Feel like everyone else is going on lush holidays and you’re missing out? lastminute lovely Nihal has the solution.
Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains is only 90 minutes from Sydney, but feels like a world away. With crisp mountain air and five star facilities, Mr LML and I would not have left the resort’s warm embrace if it weren’t for the world heritage listed national park and all.
If you’ve already heard of Fairmont Resort, do yourself a favour and rediscover it because Accor are giving it a $10 million shake up, making it THE place to stay in the Blue Mountains.
THE ROOM – check out the view!
We stayed in a deluxe room. Three things stood out: the l generous space and high ceiling, the large window & balcony overlooking the vast valley, and the tranquiliser bed complete with sweet dreams.
We wasted no time in taking laziness to new heights as we watched dusk fall over the valley from our cosy bed.
FOOD – did someone say choccie fountain?
After working up an appetite from our nap, we head down to the resort’s restaurants. There are three to pick from: go a bit posh at Eucalypt, cosy up by the log fire in Embers Bar or dive into the buffet at Jamisons featuring our faves – fresh seafood, an irresistible cheese platter and a chocolate fountain to wash it all down.
Executive Chef Rebecca Kaye redesigned all the menus and the proof is in the pudding, literally. Rebecca shows off the region’s best local produce, sourcing everything within a 100 kilometre radius. Here’s a drool-worthy dish to get you salivating: salt bush lamb saddle, wild mushroom duxelle, baby peas, spec, thyme jus & salted caramel – hungry yet?
This deliciousness carried over to the buffet brekkie which featured fresh honey in honeycomb. That was the bee’s knees!
FACILITIES – don’t forget your cozzie!
There are two types of people in the world – those who like to work off a big meal and those that don’t. Fairmont Resort caters for both with a health and recreation centre featuring a large gym, heated indoor pool & spa (perfect for a dip even in winter), tennis, outdoor pools, gaming rooms and more.
You know it, working out ain’t my cup of tea – this is my cup of tea …
SPA – the cherry on top
I left Mr LML to explore his inner child in the gaming rooms, while I snuck off for a spa treatment at the heavenly onsite Spa Sublime. I opted for the ‘purr’ spa ritual and that’s exactly what I was doing post-pampering.
My therapist, Natalie introduced me to the spa’s exclusive range of Akorah products. I was then asked to pick a massage oil that matched by mood, one representing each of the four seasons. Just quietly I was in the mood to drink the delicious bottles.
With five years massaging experience at her fingertips, Natalie teased out every knot and transported me to a state of calm that was purrrrfect.
The facial that followed was just as divine. The price of having a professional fussing over your skin? Priceless!
LEURA Village – don’t miss it
Having visited the Blue Mountains many times, we asked the concierge for local tips on what else to see and do in the area. He recommended we check out the view at ‘Sublime Point’ and head to Leura Village for a bite to eat and a spot of shopping.
We took his advice and after a four minute drive and a two minute walk we were enjoying a spectacular view that lived up to its name. We enjoyed the famous three sisters from a completely different angle and apart from one other couple, we felt as though we had the mystical mountains all to ourselves.
With our lungs full of fresh air, we were ready to fill our tummies with some Leura goodness. We didn’t expect much besides a few quiet shops and cafe or two, but we were pleasantly surprised about how much there was to explore. The laidback village is dotted with boutique shops and specialty cafes (without the pretentious air) plus farmer’s markets, chocolatiers, and antique shops.
We sat down at a charming French Trader antique store and had a scone, or two, and maybe just a dollop of cream. It was so delightful to kick back into first gear and leave the busy giant franchise world back in the big smoke.
We zigzagged into nearly every store, browsing the eclectic goodies and chatting with locals. Mr LML even had a go at some fine art in Scott Marr’s art gallery – super friendly.
Overall I learnt a couple of things from this short but sweet trip. One doesn’t need to go far to feel refreshed as long as you pick the right place to stay. And best of all, a weekend away doesn’t require much preparation, but is perfect for keeping holiday envy at bay.