Into the Blue
Refresh your body and mind with a detoxing break in the Blue Mountains
Undoing the damage... The body treatments, the setting, the relaxation - old world style meets new ways to untie your stressed self
Pulling away from the buzz of the
Central Station on a train destined
for Katoomba is an uplifting start to
a relaxing trip away. As the racket
of the city slips into the distance, the
concrete jungle is replaced by a landscape
untouched by time, consumed
by ripples of dense greenery, staggering
cliff faces and pristine forests.
The Blue Mountains’ most popular
stop-off, Katoomba starts the unwiding
process before you even arrive.
Home to the famous rock formations
of the Three Sisters, the beauty
of this natural phenomenon has to
be seen to be believed. No image – be
it on a postcard or in a glossy coffee
table book – comes close to capturing
their true spirit. Katoomba’s Echo
Point ridge offers some of the most
spectacular views. According to
Aboriginal legend, the staggering
triplets were created when a medicine
man cast a magical spell over three
young sisters, turning them to rock
in the hope of protecting them for
eternity. One of the country’s most
recognised landmarks (and tourist
traps), over time the attraction has
transformed a sleepy mining village
into a boom town alive with curious
city slickers, international visitors
and young travelers laden down with
backpacks. All of them mingle in a
string of al fresco cafes.
Given the diversity of the visitors,
all budgets are catered for, from
hostels to hip hotels. If it’s rejuvenation
of a worn out body and mind
you’re after, Lilianfels Resort & Spa
is the place to head. The retreat is set
on the edge of a cliff overlooking the
mountains and Jamison valley below,
a position that feels like it’s literally at
the ends of the earth.
Originally the 19th century summer
home of Sir Frederick Darly, the sixth
Chief Justice of New South Wales, the
sprawling building oozes old world
style. Designed by renowned architect
Varney Parkes (who was given instructions
to build a “high class cottage”),
the red brick house has expanded over
the years to become more of a majestic
mansion than a modest abode.
Despite some changes over time,
the original features (and charm)
live on. Tartan carpets smother the
floors, art work depicting hunting
scenes hangs from the walls, and in
the spacious lounge room, a spread
of twee floral sofas and dark oak
tables decorated with high tea trays
awaits. In fact, walking in this place
leaves you with the feeling of being
transported out of Australia and into
a Scottish stately home.
With its tranquil setting and equally
tranquil guests, it’s unsurprising
the hotel’s reputation as an R&R
Mecca is on the up. The surroundings
soothe your soul, and tucked away
in its hushed basement is a very
modern spa, ready to do the same for
your body.
Candle-lit treatment rooms are
decked out in neutral tones, where
you can indulge in a wide range of
indulgent therapies from facials to
body scrubs. The products used are
from renowned European brands
like Payot and Carita, as well as the
Australian organic skincare range
Kuush, a recent introduction.
The immaculate staff are kept
busy working their magic on a
steady stream of guests, but despite
its popularity, the team carefully
space the bookings, ensuring the
relaxation room and marble sauna
area always remain peaceful.
No detox break would be complete
without a leisurely swim, and Lilianfels
has a heated outdoor pool nestled
in two acres of rambling English
country grounds (complete with a
smaller French Riviera-style garden in
a glasshouse). There’s plenty of scope
for a splash with views.
To make the most of your down
time, the hotel has put together a
range of packages, ranging from two
to four night stays, that are tailored to
meet everyone’s needs. You can pick
and choose from the extensive spa
menu, and dip in and out of exercise
depending on your frame of mind.
Resist the temptation to spend your
entire time holed up in the comfort of
your suit (tempting given the DVD
collection on offer) and try out the
one-on-one Pilates session in the gym,
or wake at dawn for invigorating yoga
or Tai Chi in the morning mist.
For those keen to do more than
just admire the scenery, a wilderness
therapy walk takes you deep into the
forest, stopping off at spectacular
viewing points while throwing in an
array of breathing and stretching
exercises.
Be it admiring the luscious land,
soothing yourself in the spa or indulging
in high tea, a break in the Blue
Mountains could be just the breath of
mountain air your life needs.
Essentials
Lilianfels Lilianfels Avenue, Echo
Point, Katoomba, NSW 2780. (02
2480 1200 website).
Prices per night start from $390 mid
week, and $426 weekend. The Refresh
and Revitalise package costs $1008 and
includes two nights accommodation,
meals from the Spa Cuisine Menu as
well as two hours of spa treatments
and choice of exercise programs.
Travel
Trains to Katoomba depart from Central
Station on the Blue Mountains
line. $12 single. Visit www.cityrail.info for timetable information.