This versatile Hunter Valley hotel is perfect for families and couples

Where: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW

How much: From about $290 a night

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley operated as Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley until May 2023. Owned by prolific hotel proprietor and cosmetic surgeon Jerry Schwartz, this rambling 414-room property is fully justified in calling itself a "resort".

Driving into the resort offers a windscreen full of the bushland and rural landscape of NSW's premier wine-producing region.

The resort itself is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, home to the Hunter Valley Golf Club, plus tennis and basketball courts, a gym, swimming pools for families and adults-only, and tours and tastings at the on-site microbrewery and whiskey distillery.

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Rydges' layout is open and welcoming, and while it doesn't scream state-of-the-art decor, it still feels like modern holiday digs. The large reception area features a concierge space helping out with local tours, Vista Lounge and the browse-worthy Tanya Loviz Arts Gallery. (Tanya also designs the beer cans for the microbrewery.)

Choice abounds with a selection of rooms and villas catering to couples and families of various sizes and budgets, most with views of the golf course, adjacent lakes or swimming pools. Our King Room features a separate living area, a long balcony and a lavish bathroom with a Jacuzzi. We would have stolen that enormous, opulent bed had it fit in our suitcase.

A two-night stay deserves a two-restaurant experience. Lovedale Bar + Grill is a casual indoor or beer garden space, where the cocktails are designed and tinkered by the bar staff. My "naked lemon pie" tipple (Absolut Citron vodka, limoncello, Frangelico and vanilla syrup) is based on someone's fave dessert. The microbrewery is here too, so you can sample the beers with a Lovedale burger dripping in cheese and bacon, or with a pizza or schnitzel.

Also on-site, Redsalt Restaurant is finer dining with an open kitchen and moody statement lighting overlooking the impossibly blue pool. Try the Behind the Vines five-course degustation with paired wines.

Whatever you do, make sure you head to Brokenwood Wines for lunch. This palate-pleasing winery is just 15 minutes' drive from Rydges and dining on the deck at the Wood Restaurant is a treat. The four-course Feed Me menu ($105 plus six matched wines for another $55) is a taste of chef Sean Townsend's finest, focused on local and seasonal produce.

Youngsters are well catered for too, with a game zone, train rides and a splashingly awesome water park and enormous pool. The fully supervised Water Dragons Kids Club lets you enjoy the aforementioned golf course and spa in peace. Lots of kid-friendly activities are added for the summer school holidays.

The resort is also a central and convenient spot from which to check out quintessential local experiences such as a hot air balloon ride, the Hunter Valley Gardens and the Hunter Valley Hop wine tour.

Ubika Day Spa is as good as you'd find in any CBD five-star hotel, without the city price tag.

Explore more: rydges.com/hunter-valley

The writer was a guest of the resort.