Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Hearts start to flutter the moment the car starts its climb up the Great Western Highway into the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales. That’s because everything becomes epic when the cliffs are this high and the valleys this verdant. For those seeking romantic getaways, the Blue Mountains is a bush paradise just outside Sydney that feels more remote than it is, with spectacular sights and experiences all around.
That includes bushwalks and stunning vantage points where you can capture the moment. There are also opportunities to switch off from the world outside, reconnect and embrace the cosiness of small-town bookstores and providores. The range of luxury accommodation in the area means you can also find outdoor firepits (fire bans permitting), fine linen on billowy beds, possibly a hot tub, and chilled Champagne upon arrival. Put simply, a romantic getaway in the Blue Mountains is perfect for lovestruck moments at any time of year.
So, here is our edit of the best places to stay for a romantic getaway in the Blue Mountains.
You might also like 10 New South Wales getaways just a short drive from Sydney
GT‘s top picks for Blue Mountains accommodation
- Best for nature lovers: Chalets at Blackheath
- Best for all-inclusive romance: Spicers Sangoma Retreat
- Best for dining: Kyah Hotel
- Best for rustic charm: The Cottage
Best romantic getaways in the Blue Mountains
01
Chalets at Blackheath
Blackheath
Best for: nature lovers
Sleeps: Two
Perched at the highest point of the UNESCO world heritage-listed national park lies Chalets at Blackheath. The small luxury hotel is home to four freestanding chalets – each with their own private sun deck, oversized limestone bathroom and fireplace. A true bush-lover’s paradise.
Reasons to stay:
- Luxury hotel with concierge service
- Free bikes for use during your stay
- Private chalets include fireplace, kitchenette, minibar, coffee machine, a flat-screen TV and private deck
- BBQ facilities
- Free private parking
02
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Bowen Mountain
Best for: all-inclusive romance
Sleeps: Two per suite
Surrounded by Bowen Mountain bushland with the rippling Nepean River Delta below, this prestigious all-inclusive mountain retreat is for luxury seekers. A short hours drive from Sydney’s CBD will have you overlooking escarpment views over the mountain creek to the west from one of eight luxurious private suites, each one primed for romance. For a bite to eat, enjoy the daily fresh harvest at restaurant Amara after a day at Spa Anise, the private Blue Mountains spa where you can enjoy massage therapy, restorative facials, and body exfoliation treatments by skilled therapists.
Reasons to stay:
- All-inclusive luxury eco-retreat
- Enjoy daily harvest at Restaurant Amara
- Spa treatments available
- Outdoor pool
03
Kyah Hotel
Blackheath
Best for: dining
Sleeps: Variety of offerings available
For those who love a touch of nostalgia with their romantic escapes, Kyah Hotel’s retro offering, a former motel featuring art deco-inspired interiors with a luxury twist, stands out as the intimate destination of the season. The 46-room, family-owned hotel offers a stylish, Palm Springs-inspired retreat, complemented by the divine restaurant Blaq, a recently reopened space with a variety of international influences that sets the tone for a luxury-meets-retro escape.
Reasons to stay:
- Complimentary tennis court, outdoor hot tub, sauna and more amenities
- On-site restaurant and bar Blaq
- A variety of room offerings available
04
Wildacres at Blackheath
Blackheath
Best for: secluded adventure
Sleeps: Six
We don’t want to ruin all the surprises, but this eco haven really raises stakes for luxury and romance. On arrival, the concrete floors are already warm and local treats from Whisk & Pin are laid out. The hot tub is already steaming and indoor and outdoors fireplaces are ready to light in colder seasons.
With its own network of bushwalks on the 40 acres of private property, the sense of awe is built in. Our tip is to set off for golden hour to watch the sunset at the wine barrels overlooking the Kanimbla Cliffs. This is the kind of lookout tourists would take coaches to, if they could. Back at the Wildacres accommodation, they’ve taken the tin-shed vernacular and made it luxe with two dreamy bedrooms, Sonos sound system and open kitchen, outdoor pizza oven and bush-chic styling. It’s also large enough to accommodate groups for a weekend away with friends or family, if that’s more your speed. Hole up here for simplicity that doesn’t compromise on swankiness.
