You don't need to be a golfer to love Chateau Elan Resort & The Vintage Golf Club

Yes, its 18-hole course was designed by Greg Norman and has been ranked among the best in Australia. And its golf club is open seven days per week and offers open social competitions on Saturdays and Sundays.

But there is more to Chateau Elan than just golf.

Firstly, it's a central and luxurious resort to use as a base from which to explore the Hunter Valley and its many wineries. The rolling green hills of the golf course make for picturesque wide open spaces and attract groups of kangaroos as the sun begins its descent.

Keep an eye out for joeys in their mothers' pouches. The kids will love spotting them.

Secondly, it is located on the "other" side of Pokolbin, closer to Branxton, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist centre. It gives visitors the opportunity to visit some of the smaller wineries and a few hidden Valley gems. Ask reception staff where to go - they are happy to share their favourites.

Then there's the on-site day spa. There are 17 beautifully appointed treatment rooms offering the latest massage and beauty procedures, and a lounge area. Groups are welcome. It can certainly accommodate them. There is also a hydro lounge and deck area which boasts two outdoor jacuzzis. Wine and cheese and a mountain view can all be enjoyed here.

Adjacent to the spa is Legends Bar and Grill overlooking a rose garden and the golf course. It recently welcomed new executive chef Greg Singian who is quickly putting his stamp on the menu and is keen to make Chateau Elan a dining destination in itself. There is also a casual bar area here and tables where families or couples can sit and play chess and other games.

Tyrrell's Wines is holding a winemakers' dinner at Legends Bar and Grill next Thursday, November 7. The five-course meal will be paired with wines personally selected by Bruce Tyrrell. For more information phone 4998 2601 or email reception@thevintage.com.au.

The Wine Lounge, next to the lobby, offers an extensive wine list and is a cool and relaxing place to wind down after a long day on the green.

There is also a pool, a gym and the opportunity to ride electric bicycles through the vines with Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire. Again, just ask reception staff. They can even arrange a tour of the Hunter Valley for you in a helicopter or a horse-drawn carriage.

And then there's the accommodation. Uniquely, it caters for all kinds of travellers - families, couples, conference gatherings and individuals. All rooms have balconies or terraces to make the most of fairway views, and there are five private spa suites designed for couples with a screened courtyard. All of the villas enjoy an elevated position and are contemporary, comfortable and well appointed. Our one-bedroom villa was huge and had a separate kitchen, dining area and lounge room. It felt like a home away from home.

And if you are an avid golfer, Chateau Elan Resort might just be paradise on earth.

The writer was a guest of Chateau Elan Resort & The Vintage Golf Club