Hotel profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains

By Lara Picone
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Lean into country style at Seclusions Blue Mountains, where cosy timber cabins are purpose-built to encourage romantic notions.

A farm stay to coax out inner romantics, this beautiful property on the edge of the Blue Mountains eases tensions with its open vistas of gently plunging valleys, pastoral fields and blue-hued peaks beyond. As a popular wedding venue, Seclusions is a place for love to take its next big step and, as a couples’ weekend retreat, to find its spark again. While there’s more than enough to do, the best thing to do is, in fact, not much at all.

Location

Embrace agrarian beauty on the fringe of the Blue Mountains here. Tucked into the lush and rolling hills of the Seven Valleys with eyes on Mount Walker and Lake Lyell, just 15 minutes from the township of Lithgow, this cabin-style retreat set on eight hectares is undeniably angled toward weddings, but also makes a cosy escape for couples.

an aerial view of Seclusions Blue Mountains

The lure of the outdoors beckons you. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Vistas of undulating pastures dotted with cows and whispering, towering pines hedging the property ensure a serene setting to exhale deeply in the fresh mountain air. Weddings and cabin stays are booked exclusively so they don’t collide, which means you won’t end up being kept awake by an enthusiastic wedding party stomping out the ‘Nutbush City Limits’ late into the night.

an aerial view of the scenery at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Soak in the scenery. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Style and character

Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life with private decks angled to watch the soft, bush-covered hills beyond. Idyllic and bucolic, the country charm here ramps up to an adorableness overload but doesn’t feel contrived. The property has a vast settler history dating back to 1868 with some of the original buildings still standing to provide photogenic backdrops for newlyweds or repurposed to house events.

the Seclusions Blue Mountains signage

Check into the rustic and charming Seclusions Blue Mountains. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Facilities

As a wedding venue, Seclusions has plenty of beautiful places to tie the knot and continue the celebrations, from gardens to historic buildings and modern spaces.

The purpose-built, 150-capacity Pavilion is the place to hold a reception, The Boat Shed with its indoor/outdoor design is used for canapes and dancing, while the Amphitheatre has been designed as the ceremony space.

There’s also a firepit for after-dark gatherings and a vintage caravan bar. If you’re not here for nuptials, or even if you are, you’ll find a tennis court and swimming pool to enjoy, as well as resident wildlife, alpacas and highland cows to befriend.

a cow grazing in the field from a distance at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Be surrounded by trees and undulating pastures. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Rooms

There are six beautifully styled cabins to settle into, each with its own kitchenette, gas log fire, verandah and accompanying panoramic views.

a look inside one of the cabin rooms in Seclusions Blue Mountains

Settle into your beautifully styled cabin. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

There’s no wi-fi, but you can find analogue entertainment in the form of in-cabin board games, books and magazines. The cabin ensuites have a two-person spa bath, robes and luxe bathing products, should romance need a little help to kick into gear.

a rustic bedroom at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Feel the romance at Seclusions. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Food and drink

For weddings, Seclusions can help you to secure catering, otherwise, there’s no restaurant onsite, but you can choose to purchase a selection of hampers for DIY meals. There are four breakfast boxes to choose from, as well as an antipasto box, a barbecue hamper box, fondue for two and a movie night box. Failing that, you can always take the 15-minute drive to Lithgow to pick up provisions or dine out.

the living space inside Seclusions Blue Mountains

Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Experiences

The experience at Seclusions is, aside from weddings, all about disconnecting from the every day and reconnecting with your significant other. Your entertainment is largely in your own hands. However, beyond the property’s pine-hemmed boundary, there are nearby towns and attractions to discover, such as historic Lithgow, bushwalks, and canoeing in Lake Lyell.

the surrounding landscapes at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Explore the property during your stay. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

You can take the 45-minute drive to Oberon’s Mayfield Garden to wander the exquisitely tendered greens or enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Seclusions also host occasional events, should you like to organise a group experience, such as a yoga retreat, workshop or birthday celebration.

the veranda at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Seclusions Blue Mountains is a serene retreat away from the crowds. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Access for guests with disabilities?