Reasons to stay:
- Private bushwalks and scenic clifftop views
- Private outdoor hot tub
- Undercover outdoor BBQ and pizza oven
- Architecturally designed space with two indoor fireplaces
05
Woodland Cabin
Kanimbla
Best for: an intimate nature retreat
Sleeps: Two
This secluded woodland cabin that offers a return to nature in its design and green surroundings. Take a dip in the mineral waters of the private plunge pool, peruse the paper in the treetop hammock or even have an in-house spa treatment, all before warming up next to each other by the fire.
Reasons to stay:
- Private plunge pool
- Indoor bath tub and fireplace
- Welcome hamper
- Optional spa treatments
- Nearby wildlife, including wallabies and kangaroos
06
The Enchanted Cave
Bilpin
Best for: a unique escape
Sleeps: Two
Like something from another realm, the Enchanted Cave imbues the spirit of its name. Built atop a natural rock platform on a cliff, this getaway boasts unrivalled views and positioning. With a spa, fireplace and no Wi-Fi, this is an otherworldly, romantic getaway for lovebirds.
Reasons to stay:
- The only cave for a couple available in the Blue Mountains overlooking a World Heritage Area National Park
- Indoor spa/hot tub
- Indoor fire
- One of the most loved places on Airbnb according to guests
07
The Cottage
Leura
Best for: rustic charm
Sleeps: Two
Overlooking orchards, bushlands and gardens, The Cottage is a bright studio renovated with recycled materials on acreage between Leura and Katoomba. Barbecue your dinner for two outside by the fire before retreating to the claw foot bath inside for some R&R.
Reasons to stay:
- Garden, orchard trees and bushland views
- Claw foot tub with bath salts and local, organic soap provided
- Indoor fire
- Rustic charm
08
MontPierre Mountain Cottage
Kurrajong Heights
Best for: nature and comfort
Sleeps: Two
This secluded woodland cabin that offers a return to nature in its design and green surroundings. Take a dip in the mineral waters of the private plunge pool, peruse the paper in the treetop hammock or even have an in-house spa treatment, all before warming up next to each other by the fire.
Reasons to stay:
- Vintage outdoor bathtub
- Wood fire pizza oven
- Italian espresso machine
- Indoor fireplace
09
Parklands country gardens and lodges
Blackheath
Best for: classic luxury
Sleeps: Two to four
Settle into this luxurious boutique retreat, a 28-room property spread across seven garden cottages in the charming town of Blackheath. Wander the lush gardens that capture the estate’s serene atmosphere, or indulge in one of the spa treatments at the Parklands Day Spa before enjoying a meal at local favourites, including The Hydro Majestic or Miss Lilian.
Reasons to stay:
- Room, suite or lakeside canopy accommodation options available
- Spa and wellness amenities available
With stunning natural beauty and plenty of charming towns to visit, the Blue Mountains is one of those places you can visit at any time of year.
For outdoor activities, spring, early summer and autumn usually have temperate, dry weather that’s ideal for bushwalking or star-gazing outdoors at night. Winter, on the other hand, is perfect for snuggling up in front of a fire with that special someone. Summer can also be cooler than the cities and other popular destinations, with temperatures averaging between 22°C and 30°C.
For a romantic retreat to the Blue Mountains, you’ll want two or three nights to enjoy the regions enigmatic and tranquil atmosphere. This allows enough hours to unwind, while also enjoying what the Blue Mountains has to offer. From scenic bush walks to charming villages such as Leura or Katoomba, and frosty evenings curled up by the fireplace, it’s important to take the time to indulge and enjoy your romantic escape away from the buzz of the city. Extending your stay to four or five days will give you ample space to discover hidden lookouts, indulge in longer spa treatments, and sample more gourmet dining options. Remember to balance adventure and restful indulgence for the perfect escape.
Blue Mountains is absolutely worth the short drive, especially if you’re coming from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s city. The Blue Mountains is a captivating region that offers breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local culture, making it a tempting destination even for a day trip. However, while it is entirely possible to experience highlights such as the iconic Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and charming towns like Leura or Katoomba within a single day, a short visit only provides a glimpse of its true magic. It’s always worth booking in a night or two at an Airbnb or holiday rental to truly explore the Blue Mountains romantic allure.
