Back in January, Sonny and I escaped to the Hunter to have a look at the Sculpture in the Vineyards.
After a couple of very average and overpriced stays in the area in the past -namely Magenta Shores and the Tuscany Wine Estate, both leaving me with the impression that I should open a guesthouse in the area that is well decorated and appointed, because I would make a motza with the prices they charge there for basic, unlovely rooms – I arrived at Mystwood Retreat with fairly low expectations.
But, Mystwood impressed me.
The cabins are great value because of the extra touches. The outdoor spa, the bathrobes, Alchemy products in the bathroom, and a big bath, as well as the big yummy salad included in the meat pack that you can order for dinner.
The property is vast, and the owners encourage your wandering.
Covered picnic area overlooking the dam
BBQ dinner with Sonny's mate, and Wollombi local, Kerry
and BBQ breakfast the next morning (yum)
Back to the spa for just a minute, though.
I have read that the noise from a single male cicada can reach 100 decibels (holey moley, get that guy a date!), and after that trip to the Hunter I am not surprised. The volume was so loud it was distorting. As evening closed in though, the noise eased, signalling to me that it was spa-time.
How nice is a spa under the stars!!
Once I had dispensed with Sonny's idea of romance (serial-killer pitch blackness) that is, and lit a few of the thoughtfully provided candles.
Glass of local wine.
Soft music.
I was in heaven!
Perfect panacea for a hard day of wine tasting and sculptures…
I had been organised and collected the details of the various artists and wineries we visited, but I'm afraid that's as far as my organisation went, and I have no idea where I put them. Apologies.
Kerry spotted one that came a cropper. I just love the shine…
If you know my fear of exoskeletons, you know this is a brave photo for me..
Favourite piece…
and this is why…
Striking.
Kinetic.
Beauty.
Monet-esque…
The weather, while we were there, was fairly miserable. While it wasn't ideal for leisurely strolling amongst the sculptures in the vineyards, it provided a great backdrop for all the works in metal.
Not art. This one is real.
And big.
We thought it was dead, but it moved when Sonny touched it, so he set it free
Cutie
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