The best kind of getaways are the ones where you treat yourself, and the Hunter Valley is laden with indulgent options. The iconic wine region, just two hours’ drive out of Sydney, remains a brag-worthy destination, but the stellar drops are just the cherry on top. It’s got luxury down to a T – with a long list of fine-dining hotspots ideal for lengthy lunches that turn into dinners, boutique accommodation with enough extras to stay in for an entire weekend, and an abundance of novelty, so-cliché-it's-cool activities like helicopter tours, horseback rides and hot air ballooning.

Here are some of our top picks for a splurge weekend in the Hunter Valley.

Horse rides in the vineyards
Hunter Valley Horses offers a plethora of guided horseback rides, but there’s something special about a private trot through the local bushland and vineyards as the sun sets. It will especially appeal to those who want to live out their Yellowstone fantasy. Overlooking Broken Back Range, the 75-minute vineyard trail caters to beginners and pros alike – just bring your own cowboy hat to enjoy the majestic canter and matching scenery.

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A brewery tour via helicopter
It’s a three-hour brewery tour – with a twist. Take it all in from high above with a helicopter ride that acts as your transport to two breweries of your choice. Aero Logistics Helicopters will pick you up from your accommodation and fly you between paddles of beer or wine, with a pub lunch at either Hope Estate, 4 Pines at the Farm, or Newcastle-founded brewery Foghorn Hunter.

Degustation at Restaurant Botanica
For some, true decadence is letting others make decisions for you. Let the experts take the reins as you sit back and enjoy a five-course degustation overlooking the vines at Restaurant Botanica, nestled in Spicers Vineyards Estate. You can also opt for the matched wines from the region while you enjoy the Botanica team’s ode to Australian produce using French techniques. Expect to dine on mussel rolls with miso and dill, bug tortellini, and lamb rump with black garlic and root vegetable gratin. There are also vegan options, swapping in roast butternut squash, charred broccolini and beetroot tartare, with help from the kitchen’s own market garden. For dessert, it’s Botanica’s take on Snickers with chocolate, peanut, caramel and oat milk sorbet.

Stay at the Spicers Guesthouse
There’s a quiet luxury in spending a weekend at a modern country farmhouse, away from responsibilities at home and work. For exactly that, head to the Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley. The guesthouse is a shrine to winemaking (and wine appreciation) and you’ll find yourself suitably immersed in this world, with the theme extending throughout all aspects of the accommodation. A common lounge area invites you to relax with a glass in front of the fire, with a far-ranging wine list on offer. Rooms are spread across three wings, and feature either direct access to the terrace, or elevated views of the property and its surrounds (depending on the level). Beyond the Hunter Valley vineyards (which the Spicers team can organise a private tour for), you can also indulge in local tastings, hot air ballooning, horse riding, golf, or a dip in the on-site pool. All rooms are complete with either a king or queen size bed, where you are sure to sleep soundly at the end of each day.

Hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley
Beyond Ballooning will take you 2000 metres off the ground at sunrise, high above the vines of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury and Broke. For the VIP flight, the experience doesn’t end when you land. Head to a champagne breakfast at the contemporary Italian restaurant E Remo to debrief. Beyond Ballooning will also take care of the transfers, so you can indulge without counting your sips. Your parting gift is a bottle of champagne and chocolates to enjoy as you reminisce over the pictures you took at dawn.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Spicers Retreats.