The most unique stays in the Blue Mountains

Escape to your own private treehouse  

Perched high up in the forest canopy, the Love Cabins’ Secret Treehouse looks like something out of a fairytale. Light pours in the huge wraparound windows, which look out over the lush Bowen’s Creek Gorge, and the natural wood that twists across the ceiling will make you feel as though you’re truly immersed in nature. With a cosy wood fire, sunken spa bath and outdoor hot tub, you’ll never want to leave. 

Love Cabins, Blue Mountains

Sleep beneath the stars  

In the spectacular Capertee Valley, three futuristic transparent domes are dotted across the lush landscape of a 1,000-acre working farm. These are the Bubbletents (named Leo, Virgo and Cancer), a unique concept that combines sleeping in the great outdoors with all the creature comforts. These large inflatable bubbles house a plush bed, perfect for birdwatching or stargazing, with an ensuite inside a separate, non-transparent section. Outside, soak in the bathtub, swing in the hammock and roast marshmallows over the open fire. 

Bubbletent Australia, Capertee Valley

Stay at a hotel that does good  

Book a holiday that’s good for you and good for the community at Hotel Etico in Mount Victoria, Australia’s first social enterprise hotel. It provides a live-in training and work program for people with disabilities, empowering them to become more independent and find employment. With 15 rooms set across an elegant mansion built in 1876, it’s a classic Blue Mountains getaway that gives back. 

Hotel Etico, Mount Victoria

Soak in a bushland bathtub  

For the ultimate in relaxation, it’s hard to go past this bathtub in the bush that you’ll find at Logan Brae Retreats. Immerse yourself in the bubbles as you’re completely immersed in nature. The tub is part of The Machinery Shed, one of four retreats across two properties, that’s flanked by 100-year-old apple trees and the Kanimbla escarpment. This one-bedroom cottage is perfect for a romantic escape for two, complete with twinkling fairy lights, roaring wood fire and breathtaking views. 

Hotel Etico, Mount Victoria - Credit: Hotel Etico

Retreat to a grand country manor  

Built in 1888, Norwood Arthouse in Blackheath has long been a Blue Mountains landmark. This heritage-listed home has now been restored to its former glory, with seven ensuite bedrooms, original fireplaces, private gardens and sunny window seats that invite you to curl up with a good book. There are also modern touches, like a slick commercial kitchen and cedarwood infrared sauna, that make for the perfect blend of tradition and indulgence. 

Norwood Arthouse, Blackheath - Credit: Wise Finance Group

Enjoy an adults’ only getaway  

Tailor-made for two, Eagleview Escape’s romantic cabins sit high above Lake Lyell, just outside of Lithgow. As the name suggests, the views are jaw-dropping, taking in pristine bushland and gentle water vistas. Make the most of an adults’ only break and cosy up by the wood fire, relax in the spa bath or play a match on the tennis court. 

Eagle View Escape, Rydal

Be charmed by a retro motel reborn  

There are no traces of the daggy 1970s motel to be found anymore at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath. After a top to toe renovation, it’s been reborn as a glamorous, Palm Springs-inspired boutique hotel with plenty of pastel tones, potted cacti and gentle curves. There are 46 rooms across three wings (named for each of the Three Sisters), gorgeous gardens, outdoor hot tub, sauna, fire pit, tennis court and the excellent Blaq restaurant. 

Kyah Hotel, Blackheath - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Check in to an Australian icon  

A true legend of the mountains, the Hydro Majestic was Australia’s pioneering health retreat when it opened in 1904. Modelled after the hydropathic spa hotels of Europe, it stretches for over a kilomentre on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Megalong Valley in Medlow Bath. The art deco-inspired rooms evoke the glamour of the hotel’s heyday, when celebrities, artists and politicians from around the world came to stay. Don’t miss afternoon tea in The Wintergarden. 

The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath

Indulge in an ultra-luxury escape  

‘Sangoma’ is the Zulu word for ‘healer’ and with just eight ultra-luxe suites dotted across a lush mountainside overlooking the Nepean River, you’ll soon feel rejuvenated at Spicers Sangoma Retreat. This is Australian bush luxury with an African soul, from the tribal artwork and animal hide furniture to the spa housed in a stylish safari tent. The nourishing continues at Amara restaurant, where everything on the menu is organic, sustainable and sourced within a one-hour radius. 

Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain

Go glamping off-grid  

Get away from it all without sacrificing the important things – like a king sized four-poster bed, two-person bathtub and a Nespresso machine – at Turon Gates Mountain Retreat. Set on a 6,000-acre riverfront oasis in the Capertee Valley, it’s a place for relaxing in the tranquillity of nature without a phone or laptop in sight. If you’re feeling active, there’s horse riding, swimming, trout fishing, kayaking, mountain bike riding and even gold panning.  

Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, Lithgow - Credit: Turon Gates