Lilianfels Blue Mountains

Ninety minutes’ drive from Sydney is Lilianfels Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most unique lodgings. Equal parts charming country house and elegantly modern boutique hotel, Lilianfels begins with a spectacular location, at a cliff’s edge overlooking the Jamison Valley, and alongside the towering peaks of the Three Sisters.

This place offers up the best of all possible worlds — not only does it combine awe-inspiring vistas with relative convenience, but it also offers a world-class spa retreat experience along with the intimate hospitality of a good friend’s vacation home. The hotel feels cozier than its 85 rooms would indicate, while the facilities, especially the spa and fitness center, would suffice for a resort twice this size. If you require an extra measure of private luxury, the property includes a separate cottage with its own Jacuzzi and gardens — but most of us will be happy to settle for the spacious guest rooms in the Country House, decorated in a clean and classic style, most with overflowing king beds and many with almost shocking views.

The health club and spa are major draws, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools as well as a fitness center, sauna and steam room. The less athletic may prefer the billiards room, or the library and reading rooms — and most of the public spaces view the Jamison Valley through picture windows. And what country retreat would be complete without an elegant and cosmopolitan restaurant, or, in this case, two; Darley’s, the fine dining option, and The Grill, a steakhouse-style restaurant.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

How to get there: Lilianfels Blue Mountains is approximately a 1½-hour drive from Sydney Airport and Sydney's city center. It’s a 2-hour train ride from the Sydney Central Rail Station followed by a 5-minute car ride to the hotel.