Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, the Central Coast offers a serene escape from the city's hustle. Our destination: Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa – a haven of coastal elegance nestled within the Bouddi National Park. There's barely any reception, the pastries are fresh and the air is oh so crisp. The journey there is as captivating as the destination itself, especially when undertaken in the new Jaecoo J7.
What to do
First thing's first, a great playlist. The portrait-style display touch screen inside the new Jaecoo J7 makes it easy to set the pace – and rhythm – for the drive ahead. Snacks are also a must, and though it was early, there's nothing like a packet of lollies and chocolate to accompany the pipping-hot long black. Thankfully, there's plenty of space in the Super Hybrid System (one of three iterations of the J7, alongside the 2WD and AWD) for the confectionary stash.
Turning onto the M1 and heading north, the car handles like a dream – smooth, responsive, and confident, even as the road narrows and the canopy thickens. The vehicle's Super Hybrid System (SHS) boasts an impressive combined range of up to 1,200 km, making it ideal for long-distance travel without frequent stops. Though, we did dip in momentarily to Glenworth Valley for a light lunch and a couple of hours enjoying the valley's mystical activities – think horse riding in the luscious, dense greenery – it wasn't long until we made it to our final destination.
Where to stay
There’s a stillness to Bells at Killcare that you can’t fake. Set amidst lush gardens and native bushland, the resort offers 25 private, creamy-white cottages and suites, each thoughtfully designed with timeless, luxurious furnishings and deep-soaking bathtubs. A restaurant where nearly everything comes from the kitchen garden. Outdoor showers, linen robes and climbing vines. We arrived just in time for aperitivo hour, before heading to our rooms for a quick freshen up before dinner in the hotel's on-site restaurant, renowned for its modern Mediterranean cuisine. It was an easy order – Spaghetti alle vongole, thank you.
What to take
For trips like this, I feel I can never go wrong when packing the perfect trench coat. The style I packed is an old faithful I added to my wardrobe many years ago, but if I was going to repurchase a cropped trench today, there is no question that this Burberry piece is at the top of my list. The weather was also a little unpredictable, so it helps to have a coat that can withstand a little drizzle but isn't too heavy to carry around. I wanted to still look polished when stepping out of the new Jaecoo J7 – the driver has to match the car, of course – so I opted for a pair of light, low-crease grey trousers. Like this drawcord pair from Witchery. My shoe of choice was a trusty loafer – chic enough to take you to dinner but practical for driving and weathering the less urban terrain. You can't go past this pair from Chloé – they are so comfortable I didn't once slip my feet out.
