programs alongside individual treatments, classes and day-spa experiences.

Designed for Events

The opening of Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will also strengthen the Hunter Valley’s offering for conferences, incentives, corporate events, and other events. Its 24 meeting and event spaces will be supported by programs that can incorporate yoga, wellness sessions, golf, pickleball and outdoor activities into traditional business itineraries.

The resort’s redevelopment will be delivered in phases, with the first new facilities opening in October 2026 and completion scheduled the Q3 2027.