It’s cold. What do you do for a romantic weekend getaway within driving distance of Sydney? My partner and I were lucky enough to be treated to a luxury weekend getaway at the Echoes Boutique Hotel in the Blue Mountains. It was the perfect excuse to christen his new car on it’s first road trip out of Sydney. Speeding down the freeway, the road opened up before us, winding it’s way up into the mountains until we found ourselves in Katoomba, the Blue Mountains, the home of the famous “Three Sisters” tourist attraction, and the luxury Echoes Boutique Hotel; the smaller sister of the Lilianfels Resort & Spa, and its direct neighbour.
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
After our arrival at the hotel, we were shown to our beautiful bedroom where we were greeted by champagne (Vueve – my favourite) and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival. A nice touch as part of our gift package from the (one day) in-laws!
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
The simple and well-decorated bedroom was trumped as soon as I drew the curtains to look out the window. What an epic view across the Blue Mountains range! The hotel grounds were perched on the top of a sheer cliff face, with nothing but mountainous wilderness to look at from the comfort of our bed. I couldn’t wait to wake up to this in the morning!
Photo Credit: Echoes Boutique Hotel (now Toria + Co)
After a morning of snuggling under our crisp white duvet (doona to you Aussies) to keep warm, and taking in the breath-taking views from our private lookout, we headed down to Reception to check-in for our Couples Massage. Our massage was in the Spa Treatment Room inside Echoes Boutique Hotel, a little haven off the main reception. If you’d prefer, you could walk across the car park to Lilianfels where they have a dedicated Spa and Pool, with complimentary access for guests of Echoes. Don’t forget to book your treatments in advance!
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
After a soothing massage, we braved a wander around Katoomba in the cold, biting wind and harsh rain, and stumbled across the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company. It was the perfect find for this cold and blustery day!
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
A tall mug with a candlelight inside it to keep it warm, chocolate buttons of your choice, and extra milk for good measure, we warmed our insides with a mixture of dark, milk and white hot chocolate. Perfection! There was so much temptation with all the chocolate-based treats on offer, a must visit for any winter-vacation in the Blue Mountains!
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
Heading back to the Hotel, and nothing beats getting dressed up for a romantic dinner! And the bar area of the restaurant at Echoes meant that no outfit felt like you were too overdressed for the occasion! Cocktails around the warm and trendy fire pit while we waited to be seated was the perfect appetiser to our decadent dinner, overlooking that surreal view of the Blue Mountains.
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
We chose a Red from the salivating wine list; seemed like the perfect compliment to the cold weather outside, and enjoyed a three course candlelight dinner in the conservatory. The view disappeared into the darkness and the busy small restaurant became all about the mood lighting and luxurious intimacy.
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
And what better way to start your Sunday than lying on a clean, crisp and ridiculously comfy bed, reading the Sunday paper and looking up to catch this view right in front of you. So surreal that the view through the window might as well have been on a flat screen plasma TV until you step outside on the balcony and feel that bitter wind tearing up through the valley and roughly scratching your face.
Photo Credit: Your Lifestyle Blog (now Toria + Co)
We couldn’t leave the Mountains without a visit – literally around the corner – to the ‘Three Sisters’ lookout point. There was a lot of tourists, and after 2 days of secluded luxury in our boutique hotel it hit us hard having to be reunited with the world and the masses, but those awe-inspiring views were well worth the visit.
After previous retreats to the Blue Mountains I had never really rated the place. But after this luxe little getaway, I can safely assure you that if you do it right – the Mountains can and will take your breath away…
To book your stay at Echoes Boutique Hotel visit www.echoeshotel.com.au
This is not a sponsored post.
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