The Blue Mountains has long been a weekend getaway favourite for Sydneysiders — and for good reason. The region is filled with beautiful bushwalks and hikes, several mesmerising caves and no shortage of cosy cafés and fine dining restaurants, not to mention it’s just a cruisey 90-minute drive west from Sydney.
Fortunately, the area has enough accommodation to suit the many who flock to it come Friday afternoon. From boutique hotels with less than 20 rooms or villas, some with their own plunge pools, to big resorts with on-site spas, set on manicured gardens, ahead are some of our picks for the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains.
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Echoes Boutique Hotel
Echoes Boutique Hotel is in a perfect position for exploring the best of the Blue Mountains — it’s just a five-minute walk from the Three Sisters and a 20-minute stroll from Katoomba Scenic World. The hotel has just 14 rooms and suites, each with different décor and named after a famous Australian explorer. Room types are Deluxe View, Cliff View, Corner View and Grand Deluxe View.
Blueberry Hills on Comleroy
Blueberry Hills Comleroy has three guesthouse rooms with views of the surrounding rolling hills and farmland, and two self-contained cottages, equipped with a kitchen, lounge room and views of the farmland to the east and the sun setting over the mountains to the west. All guests have access to an outdoor hot tub and lounge area, as well as a rustic barn.
Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains
Located between the villages of Leura and Wentworth Falls, Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains is an MGallery by Sofitel, a hotel brand that tells a unique story inspired by its location. This branch has 224 rooms and suites with a view of dramatic Jamison Valley, the Blue Mountains or the property’s gardens and walkways. Grand luxury suites have lounge rooms with vaulted ceilings, as well as two balconies per room overlooking the resort grounds.
Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley
Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley is a resort on a nearly 3000-hectare wildlife reserve within the Greater Blue Mountains region. Each of the resort’s freestanding villas — they come as one-bedroom, two and three — has a lounge rom, fireplace and, most photogenic, private pool facing floor-to-ceiling windows. Room rates include a breakfast that highlights Australian favourites.
The Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains Hotel
The Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains Hotel has 67 rooms within its Belgravia main building and Belgravia Gallery wing, both designed to reflect the glamour of the Blue Mountains of yesteryear. Think art deco-inspired designed and sumptuous soft furnishings. The hotel also has on-site venues including The Wintergarden, Salon Du The and Boilerhouse Restaurant.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa
An outdoor and indoor heated pool, a tennis court and push bike hire from a concierge can all be taken advantage of during a stay at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, located on manicured gardens adjacent to Echo Point. The spa is also one of the most known in the area, offering massages, facials and soak treatments. After a day of relaxing or exploring, rest your head in one of the hotel’s 89 rooms or suites.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Named after the Zulu word for ‘healer’, Spicers Sangoma Retreat aims to give guests relaxation and restoration, with the help of its soft lighting, black walls and earthen textures. Room types range from the Lodge Suite and Luxury Bush Suite, to the Chief Suite, which spans two levels and has a plunge pool, wood-burning fireplace and a lounge area and dining room.
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