Lilianfels Blue Mountains is reborn as Ardour after a multimillion-dollar makeover

Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains is the second heritage estate in the Salter Brothers Hospitality collection – and a Luchetti Krelle redesign that touches every corner of the Victorian landmark

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has been officially unveiled as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, becoming the second heritage property in Salter Brothers Hospitality’s Ardour Hotels & Estates collection following Ardour Milton Park Bowral.

The heritage-listed estate in Katoomba – originally built in 1889 as the grand summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley – is known for its late Victorian-early Federation architecture, English gardens and position overlooking the Jamison Valley. The multimillion-dollar refurbishment was led by Sydney design firm Luchetti Krelle, which drew inspiration from English garden estates to refresh the property’s character while preserving its heritage fabric.

Changes span all 89 guest rooms and suites, refreshed in three distinct colour palettes with unified detailing: custom bedheads, bespoke textiles, unique patterns, statement furniture and marble-topped joinery. Reception and common areas have also been redesigned, with a new wine wall and intimate dining experience added. The work places Ardour Lilianfels among Australia’s most design-considered new hotel openings.

The most significant addition is The Lounge – a new bar and dining space at the heart of the hotel. Overseen by newly appointed Executive Chef Kam McManamey, the menu moves between elevated bar bites – including QLD Spanner Crab Brioche, Four-Cheese & Truffle Sliders and Steak Frites – and a three-course à la carte dinner service through to late-night drinks. Experiential elements include a Caviar Service, a roving Cheese Experience featuring seasonal local cheeses, and a reworked High Tea with gold-leaf touches and caviar-topped dishes.

“The Lounge has been created to become the heartbeat of the hotel,” said Executive Chef Kam McManamey. “It’s an entirely new atmosphere designed to flow between pre-dinner cocktails, a three-course sit-down meal, or a late-night whiskey.”

The property’s two established dining venues remain unchanged. Darley’s Restaurant continues as the Blue Mountains’ signature fine dining address, with Miss Lilian as its casual Southeast Asian counterpart. Both sit within one of New South Wales’ most enduring luxury destinations.

The existing spa is set to relaunch under the Éliva luxury day spa brand – following launches at Ardour Milton Park Bowral and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach – with a date yet to be announced.

“Lilianfels embodies the very essence of Australian mountain luxury,” said Salter Brothers Hospitality CEO Tash Tobias. “Our vision was guided by a profound responsibility to honour Lilianfels’ history and preserve its original character, whilst introducing world-class luxury hospitality.”

The Blue Mountains will get another luxury revival later this year, when the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge opens in Wolgan Valley.

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