This Blue Mountains Hotel Just Got A Seriously Stylish Upgrade

Slow mornings, crisp country air and heritage digs steeped in glamorous history—consider this your sign to book a Blue Mountains getaway.

Perched high above the Jamison Valley and set across two acres of manicured gardens, the iconic Lilianfels Blue Mountains has entered a new era as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, following a seriously dreamy glow up.

Just over 1.5 hours from Sydney, it’s the ultimate romantic weekender or the perfect soul-nourishing solo escape.

Originally built in 1889 and having played host to everyone from royals and Hollywood stars to politicians over the years, this grand dame has lost none of its old-world charm. Instead, its latest chapter brings a fresh sense of luxury, seamlessly blending romantic heritage architecture with richly layered interiors and all the thoughtful five-star touches you could wish for (but more on those later).

Each of the 91 guest rooms has been given a decadent refresh, with bespoke bedheads, cloud-like beds, lounges you’ll want to curl up in with a coffee and your Kindle, warm timber and a playful palette of duck egg blue, peach and burnt orange. The result? The kind of room you won’t want to leave. But trust us, you’ll want to explore beyond the bed.

Start your day in the Orangery, where the lavish breakfast spread is definitely worth getting out of bed for. Expect all things seasonal produce, spanner crab hollandaise, pancakes topped with strawberries and the flakiest of pastries. The real flex however is that this buffet breakfast for two is included in your stay.

Next, wander over to The Lounge, where you can indulge in a traditional high tea with all the trimmings or sip an expertly shaken martini while perched at the mahogany bar. Feeling peckish? Order the famous lobster pie, go all out with their caviar service or peruse the curated cheese menu—yes, really. Better yet, your stay includes a glass of Taittinger Champagne per person to sip right here.

There’s still plenty more to eat. For a blowout dinner, book a table at multi-hatted Darley’s, housed in an elegant heritage-listed homestead. It’s all sparkling chandeliers, open fireplaces, crisp white tablecloths and leadlight windows overlooking the English gardens, topped off with an Australian menu finessed with French techniques. For something more casual, swing by Miss Lilian for punchy Southeast Asian street food. Another very welcome perk? Your stay comes with a $100 dining credit to put towards the feast.

Ditch the food coma with a wander through the storybook gardens, challenge your travel buddy to a game of tennis or bliss out on a sunlounge by the heated pool. For an extra zen hit, follow your dip with a visit to Èliva Blue Mountains, opening now. Fresh from a major refurbishment, Èliva Blue Mountains brings a contemporary approach to whole-body wellness, with personalised treatments designed around Rest, Recovery and Invigorate. Expect four treatment rooms, an Oil Bar, sauna and steam room, mineral pool and recovery lounge, plus a curated menu of massages, advanced facials and restorative rituals.

Beyond the estate, you’re on the doorstep of clifftop walks and mountain trails winding through the Blue Mountains. Lace up your sneakers or grab a complimentary bike from reception and head out on two wheels. And thanks to a glorious 12pm late checkout, there’s no need to rush back and pack your bags.

With the Discover Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains offer bundling all those little luxuries into your stay (bubbles, food credit, daily brekky and a late check out—yes please!) and valid for stays until 30 September 2026, there’s never been a better time to check into this Blue Mountains icon.

We’ll see you in the mountains.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Image credit: Supplied.