There’s salubriousness in a mountain escape; healthful but also entirely indulgent. It’s in the air, they say – the way it becomes crisper with altitude; how it swoops through tree branches to become visible and audible telling the amygdala to chill. For the GT hive, the elevated bush gains even more power when paired with a top Australian red or something French and sparkling.
This is the prospect that brings us to Spicers Sangoma Retreat. Surrounded by Bowen Mountain bushland with the rippling Nepean River Delta below, the prestigious all-inclusive mountain retreat makes its agenda clear from the start. This is by dipping into the premium Cellar Masters collection to present a bottle of Louis Roederer Collection 244 or 2021 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz blend on arrival (exclusively for GT readers).
Settle in on the main lounge’s deck to watch the sun sink below the tree line or head to your suite to enjoy a glass amongst soothing tones and textures with natural splendour all around.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat is just 60 minutes from Sydney’s CBD and set at the majestic doorstep to the Blue Mountains, with distant city lights flickering on the eastern side, and escarpment views over the mountain creek to the west. There are eight luxurious private suites to haul up in, each one primed for romance and reconnection with fireplaces, deep baths and views for days.
Weekends here unfurl slowly. Perhaps with a gourmet trip into Katoomba or Kurrajong, followed by a couple’s massage in the spa tent and an afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool. Dining takes place at the top-rated Amara Restaurant, where seasonal Hawkesbury region produce is sourced from within a one-hour drive radius and personalised degustation dinners put taste and technique on show.
Sangoma is one of four lodges in NSW under the Spicers Retreats banners, joined by Spicers Potts Point in Sydney and Spicers Guest House and Spicers Vineyard Retreat, both in the Hunter Valley. Further north in Queensland, five Spicers properties offer up the hinterland (around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast) in style. A case in point is Spicers Peak Lodge, swathed by World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park and the Great Dividing Range, 90 minutes from Brisbane.
Haul up in one of ten suites, 1100 metres above sea level. Or even better, one of the two standalone lodges, with their separate lounge rooms, outdoor spas, and private verandas. The mood at this wilderness lodge is intimately Australian as high-calibre hospitality and quality interiors lean into the natural environment at every opportunity. Amenities include a Spa Anise Day Spa, pool table, tennis court and the excellent, The Peak restaurant, serving native flavours and produce. Or explore the surrounds by mountain bike, 4WD or even helicopter then relaxed by the fire. Surely there’s no better place to savour a bottle of something special as the wilderness works its soothing magic.
Reasons to book: Spicers Sangoma Retreat
- Eco-certified retreat with each suite opening onto bushland.
- All-inclusive luxury including meals, beverages (cellar master wines and premium cocktails available at an extra cost) and full mini bar (replenished daily).
- Restaurant Amara’s daily fresh harvest experience.
Reasons to book: Spicers Peak Lodge
- Souring views of World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park and the Great Dividing Range.
- All-inclusive luxury including meals, beverages (cellar master wines and premium cocktails available at an extra cost) and full mini bar (replenished daily).
- The Peak Restaurant’s diligently sourced local produce.
Reader exclusive: Book your seasonal escape with Spicers Retreats before 8 September using the promo code “Gourmet” and receive a complimentary bottle of Louis Roederer Collection 244 or 2021 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz blend on arrival.
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