Best known for its soaring sandstone ridges surrounded by native bushland, The Blue Mountains is the perfect place for an adventure-filled vacation amid the rugged beauty of Australia.
It is a place to kick back and surrender to the glow of the sunset and is easily accessible for a weekend getaway from Sydney. Charming bohemian towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and lush forest-filled valleys beautify this pristine stretch of landscape.
A whole host of accommodation options reflect the area’s aboriginal heritage and range from rural, glamping-style boutiques to trendy wilderness retreats. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in the Blue Mountains, Australia (in no particular order)...
1. Spicers Sangoma Retreat – Adults Only – a unique, Instagrammable and upscale hotel ideal for a couple’s romantic getaway
Providing an idyllic setting for couples to reconnect with each other and with nature, Spicers Sangoma Retreat is best described as ‘African safari meets Australian Outback’, and is the perfect spot to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul amid lush bushland.
Around the property, the African-inspired décor complements the Australian traditional art and artefacts which adorn the walls. ‘Sangoma’ is the Zulu word for the traditional healers or diviners, a fitting appellation for the hotel’s look, with many daybeds, lanterns, and candles dotted around.
The guestrooms range from luxury, glamping-style tents to two-storey luxury pads with a private plunge pool.
2. Old Leura Dairy – an eco-friendly award-winning accommodation with quirky and rustic chic decor and a central location
One of the pioneering hotels in Australia’s boutique, eco-accommodation scene, Old Leura Dairy offers a unique and exclusive stay in a quaint village.
Here, you will have all the rugged beauty, attractions, and pampering that the upper mountains provide at your doorstep. This intimate haven evokes an artistic ambiance through traditional furnishings and stylish woodwork, and compliments this with a green, manicured garden, presenting guests with a graceful space to soak up the rural charm.
Each of the self-contained accommodation options boasts kitchen facilities as well as a free-standing bath, and guests can take advantage of a delicious continental breakfast each morning.
Kyah – a trendy, chic and newly renovated boutique hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Here we have a hotel that’s difficult to describe in words, however you will feel its vibe as soon as you breathe in the fresh mountain air, take a glance at the towering cliff lines, and encounter some of Australia’s friendliest people.
Adding a Palm-Springs-inspired design to a Blue Mountains paradise, Kyah is a haven of serenity, fun, romance, and adventure. The hotel pays homage to the nostalgia of childhood memories, and is permeated by character, charm, and a sense of community.
For a delicious garden-to-plate dinner, BLAQ Restaurant and Bar will not disappoint, and it incorporates the best produce from the surrounding countryside.
Tomah Retreat – Studio BREATHE with fireplace – a Mediterranean-inspired, charming and relaxing B&B well equipped for a great vacation
Studio Breathe is a graceful Mediterranean-style studio with an outdoor infrared sauna, an indoor fireplace, outdoor firepits, and state-of-the-art cooking facilities. It is attached to the main house of Tomah Retreat, and is suitable for 2 guests.
The property is set amid a tree-lined hideaway and harmonizes a glamping-style charm with a cosy ambiance. Set amongst the property’s fruit and nut trees is a refuge for animals, and guests can book healing experiences with dogs, ducks, pigs, and many more.
Tomah Retreat is permeated by its roots in wellness, and offers Reiki treatments, meditation classes, and other experiences to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Closeburn House – an urban and lavish guesthouse with hip features, in close proximity to local attractions and other towns
Built in the late 1800’s, Closeburn House operates as an upmarket guesthouse and continues a rich history of hospitality.
The 8 guest suites offer soothing colour palettes, mountain hues, and large beds topped with organic fibre mattresses and crisp white linens.
Understated luxury and comfort are ever-present features of the in-house décor, extending to the lounge, conservatory, and library which are designed to inspire a deep state of relaxation.
At Closeburn House you can sample some exquisite regional wines in the well-stocked bar, and savour a sensational breakfast on-site. The hotel is idyllically located, allowing you to explore all the popular Blue Mountains villages with ease, as well as head out on beautiful countryside walks.
Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant – a stylish, contemporary and classic hotel where guests can enjoy Insta-worthy views overlooking the National Park
Perched atop the escarpment of Echo Point, this graceful boutique hotelwas named after local explorers, and there is information about each one of them mounted on the walls.
Each room is decorated individually, but they all share a sophisticated white aesthetic and breathtaking views. Tasteful details such as antique lamps and plush armchairs adorn the property, while a large fountain and water feature provide a gentle welcome in the lobby.
An open staircase leads to the upstairs restaurant, which matches its Eastern cuisine with a delightful colour palette of black and red. As you overlook the Jamison Valley from the terrace at Echoes, you will be greeted by uninterrupted sunset views.
Hotel Etico at Mount Victoria Manor – a quirky-chic, unique and historic accommodation featuring one of the best restaurants in the Blue Mountains
Hotel Etico is nestled within the heritage-listed town of ‘Mount Victoria’, the highest and one of the most welcoming villages of the Blue Mountains.
The hotel was first built in 1876, and many of the vintage decorations and original finishings remain to this day, however with a touch of modern comfort. Here, you can enjoy natural attractions right on your doorstep, and the atmosphere is geared towards inspiring a vigour for the great outdoors.
A trip to Hotel Etico is incomplete without visiting its exquisite restaurant, Niccolo’s, which provides a mouth-watering experience in a glamorous setting. The hotel also offers a bar, where you can unwind and sample local draught beer or share a bottle of local, award-winning wine.
