From the moment you arrive at Bells at Killcare boutique hotel on the Central Coast, in New South Wales, you know that indulgence is the order of the day. The words Relax, Unwind, Enjoy are writ large behind the reception desk, and the staff members are cheery and refreshingly laid-back. Outside guests sip Bellinis by the pool, sashay between their rooms and the day spa, or have a crack at croquet on the lawn.

Dotted throughout the sprawling grounds are 11 beachy-keen suites, with native trees and shrubs providing much-needed privacy. Verandas boast barbecues and day-beds, and inside there are cosy couch-flanked fireplaces and king-size beds. Plump for a King Spa Suite and you’ll also get a luxe spa bath for two.

While you could happily seclude yourself in these comfy cottages for the weekend, the main manor house is where all the action takes place. The handsome bar filled with leather club chairs and marble tables is the perfect spot for sipping Campari and snacking on spuntini (Italy’s answer to tapas), and a plush lounge area beckons for post-dinner drinks, but it’s the one-hat restaurant that’s the serious drawcard.

Here, acclaimed chef and Smith tastemaker Stefano Manfredi draws from an on-site kitchen garden to create fabulous Italian fare in a welcoming white-and-blue dining room. Standout dishes might include pillowy potato gnocchi with sage and nut-brown butter, or grilled quail with figs and sticky vincotto. Finish with strawberry semifreddo and a short black made using Manfredi’s own brand of coffee beans.

The next day, it’s your turn to play chef, using the cottage’s petite kitchen or barbecue to whip up a breakfast of housemade sausages, bacon, eggs and sourdough, all thoughtfully provided in a gourmet hamper along with orange juice, muesli, and more of Manfredi’s heart-starting espresso.

If you’re feeling pepped-up, explore the Central Coast, or take one of the walking trails that lead from the property along the Bouddi Peninsula down to a handful of near-empty beaches. Or, simply slip into a fluffy robe and settle in by the fireplace with a stack of magazines to Relax, Unwind and Enjoy.

To book one of Mr & Mrs Smith’s hand-picked boutique hotels on the Central Coast, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the Travel Team on 1300 89 66 27, 24 hours a day, five days a week. Sign up as a Smith member when you book a stay at Bells and you can enjoy a Bellini each at the bar.