From family-friendly resorts to luxe digs, we have you covered.
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FOR FAMILIES
Fairmont Blue Mountains: Gaming arcades, billiard room, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts, and even an ice-skating rink. Is there any box this kid-friendly property in Leura doesn't tick? And that's before we even get to the acres of manicured lawns dotted with placid lakes (complete with resident ducks) where families can enjoy leisurely strolls under the sun. Accommodations start at 27-square-metre Standard rooms, but if you want a bit more space and sense of openness, book one of the Courtyard rooms that are only marginally more expensive but open on to those lush lawns with mountain views. There's a range of restaurants here, too, but for a family-friendly Italian feast, you can't go wrong at Azzurro Trattoria. From $259 per night for Standard Room, $309 for Courtyard Room; fairmontresort.com.au
FOR COUPLES
Lilianfels Resort & Spa: Housed in a building inspired by Victorian architecture, Lilianfels is a step back in time with high ceilings, intricate wall detailing and bedrooms dressed up with sumptuous bedding, lavish drapes and traditional wallpapers. The elegant decor continues in the main restaurant, Darley's, too, where diners enjoy garlic-laced pork belly and venison tartare with currants on velvet chairs under stunning chandeliers. But perhaps the biggest drawcard here is the location: just minutes from Echo Point, with the best views of the Three Sisters rock formation. Get there first thing in the morning before everyone else arrives, or soak up the views late in the evening, when everyone's gone. From $399 per night; lilianfels.com.au
FOR ADULTS ONLY
Spicers Sangoma: This is the Blue Mountains but not as you know it. There are no tourist buses, queues or screaming kids here; just five luxurious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing bush views; an onsite restaurant that can give Sydney's best fine-diners a run for their money; and an Insta-worthy pool perched on a cliff with blazing sunset views. Oh, and did we mention the spa where you can turn up the indulgence factor and simply switch off? From $1659 per night; spicersretreats.com
FOR OLD-WORLD CHARM
The Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains: The entry level rooms at art-deco-inspired Hydro Majestic can be tiny, but who wants to spend the day inside their room at this historical property that stretches for 1.1 kilometres along the edge of an escarpment with wide-angle views of Megalong Valley. Go for a wander around the resort located in Medlow Bath to absorb the timeless elegance of its design - inside and out. Then make a beeline for The Wintergarden, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea - just like they used to in the olden times - with a side of valley vistas. From $299 per night; hydromajestic.com.au
FOR BOUTIQUE
Chalets at Blackheath: Only four Australian establishments are members of the world-renowned Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, and Chalets at Blackheath is one of them. Check into one of the four chalets with open fireplaces, limestone ensuites and private decks with daybeds, and make the most of resort facilities - from in-room massages to private meditation and yoga sessions. From $1300 per night; chaletsblackheath.com.au
FOR A HOLIDAY HOME
Invisible house: Its name doesn't make sense; the Invisible House is very much visible. And thank god for that. Who wouldn't want to feast their eyes on this architectural beauty, which has won several honours, including Australian House of the Year in 2014? More importantly, who wouldn't want to feast their eyes on the views from almost every nook and corner in this six-bedroom house, with space for 15 guests? From $2065 per night; stayz.com.au
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