There’s one accessible cabin with a separate bath and shower, and a ramp. If you’re visiting for a wedding, most of the venue spaces are fully accessible or largely accessible.

Family-friendly?

That’s a no for human children, as Seclusions is an adults-only retreat. However, when it comes to your fur family, dogs are allowed to participate in weddings (when chaperoned) but must adhere to the property guidelines and won’t be able to stay in the cabin with you. Beyond your dog trotting down the aisle, Seclusions is not pet-friendly, largely on account of their beloved farm animals.

cows grazing in the filed at Seclusions Blue Mountains

Find cows grazing in the paddocks. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Details

There is a two-night minimum stay, while public holidays and long weekends usually have a three- to four-night minimum stay.

Address: Seclusions, 209 Martins Rd, Rydal via Lake Lyell, NSW

Contact: (02) 6355 6300

Cost: Weekday rates start at $315 per night; weekend rates start at $345 per night.

Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

    By Megan Arkinstall
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    For the ultimate family-friendly accommodation in the Blue Mountains or a getaway with friends, the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains can’t be beat.

    When travelling with kids, there are often a few more checkboxes to your accommodation search. The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains ticks all those with its epic offering of family-friendly facilities, from an indoor playground to an ice-skating rink to a treetop adventure course.

    But it’s not just the kids who have the fun: there’s also a hip underground whiskey bar and fine dining, a golf course and a day spa, and the pretty village of Leura just a short drive away. You could say that the Fairmont Blue Mountains is a people-pleaser with all you need at your fingertips, making it the ideal place to stay with a group of friends too.

    the lake at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains in autumn

    The resort is adjacent to a serene lake. (Image: James Horan; Destination NSW)

    Location

    Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is nestled in the quaint village of Leura, high up on a ridge overlooking the Jamison Valley, in the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Leura is regarded as the prettiest town in the Blue Mountains, with its leafy town centre, heritage buildings and charming cafes and boutique stores.

    an aerial view looking over the Fairmont Resort in Leura and across the Jamison Valley

    The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains sits atop a ridge with views overlooking Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The town is also home to Leura Cascades and Sublime Point, a lookout with panoramic views over the blue-hazed landscape. Neighbouring suburb Katoomba, the main hub of the Blue Mountains, is an eight-minute drive away. Here you’ll find the famous Three Sisters rock formations and Scenic World, where you can take a ride on the world’s steepest passenger railway to the valley floor.

    sunrise over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Katoomba

    Catch incredible sunrise views over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Style and character

    Part of the M Gallery Hotel Collection, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a sprawling resort that has a cosy mountain chalet feel from the moment you enter the lobby. Think high ceilings with exposed beams, warm timber floors, red plaid rugs, alpine stone features and a fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling glass framing the mountains in the distance.

    The decor and styling in the public spaces and guest rooms (a mix of black leather lounges, striped fabric lounges, heavy red curtains and beige carpet) may be a little dated, however it’s comfortable and well-kept.

    a look inside the lobby at Fairmont Resort in Leura

    The lobby evokes a cosy mountain chalet feel. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Facilities

    The Fairmont is a fully serviced resort that caters to travellers of all kinds, but it really stands out as an excellent family-friendly resort. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, an indoor kids’ zone of soft play equipment and arcade games, an outdoor hedge maze, miniature train rides, a treetops adventure park with a climbing course and an ice-skating rink.

    an outdoor pool with sun loungers at Fairmont Resort in Leura

    The indoor and outdoor pools are great family-friendly additions to the resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Phew! After all the fun with the kids, there’s a day spa to unwind. Leura Golf Club is also located on-site and features an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse. There are seven other restaurants and bar on the property, too, so there are plenty of choices to explore during your stay.

    Reception is open 24 hours, there is free parking on-site and electric car charging stations, and there’s also a boutique shop where you can pick up everyday items, gifts and souvenirs.

