Avani Cypress Lakes Resort to celebrate opening with Community Weekend
Free, fun-filled community weekend for Hunter Valley locals, featuring pickleball, aqua golf, yoga, cooking classes, a poolside BBQ and more
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Brisbane, 22 September 2026 – The new Avani Cypress Lakes Resort, part of Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, will open to Hunter Valley locals for a community opening weekend to celebrate the launch of the premium lifestyle and wellness resort in the region.
The resort redevelopment, launching in phases, brings 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. To mark the milestone, the resort is opening its doors to guests and the local community for a weekend of celebration from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October.
Locals can partake in Sri Lankan cooking classes inspired by the menu of the new Chakraya restaurant, sunrise yoga, wine and cooking classes, outdoor cinema screenings and more.
“Bring the family, gather your friends and join us for a fun-filled community weekend as we celebrate the launch of Avani Cypress Lakes Resort,” said Fraser Ross, Avani Cypress Lakes General Manager.
“This is an opportunity for us to open our doors to the locals as a show of our thanks for the support in the region. Come and see for yourself Australia’s largest integrated wellness resort and our vision for the future of wellness tourism in the Hunter Valley region.”
Opening celebrations will run over the whole weekend, starting with a sunset BBQ and kids’ outdoor cinema screening on Friday, with the weekend to incorporate aqua golf, cooking and wine classes, live music and more.
A New Era for the Hunter Valley
Avani Cypress Lakes Resort is the largest Avani property in Australasia, offering 204 rooms and suites across two distinct accommodation experiences. Facilities will include an 18-hole golf course, the AvaniWell spa and wellness centre, 24 meetings and events spaces, two concept-led restaurants, a pool bar and all-day dining.
AvaniWell will make its Australian debut at Cypress Lakes, following the concept’s launch at Avani+Hua Hin Resort in Thailand in 2024. The existing Elysia Wellness Retreat will integrate 70 wellness suites, a magnesium pool and 26 treatment rooms with 10 Pilates reformers, infrared saunas and outdoor cold-plunge pools, a fully integrated resort lifestyle complete with a golf course, two concept dining restaurants and iconic experiences including hot air ballooning.
The resort’s phased transformation includes the introduction of three pickleball courts in time for the community weekend, as well as an outdoor cinema and a pool bar with a DJ booth. A new dining concept will include Chakraya, a restaurant inspired by the flavours and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.
The resort’s redevelopment is being delivered in phases, unveiling a refreshed guest experience that celebrates the property’s unique setting and lifestyle offering.
An opening offer of Stay 2, Save 20% is now available to book, with guests receiving an extra 10% off when they sign up as a Minor DISCOVERY member. Guests can also receive up to a $150 resort credit that can be redeemed at select onsite dining options and facilities. To book, visit Hunter Valley Resort Stays | Avani Cypress Lakes Resort, Pokolbin
Visitors over the opening weekend will need to book their activities at the desk in the lobby. See the friendly Avani staff on property.
Designed for today’s traveller, Avani Hotels & Resorts offers stylish rooms, connected social spaces and relaxed and on-the-go dining that is locally inspired. Balance is central to everything Avani does, providing guests with the right measure of service, fun and privacy. Launched in 2011, Avani’s over 40 properties across five continents offer premium city hotels, tropical resorts and retreats in nature with a focus on smart design, upbeat service and good value.
Avani Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
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