Advertisement

Hunter Valley getaway: I decided to work 'not' from home

If you, like me, have been working from home for the better part of the last six months, then you are probably getting sick of staring at the same wall in your home office or spare room.

Or maybe you’ve been looking out the same window in your living room this whole time, or having to rotate dining chairs because the cushions are going flat with increased use. That’s why I decided to change up my scenery for the sake of my sanity, and organised to work ‘not’ from home for a few days.

leisure inn hunter valley views
So peaceful. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

And let me tell you now - it was well worth it.

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill is a picturesque retreat, set on 25 acres of peaceful grounds in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country.

And it’s where I set myself up for my solo mid-week working from somewhere else adventure, leaving the husband and the dogs behind.

My unit was fully equiped with a kitchen, full size fridge, bathroom complete with spa bath, bedroom and living space. And there was a dining table I could set my laptop up on as well.

Leisure Inn pokolbin
I called Unit 9 home for a few days. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle
leisure inn pokolbin hill review
The digs - with a bed all to myself. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

The bed was comfortable, the surrounds peaceful and although I missed out on a unit directly facing the gorgeous lake views, it did give me the excuse to get up and get some extra steps in each day.

My stay at Leisure Inn also coincided with StayWell Holdings hotels’ Wellness Month. So for the whole month of August, guests are also offered a host of additional offerings that focus on physical health and wellbeing.

On my arrival I did have some wellness goodies waiting for me, including fresh fruit, water and fluffy bed socks, and the property also offers things like free fitness sessions, walks and tennis hire one certain days throughout the week.

And to top it off the offerings also included free access to the app Caravan Wellness - so a daily morning yoga/stretch session before my shift started was a MUST!

leisure inn wellness month
My Wellness goodie pack. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle
leisure inn hunter valley views
Views for days. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

While I was working I did still have the opportunity to take breaks and explore the property - even meeting my new ‘neighbours’ a few times.

I also had the opportunity to explore Pokolbin and some Hunter Valley offerings, including a delicious dinner at Blaxland Inn, who were able to squeeze me in last minute despite not having a booking. Would also recommend the Chicken Schnitzel burger from Taste of the Country in the Village.

And being the chocoholic that I am, I couldn’t leave without a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

leisure inn pokolbin
My new 'neighbours'. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle
blaxland inn dinner hunter valley
Enjoying a dinner I didn't have to cook Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

Overall, while I still had to work during my few days away from home, I felt less stressed than I had in weeks.

Changing my surroundings, and taking some time to myself in between work is something I would definitely recommend.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Leisure Inn.

Click here to sign up to our daily newsletter to get all the latest news and hacks. Or if you have a story tip, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.