My partner and I chose to spend New Years somewhere quiet and relaxed this year and after seeing the reviews on TA we chose Somewhere Unique - Excellent choice!
We arrived from Sydney after finishing work and from the moment we stepped inside to soothing music and the amazing breakfast provisions (enough for 3 mornings!) we were impressed.

During our stay we made numerous comments about how the owners really had thought of everything. In a challenging industry the owners of Somewhere Unique really must be commended for providing somewhere that I am certain must please all.
With bikes provided you can ride into quaint and entertaining Wollombi, or explore the local wineries. Or if you wish to go further a field the Hunter Wine region is only 25 mins away. Close enough to enjoy (booked a tour with 2 Fat Blokes and had a great time) but far enough away to escape the crowds.

During our 3 nights we did not see the people staying at the other retreat or the owners, when they say private they mean it!
If you are looking for somewhere to escape to that is not far from Sydney and close to the Hunter I cannot recommend Somewhere Unique more..

Somewhere Unique meets all expectations; loads of privacy, surrounding by beautiful views it is easy to think you are miles from civilisation. Only a 5 minute drive takes you to local shops - just make sure you know they are open, being a small town the dinner place closes early and cafes weren't open around 8.30 - 9am on the weekdays we were in town.
It's the small touches that puts Somewhere Unique ahead of other boutique locations such as the ipod docking station, amazing bath with more than enough room for two, the little soaps and oil burner extras were lovely, the kitchen is well equipped for those looking to do some cooking and the bed is huge and so incredibly comfortable.
Highly recommended for those looking for a first class, private getaway.

Somewhere Unique is, exactly as the name suggests. For me, it will also always be somewhere special having spent the last night of 'single' life and the first night of married life in Lowanna retreat.

Upon arrival, I was blown away by it's beauty, and that was just the retreat itself as it was a little past dusk when I arrived. The retreat's layout was very clever. Although appearing small from the outside, they are amazingly spacious; similar to Dr Who's Tardis. Cleverly designed with tremendous attention to detail, it's cleanliness was second to none and the provisions were also top notch (particularly the hot chocolate pots!).

On top of that the extra touches that Melanie (who I should point out, you never see during the stay, but who seems to intuitively know your needs and tailors the retreat for them) had placed in the fridge (some chocolates and mini bottles of pink sparkling) with a personalised note to help the 'getting ready' process with best wishes, were really unexpected yet really appreciated.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to start the wedding day. Early morning birdsong and a view that calmed and encouraged contemplation. Drinking some very good, complientary coffee on the bench outside the retreat, I watched over cows as they got up to their morning activities and listened to the sound of a babbling brook whilst kookaburra's watched on from the nearby trees. It was just magical.

After a long, yet amazing wedding day held at Undercliff Winery, to return to the retreat was really special. Melanie had been in during the day to tidy away the earlier 'getting ready' scene and had added more extra touches including low lighting, peaceful music and rose petals from the door throughout the retreat. Magical.

With a late checkout, it was possible to savour the beautiful location after cooking up a hearty breakfast with the provisions kindly provided in the breakfast hamper (sufficient for two people over two days). It also afforded enough time for the 3rd bath of the weekend, which, having read many of the guest book entries is definitely the highlight of many peoples stay. After all, any less than 3 baths would have been a waste of the complimentary essential oils, soap and bubble bath!

The retreat is special. You really do not need to think, as Melanie seems to have done all of your thinking for you! I thoroughly recommend Somewhere Unique for anyone looking to escape from the busy world that is around them. The place buys you time for yourself and allows you to realise that there are other things in life that are beautiful and important.

Relaxing, awakening, beautiful, welcoming and comforting are all words that I felt describe the Somewhere Unique experience. It will always remain special in my mind, and I for one, know that this will be a place that we will return time and again. I cannot see why anyone wouldn't fall in love with the simplicity.

Somewhere Unique is amazing. The cabin is beautifully appointed. A lot of thought has gone into the design to ensure that it will suit every one of your needs: a nice view, tranquil setting, stylish, airy when desired, cozy when not, light when desired, dark when you want to sleep in. All of the added extras make this the perfect getaway when you want to relax. The bikes are great for exploring the town and local wineries. The candles and aromatherapy oils are lovely. They even provide bird seed to put in the bird feed. Honestly, I tried and tried to think of something they had forgotten to provide and I really could not think of a single thing. This place is perfect.