Room check: Bells at Killcare

Built in 1999 by Ian and Leonie Bell as a resort-style convention centre, Bells was then expanded and developed by subsequent owners into an extensive and well manicured property. Photo / Supplied

Graham Reid stays at the luxurious boutique hotel on the coast north of Sydney.

Location: A 90-minute drive north of Sydney on the Pacific Motorway to the picturesque Bouddi Peninsula.

Check-in experience: Welcoming, gracious and helpful. I was given maps of the local area with walks indicated and a map of the property, important because it's expansive in order to accommodate the stand-alone villas between the trees and gardens.

The style: Elegant and upmarket. Built in 1999 by Ian and Leonie Bell as a resort-style convention centre, but then expanded and developed by subsequent owners, this is now an extensive and well manicured property. A real retreat for Sydneysiders.

Room: Embarrassingly, I had a whole two-storey villa to myself. Designed in a slightly Cape Cod-style with an open patio on the ground floor, it had restfully pale decor, a kitchen and dining area, comfortable couches and a large flat-screen TV. Two actually, one in the lounge and the other in the large bedroom.

Something to eat or drink? Yes, please. The restaurant here is run by Italian-born Stefano Manfredi, an international award-winning chef based in Sydney, and the wine list is extensive and global in reach. The bar is intimate and restful with deep couches and chairs, an attractive display of inviting bottles and knowledgeable staff. Don't try to choose a wine, put yourself in the hands of sommelier Adam Lambeth when it comes to the food match.

What's in the neighbourhood? Bouddi National Park all but surrounds Bells at Killcare and there are lovely beaches with weird sandstone formations all around. This has long been a getaway area but many artists - including Russell Drysdale - have also made this their home, and you can see why.

Exercise: Does walking to the award-winning restaurant count? As said, bush walks all around here. If you come to Bells at Killcare you are probably here to eat, read, sleep and maybe do very little else but relax and have a spa treatment. There's also a pool.

The bed: One of the throw pillows had "Unwind" on it. Said it all.

A room with a view? Hmm, just beyond the small trees and the pretty creek there was a restful fountain and above them all a sky full of blue. The neighbouring villas were all but invisible.

Noise: None most of the time and even the dawn chorus seemed muted by bushland Australia standards.

Bathroom: Downstairs a toilet, upstairs off the bedroom a deep bath, rainshower stall and toilet.

Contact: bellsatkillcare.com.au

Would I return? To a place called "killcare"? Of course. But also, I have to. My wife has seen the photos and is insisting on it.