Hotel Review: Mercure Kooindah Waters

When I think of weekends away, sunshine, blue skies and sandy beaches come to mind. So where do you go during the colder months?

Sure the snow is a great option. Or a wine getaway. Or a snuggly winter escape to somewhere like the Blue Mountains or Yarra Valley. But don’t disregard coastal towns. I’m here to tell you they are where’s it at!

Case in point, Wyong, home to a 4.5* golf and spa resort, need I say more.

Only two hours from Sydney, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway, and before we know it Mr LML and I are heading up the driveway of Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast.

Ooh very swish!

Walking into our spacious one bedroom apartment I am (not so quietly) impressed. “The living room is bigger than our WHOLE apartment!” The simple and elegant décor makes you feel right at home, and the large kitchen and bedroom has enough space to take up permanent residence.

Drawing back the curtains Mr LML and I discover our beautiful view for the weekend. We may be spoilt for city views at home, but give me lush forests and ducks flying past in formation any day! Set amongst this lush landscape is the Kooindah Waters 18 hole championship golf course. Now I’m definitely no golfing buff – I’ve never played the sport – but when in Rome…

Watch out Tiger Woods!

After a hard day on the green it’s time for diner at the hotel’s restaurant Karinyas. Recommended by our waiter we start with the house made Sun dried tomato focaccia, one word, YUM! And follow it up with the Prawn linguini with garlic, chilli, parsley and lemon pangritata and Pan fried scallops with cauliflower puree, olive tapenade & green apple reduction.

As a die-hard lamb lover Mr LML opts for the Herb crusted lamb rump with braised whitlof and beetroot puree for main and I go with the Confit chicken leg with ratatouille & potato fondant.

By this point I am totally stuffed, but just can’t say no to dessert.

Hot chocolate peanut butter fondant with vanilla bean ice cream, how could I say no?

Not sure if it’s the fresh air or just the excitement for the buffet brekkie, but I’m up bright and early the next morning. After sampling almost every bain-marie and raiding the danish and croissant stand there’s just one last thing to do before we head home – hit the spa!

As if Kooindah Waters couldn’t get any better they have an Endota day spa. Mr LML and I decide on the relaxation massage (with billabong footbath). It’s lives up to its name and is the perfect end to our weekend away in Wyong.

Goodbye Wyong!