I made it to the Central Coast, just over an hour from Sydney, where the only the sand and hospitality is one of Sydney’s best-kept secret. A favourite weekend destination for tourist and locals, and this is where my journey continues.
Spending the night at Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast caters for couples wanting an adults-only golf escape, to family’s wanting to spend more time together by the pool, and hungry travellers wanting to visit the culinary treats.
OK, I was a little early to check into the resort but lucky the bar was open. So I opted for a cheeky beer and little grazing snack while I wait. I opted for their Winter warmer house mulled wine, cheese platter with hot sourdough bread.
The hotel is Covid-19 Safe, with social distancing enforced in all common areas; automated hand sanitisers are provided in key public entrances, reinforced cleaning regime and staff wearing masks. This is part of Accor Hotels ALLSAFE Cleanliness program, which make me feel safe and future guest well-being not only in this hotel but across Accor hotel properties.
Mercure Kooindah Waters offers a range of different rooms and apartment style living; all with a plush/comfortable bed, kitchenette, wifi internet and some with balconies. During my stay, the one-bedroom apartment was spacious with all the conveniences needed if I were to stay for a few nights (as it had an internal laundry).
From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience a sense of a peaceful getaway, perfectly designed to do as much or little as you want. With an award-winning 18-hole golf course with added pro-shop, practice facilities, lessons and perfect for golfers and corporate break out activities. I personally, if I had the time, would get a lesson and see if I was able to make a swing. Other facilities include a heated indoor 20m lap pool, outdoor rec pool, gym, tennis court, kids playground and walking/running track.
To satisfy your hunger needs, Karinya’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is where you’ll gather with views of the fairways of the golf course. Double check before you book with regards to room service availability and take-away options if they are available.
Karinya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Dinner for one and socially distancing from other patrons. I opted to start with the French Onion Soup from the specials menu. It was a chilly night and with the fireplace in front of me, I felt like something warm. It was delightful and tasty. I find sometimes this soup could be either too much stock or too salty. However, I did have to order more bread to soak up soup (side note: I would keep the bread to the side and not in the soup)
For my main I initially ordered the Pan Roasted Chicken supreme, served with kipfler potato, heirloom tomatoes, spinach and thyme cream reduction. The waitress returned soon after my order to advise it is no longer on offer. She offered a Duck Breast as a replacement with roughly the same ingredients but with a jus. This duck was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy in the middle matched with the Bancroft Bridge Shiraz Cabernet. Personally I think the tomato didn’t really do the dish justice, as it was quite bland and didn’t fit with the warm/country style. I would suggest cherry tomatoes on the vine charcoaled/grilled with maybe a balsamic vinegar glaze.
I didn’t have dessert in the end as the welcome dessert amenity I received was still only half eaten. Perfect for me to relax in my lounge room, eat the rest of the dessert and have a cup of tea (ok, I had one more glass of wine). As the dessert amenity was sample taste of their main desserts anway. I would recommend the The Big Apple Cheesecake smothered in caramel apples and served with French vanilla bean ice cream or the Jar of Brownies. The brownies is best to share with another person. These are housemade, comes with pouring cream, warm fudge, crushed macadamia nuts and berry coulis.
One night at the Mercure Kooindah Waters isn’t enough and I would recommend staying 2-3 nights here. Where you can use the swimming pool and/or play a round of golf for the day and the subsequent days exploring the Central Coast. I look forward to returning back soon.
Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast
40 Kooindah Blvd, Wyong NSW 2259, Australia
T: +61 2 4355 5777 | E: reservations@kooindahwaters.com.au
