You don’t have to go looking very far to figure out what is there to do at the Fairmont Resort – it’s all right there in front of you, wrapped up high above the Jamison Valley in the lovely town of Leura. From morning cups of coffee with mist still clinging to the gum trees, to evening cocktails by a roaring fire, this place isn’t just another run-of-the-mill hotel – it’s a lot more than just a place to put your head.
Exploring the Retreat
The Fairmont Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains is perched right on the edge of World Heritage-listed escarpment, which means you get those incredible valley views from your window without even having to leave your room. The resort itself sprawls over nine hectares of beautifully landscaped bushland, so you can easily lose a day wandering around – and not even notice that the world outside has gone on without you.
And the best bit is, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a wombat ambling around the grounds at dusk – that’s how deep into Blue Mountains country you are.
Outdoor Activities and Adventure Access
If you’re a hiker at heart, you’re in luck – the resort’s right next to Blue Mountains National Park, which gives you instant access to all sorts of scenic trails and nature escapes. Plus, it’s part of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area, so you know you’re one of the few who get to experience it.
From the front steps, you can walk the Sublime Pt Track – it’s a gentle 1.6-kilometre route that ends with the most stunning views you’ve ever seen of the Kedumba Valley and Three Sisters. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can tackle the Leura Cascades Circuit, which takes you to the Grand Cliff Top Walk and eventually links up to Scenic World in Katoomba.
Some other local faves include:
- Gordon Falls Reserve – it’s a great spot for a picnic and a quick glance at the views
- Leura Golf Club – perfect for an early morning game of golf before you head out to lunch
- Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Mount Tomah – about 40 40-minute drive north for some of the rarest alpine flora in the country
- Jenolan Caves – it’s only an 80-minute drive to see Australia’s oldest open cave system.
If you’d rather have someone else take the reins and show you the ropes, local operators like Blue Mountains Tour run guided day trips through all of these highlights – that way you can sit back, relax and let someone else deal with the navigation.
Relaxing at Ubika Day Spa
After all that hiking or zip-lining, the Ubika Day Spa is just the ticket – it’s where you can trade in the mud and mozzie spray for some proper relaxation. It’s a spa within the Ubika Day Spa & Wellness Centre, and it’s consistently up at the top of the ratings as one of the best day spas in the Blue Mountains.
From deep-tissue massages to mineral facials, all of the treatments use the best native botanicals and local products to work their magic on you. There’s even a couples suite for those who’ve earned the right to some proper couple time.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular treatments:
| Treatment | Duration | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Mountain Escape | 90 min | $220 |
| Blue Mountains Bliss Massage | 60 min | $160 |
| Native Clay Body Wrap | 75 min | $180 |
| Express Facial | 30 min | $95 |
When I last visited, I emerged from a Fairmont Spa treatment room half asleep, half euphoric — the kind of calm that only the mountains and a skilled masseuse can deliver.
Dining With a View (and a Crackin’ Good Local Drop)
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has certainly raised the bar – in this case, literally – when it comes to dining with a view. Kick off your day at Jamison’s Restaurant, where the buffet breakfasts are a feast for the eyes as well as the belly – and the views of the Jamison Valley will leave you feeling like you’re floating on air.
By night, the Embers Grill takes over, serving up top-notch local steaks, trout and all the regional produce from NSW farmers that you could possibly want – and it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a nice fire crackling in the background.
You’ll also find:
- Sublime Lounge – it’s a great spot for a high tea or a late-afternoon coffee while the fog drifts in over the valley
- Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern – dark timber, leather and top-shelf whiskies all round – the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf
- Live Music Fridays – another good reason to linger over your local drop and enjoy some tunes
The resort’s cellar is stocked up with a great selection of wines from the Hunter Valley and Orange, while the menu gives a nod to the global roots of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – you might find a little bit of Canadian maple in the desserts, or an Australian lamb on the grill.
Family Fun and Little Adventurers
And if you’re travelling with kids, then you’re in luck because the Fairmont Adventure Park and KidZone Arcade are designed to wear out even the most energetic little ones.
Some of the highlights include:
- Wattman Mini Express Train – it’s a fun little ride that’ll keep the kids entertained as they zip around the grounds
- SplashZone Water Play – the perfect way to keep the kids cool in the summer
- Adventure Tower and SkyHigh Zip Lines – for when the kids are feeling really adventurous
- An ice-skating rink, open all year round – it’s a bit of a weird one, but it’s a lot of fun
- Cinema sessions, pony rides and all sorts of themed school-holiday activities to keep the little ones entertained
When I last stayed, I met a couple who’d driven all the way from Sydney just so their twins could have a day off from screens and get out in the fresh air – and they swore it was just what they needed.
Walking Trails and Nature Access
The best part about staying here? You don’t need to leave the property to find some amazing nature. There are trails that weave straight from the resort grounds into the Blue Mountains National Park, and they’ll take you to all sorts of lookouts, waterfalls and fern gullies.
Some of the best nearby trails to try are:
- Sublime Pt Track (easy, 1.6 km return) – it’s got stunning views of the valley
- Lyrebird Dell Track (moderate, 2.4 km) – it’ll take you to the Pool of Siloam, which is definitely worth a look
- Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Circuit (moderate, 4.5 km) – it’s classic mountain scenery and not to be missed
Every single walk is a bit of a slice of the World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains National Park, where over 400 animal species and 1,000 plant species call home (source: NSW National Parks). Keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds, rosellas and the odd goanna sunning itself on a rock.
Local Attractions Worth The Effort To Get To
Once you’ve had your fill of the resort, start venturing out and see some of the hidden gems that are nearby:
- Scenic World – it’s a must ride the Scenic Cableway or Scenic Railway through Dinosaur Valley – just don’t forget to get your Dinosaur Passport to commemorate the experience
- Everglades House & Gardens is a real treat – a heritage garden in Leura that’s run by the National Trust
- Leura Mall is a shopper’s paradise, and don’t even get us started on Lara’s of Leura cafe – a Leura institution
- Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has got to be one of the funniest ways to spend an evening – live comedy nights are hosted on site all year round
Whatever you’re after – family fun, fine dining or just some time in nature – being located near the Fairmont Resort makes it all pretty easy.
FAQ
Does the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains have a golf course?
Simples – yes it does – as a matter of fact, the Leura Golf Club is right next door and they’ve got casual rounds and tournaments like Four Ball Ambrose on offer
Is the ice-skating rink open all year round?
You bet it is – our indoor ice-skating rink is open in all seasons – to be honest, it’s one of the coolest things about this Blue Mountains resort
What dining options are on site?
We’ve got loads – Jamison’s Restaurant (which serves a mean buffet), Embers Grill, Sublime Lounge and the Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern – all serving up local grub and showcasing the best of what’s on offer in the Blue Mountains
Is the resort close to all the major Blue Mountains attractions?
You can bet your boots it is – Scenic World, Three Sisters, Everglades Gardens and Jenolan Caves are all just a short drive away
Can non-guests come in and use the Ubika Day Spa or restaurants?
Actually, they can — non-guests are welcome to book a massage at Ubika Spa, enjoy a meal at Embers Grill, or drop by the Whiskey Tavern for a drink, as long as they reserve in advance.