The Nunnery at Brightlands – a bright, charming and 5-star hotel featuring a spa and wellness centre
Ready to surround you with the crisp mountain air and the sounds of the birdlife, The Nunneryoffers a unique type of retreat, where wellness sessions are etched into the core of your holiday.
The hotel’s charming Alpine character extends into the guestrooms, which offer views across the property’s manicured grounds. After a day of hiking adventures, you can enjoy a blissful therapeutic massage or a restorative Reiki session in the on-site spa, or nourish your soul with nutritious, sustainably sourced meals.
Owing to The Nunnery’s supreme location, you can enjoy a world-famous Blue Mountains bushwalk and the quaint elegance of the Leura Village with ease.
Kubba Roonga Guesthouse – Luxury Spa Retreat – a beautiful, petite and traditional accommodation providing guests with a home-away-from-home stay
Set amongst graceful English gardens with a pioneering focus on health and wellness, Kubba Roonga has generated happy memories for over three generations of guests since its opening in 1932.
Its name means ‘Peaceful Place’ in the language of the local Aboriginals, and it is the perfect space to experience the nostalgia of yesteryear. Traditional ‘Old World’ Guesthouse charm is an ever-present feature here, evoked through gorgeous, polished wood floors, antique furniture, and original artistry.
The hotel offers two lounge areas where you can hangout by the fire, as well as a separate dining room which hosts a Country Style cooked-to-order breakfast each morning.
Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges – an upscale, elegant and Hamptons-style retreat surrounded by 28 acres of beautifully groomed gardens
This spotless boutique property is set within lush, manicured gardens of dramatic pine trees, and offers the ideal base from which to explore the Blue Mountains area.
A daffodil-dotted lake and many Japanese maple trees surround the property, and the interior décor reflects the Hamptons style of white wood panelling, high-backed armchairs upholstered in soft tones, and lounge spaces around an open fire. An inspired collection of local artwork adorns the walls, all of which depict a gratitude to mother nature.
Unrivalled views of the property’s grounds beam through the glass doors and windows which surround the lounge and dining rooms. The 20 suites feature gas fireplaces and large TVs, while the garden suites offer separate living spaces.
The Willows at Kurrajong – an elegant, beautiful boutique B&B within walking distance of local cafes, restaurants and antique shops
The Willows invites you to experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lower Blue Mountains, from a bucolic area graced by lush, green vegetation.
Here, you can awaken to the harmonic cacophony of swaying trees and tweeting birds, while the fresh countryside air sets the tone for a blissful retreat.
The hotel offers 3 room types: The Loft offers a modern balcony where you can enjoy the perfect setting for an evening drink, while The Sunningdale Suite is perfect for a romantic couple’s countryside getaway.
For a longer stay, you can choose The Willow Cottage, which is a free-standing building designed for families, and is equipped with a large-screen TV and a spacious veranda.
10. Ghost Hill Road Retreat – a rustic, cozy and quiet B&B offering guests a delicious breakfast each morning
Ghost Hill Road Retreat is the perfect escape for busy people in need of some downtime in a beautiful, secluded bushland environment.
You can choose from the New Moon Cottage, which offers a large sunny deck and an open log fire, or the Crescent Moon Cottage which offers all the mod cons of a five-star luxury resort.
You can indulge in relaxation at the Libellula Relaxation & Health Club located in the property’s main house. ‘Libellula’ is Italian for dragonfly, a creature that grows in the water before moving into the air to fly, symbolizing metamorphosis and transformation.
This personifies the hotel’s wellness area, which sets out to bring the changes people need in their lives to reach their full potential and ‘fly’.
11. Valley of the Waters B&B – a country-style, cozy and tranquil accommodation located at the entrance of the rainforest and waterfall hiking trails
Designed to bring guests’ privacy to a new level, this stunning B&Bboasts three guestrooms which experience some of the most panoramic views of the deep valley and the Jamison Valley sandstone cliffs.
Each room offers its distinctive characteristics, but all feature beautiful timber furnishings, 2-person spa baths, and private decks. The lounge area boasts an open log fire and board games, and invites you to revel in tranquillity, with original artworks adding a graceful flair.
The B&B is situated on the escarpment adjoining the Blue Mountains National Park, offering the ultimate gateway to exploring this World Heritage Listed region.
Springmead B&B – a serene, secluded and quiet accommodation ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay
Set amid bucolic landscapes, with green vegetation framed through every window, Springmead B&B invites you to wake to the sounds of nature and relish the crisp mountain air.
The property is peacefully nestled in a secluded setting about 7km from Sodwalls, however offers free parking for guests who want to explore the area by car.
The interior merges traditional furnishings with a sustainable outlook to provide a tranquil experience. Though Springmead is located off-the-beaten-path, each room comes with high-velocity Wi-Fi to keep you connected to the outside world, and a 24-hour front desk is always on hand to assist with planning excursions.
To book, check prices or availability for Springmead B&B
Kurrara Historic Guest House – a historic, romantic and charming B&B where guests can enjoy the luxuries of afternoon tea or on-site yoga classes
Here we have a fully restored Katoomba Bed and Breakfast, welcoming you to a Blue Mountains retreat in style. Providing first-rate accommodation for travellers since 1902, Kurrara has cultivated an air of romance, inviting couples to relax in total serenity.
The architects have maintained the home’s heritage, and the inside is filled with beautiful antiques and European textiles, befitting a grand Victorian guest house.
The new purpose-built yoga area is crafted with recycled timbers, a large bay window and door, and grand vaulted ceilings, offering a unique space to indulge in a first-rate wellness experience. The home features a luxurious guest lounge, as well as 8 gorgeous guest rooms which boast romantic four-poster beds.
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.
