If you are seeking a relaxing family getaway but don’t fancy jumping on a plane or enduring a long car journey coupled with “Are we there yet?”, then look no further than the recently refurbished The Novotel Vines Resort in the picturesque Swan Valley, located just 35 minutes from Perth CBD.
All the rooms at the resort have recently been transformed thanks to a $4 million refurbishment. The rooms are to a high standard with luxury modern bathrooms featuring rain showers and brand new plush beds. 
A welcome sight was our very own coffee machine! I am useless in the morning without my cup of coffee!
The beds in the room were super comfy and as a result, both Miss 7 and Miss 4 managed to sleep the whole night in their own bed – something that is very rare in our home!
Each room features a MediaHub – an all in one audio/connectivity panel enabling you to connect your own devices (DVD player, games console, laptop, etc) to the room’s television. A great feature if you are travelling with kids and they want to watch their favourite DVDs.
Most rooms have balconies or patios overlooking the vines. We checked into a first floor double queen room which overlooked the beautiful golf course. We enjoyed sitting on our balcony watching the kangaroos hop around the green.
If you have a room on the ground floor you are more than likely to receive a visit from one of the resident kangaroos to your patio.
If you fancied a bit more space the resort also offers 2 and 3 bedroomed condominiums that consist of lounge, dining area and limited kitchen facilities. All condominiums have an ensuite and second bathroom.
The pool area at The Novotel Vines Resort is very family-friendly. Within the enclosed area which is accessed with your room key, you’ll find a large swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi spa which is under shade and lovely and warm.
For younger children, there is a separate paddling pool that is fully shaded and surrounded by sun loungers.
To the side of the pool, there is a lawned area with a giant chessboard and a swing ball was set up. There is also an electric BBQ within the pool area that is free to use for hotel guests.
The pool bar opens during the summer months and serves a range of cold drinks, hot dogs, sandwiches and light snacks.
If you wanted to pamper yourself (and what mum doesn’t deserve to be pampered) the Keishi Day Spa is located within the pool area and offers a wide range of heavenly packages. Click here to view the treatments and pricing.
There is a choice of dining options at the resort. The Vines Café and Bar is particularly family friendly with a choice of dining inside or alfresco on the shaded terrace which overlooks the resort’s recently installed playground. 
There are tables located right next to the playground so you can enjoy a relaxing meal in peace while the kids burn off energy climbing and sliding! The Vines Café and Bar offers a casual dining menu as well as a kids menu from 12pm – 9pm daily. You can view their menu here.
We decided that the menu at Muscats Restaurant looked too mouth-watering not to try so we opted to dine there. The restaurant is fine dining and they offer a kids menu. Highchairs are available. Booking is essential, especially on the weekend. As I booked quite late we were only able to reserve a table for 8pm which was perfect for us but too late for the kids to eat. That proved not to be a problem as we had a drink in the bar before hand and we were able to order dinner for the kids from Muscats children’s menu and have it served in the bar. 
They shared a kids meal of chicken strips, chips and salad ($12). It was a generous serving and I was really impressed with the quality of the chicken strips. It was proper breaded chicken breast and the kids devoured it! 
The food at Muscats Restaurant is divine! The portions are not huge but they are beautifully presented and full of flavour. 
Our stay at Novotel Vines Resort included buffet breakfast at Muscats Restaurant. On offer was a wide selection of breakfast favourites from eggs & bacon to pancakes, cereal and fruit salad. Tea and coffee is included and is ordered from the barista station and brought to your table when ready.
To find out more or to book your stay at The Novotel Vines Resort visit their website www.vines.com.a
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