Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa by John Borthwick

The Blue Mountains were already ancient when the Grand Canyon was just a wrinkle on Arizona's brow. Rather more recently, the Lilianfels mansion at Katoomba was built in the 1890s as the country residence of a former NSW Chief Justice at a time when Sydneysiders began to discover the delights of the Blue Mountains. Katoomba, some two hours drive west of Sydney, has roller-coaster streets that dip and climb past Edwardian folly hotels and Deco delight cafes. These old alpine icons, now tastefully restored, are drawing a new generation of the sort of romantic weekend wanderers who have been coming here from Sydney, and farther afield, for over a century.

Lillianfels Blue Mountains is an elegant country house whose views from Katoomba's famous Echo Point span the Jamison Valley. From here the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains landscape floats away past the famous Three Sisters in a recession of misty ridges. The 85-room Lillianfels has recently completed an extensive makeover of all rooms, plus its lounge and bar areas. There is now an expanded spa, with four treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor heated pools, gym, saunas and steam rooms. There are also reading and billiards rooms, tennis courts and mountain bikes. As well as accommodation, Lilianfels also houses the fine Darley's restaurant.