    Rooms

    There are 224 rooms at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, boasting views over the Jamison Valley or the resort’s beautiful gardens.

    Accommodation includes Standard Rooms, which feature a king or twin beds, Superior Rooms which feature a king or two queen beds, and a Courtyard Room with a king or two singles and an enclosed courtyard on the ground floor overlooking the gardens. The more spacious Deluxe Balcony Rooms have high chalet ceilings and a balcony. There is also a Deluxe Spa Room with a corner spa in the bathroom.

    an aerial view of the Jamison Valley from Fairmont Resort in Leura

    The rooms feature breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Families can choose the Family Suite, which comprises interconnecting rooms – a king bedroom and a twin room (sleeps four). Other suites offer more space, such as the Junior Suite, which has an open-plan lounge room with a balcony (sleeps two), a Luxury Suite, which has a lounge room and dining area (sleeps two), and a Deluxe Suite with one or two bedrooms and a marble fireplace (sleeps up to four). The Deluxe Grand Suite also has a fireplace and features two balconies (sleeps two).

    The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a pet-friendly resort too. The Pet Rooms are on the ground floor and feature an enclosed courtyard for your furry friend to stretch their legs.

    Food and Drink

    Jamison’s Restaurant is where buffet breakfast is served alongside an outlook of the sprawling valley and sandstone escarpments in the distance. Bi-fold windows can be opened to allow a fresh breeze in the warmer months. High tea is also served in this space daily, with kids options available.

    Embers Grill is located just off the lobby and has soaring windows for captivating valley views. The intimate restaurant keeps cosy during the winter months with a fireplace and serves a steakhouse menu for lunch and dinner.

    dining at Eucalypt Restaurant inside Fairmont Resort in Leura

    Enjoy fine dining at Eucalypt Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Another dining venue with – you guessed it – unbeatable views is No.1 Sublime Point. This fine dining restaurant offers a five-course degustation with matching wines, inspired by seasonal produce.

    Contemporary Italian cuisine is served in Azzurro Trattoria, which has a casual atmosphere and a kids’ menu for the little diners. Think family favourites such as pizza and pasta.

    the Embers Restaurant inside Fairmont Resort in Leura

    Dine at Embers for captivating valley views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Sublime Lounge is adjacent to the lobby and is a cosy spot for a coffee and cake or a cocktail. It has a fireplace and is open all day. While down in the basement, Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern is filled with leather chesterfields and velvet chairs and vintage curios. You can come for a drink or stay for dinner, with late night live music from Thursday to Sunday.

    Leura Golf Club also features a bistro that’s open for lunch and dinner. The whole family will love the pub-style menu of burgers, steaks, salads and the like. There’s a kids menu too.

    guests dining at Eucalypt Restaurant inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains

    The elegant Eucalypt Restaurant delivers meals and views to remember. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Experiences

    The resort features Ubika Day Spa and salon, which has a range of wellness experiences for some R&R, such as massage, facials, pedicures and more.

    The Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink is also located at the resort. You can book regular ice-skating sessions here or time your visit with special events such as disco nights and ice-skating shows.

    a woman getting a spa treatment at Ubika Day Spa

    Pamper yourself at Ubika Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As well as the ample family-friendly facilities – such as the kids’ zone, miniature train rides and treetops adventure park – the resort holds a school holiday program. The schedule is packed with fun activities such as magic shows, face painting, kids’ golf clinics and pony rides.

    The resort also offers accommodation packages including a Wellness Package with day spa treatments and a Stay and Play golf package.

    a morning yoga session at Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains

    Join a morning yoga session. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Accessibility

    The Fairmont has accessible rooms available for guests with disabilities, located on lower ground or accessed via a lift. Guests will need to contact the resort directly to book these room types. They feature a walk-in shower with handrail. All restaurants and bars are accessible.

    Family-friendly?

    The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is the most family-friendly resort in the area, with a roster of fun activities and facilities for young and old alike, as well as room types to accommodate up to four guests.

    Details

    Best for: Family friendly accommodation with the views to match

    Address: 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW