6 days ago
Review of Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains, Sydney
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A 90-minute drive from Sydney, this five-star, all-inclusive adults-only retreat on Bowen Mountain blends luxuriously serene spaces with an award-winning degustation menu, a wellness centre and breathtaking views across the Hawkesbury region.
Whether it's an overnight trip or a romantic weekend getaway, the relaxation starts the moment you hand your car keys to the valet and permeates every moment of your stay.
Spicers Sangoma is just a 90-minute drive from Sydney
The arrival
A giant iron gate slides open and I drive up an unsealed driveway that reveals the rugged beauty of the mountain landscape. This gradually morphs into a neatly manicured garden, with Gymea lilies, giant cycads, and towering palm trees adding a calm, Balinese vibe to the circular entrance. But this isn't your typical mung bean and meditation retreat.
The retreat is nestled within the Blue Mountains
Since Salter Brothers acquired Spicers Sangoma Retreat in 2023, there has been a renewed focus on offering a high-end boutique hotel experience with elevated dining and beverage packages. I'm visiting in winter and am greeted with a glass of perfectly chilled Taittinger Champagne as I take a seat in the safari-style lounge complete with animal-hide ottomans, tribal artwork, a chessboard and a very welcome wood fire. Through the windows I can just see the outline of Sydney's CBD on the horizon, but already I feel a world away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Think safari-style complete with animal-hide ottomans and tribal artwork
The room
Guests are accommodated in eight contemporary suites spread around the property. Each has a homely feel, with Fijian cedarwood-panelled walls, raw concrete blockwork, corrugated sheeting, and hydronic underfloor heating (a welcome touch on this chilly winter day).
I'm staying in the east-facing Lodge Suite. It has butter-soft leather couches, a remote-controlled fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with light and on my first morning look out to the most stunning burnt-orange sunrise I've ever seen.
A luxury bush suite at Spicers Sangoma
The mini fridge is stocked with cold-pressed juices, organic sencha green tea from Camellia's Tea House, coffee, and a selection of wines, including a full-bodied First Creek Hunter Valley shiraz. There's also a selection of snacks including Josophan's Fairtrade Milk Belgian chocolate.
Next door, the two-storey Chief Suite takes things up a notch with its heated mineral plunge pool and candlestick globe chandelier over the freestanding bathtub. Next time, maybe.
Bathroom in a luxury bush suite
The amenities
Complete disconnection is encouraged but if you fancy time in the great outdoors you'll find QR codes on your coffee table linking to maps of nearby walking trails. I plan to do the two-hour Vale of Avoca Loop but wake up feeling too relaxed to venture outside.
Private yoga and meditation classes are available on request, or you can mingle with fellow guests at the 15m infinity pool and sauna. Spa Anise by Spicers offers eight premium wellness treatments from 10am to 6pm each day.
Spa Anise by Spicers offers eight premium wellness treatments from 10am to 6pm each day
For more intrepid guests, Australian Luxury Escape partners with the retreat to provide full-day custom tours to Featherdale Wildlife Park, just under an hour's drive away, and guided walks through the 28ha Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
At 5.30pm every evening staff serve mulled wine with marshmallows and chocolate s'mores around the outside fire pit. Later I return here to attempt to tick off some constellations on the retreat's Winter Stargazing checklist, but find myself simply content to gaze in wonder at the clarity of the Milky Way in the clear mountain sky.
Tourists at principal entrance of Featherdale Wildlife Park
Food and drink
Head chef William Houia heads up the culinary team at Spicer's award-winning restaurant, Amara. Committed to regionally sourced, organic, and sustainable food, all ingredients come from within an hour of Bowen Mountain. Houia's passion for wood-fired cooking was honed during his time working with Lennox Hastie at Firedoor in Surry Hills, and even his eggplant entrée is garnished with a grilled oxalis leaf.
The a la carte breakfast, communal lunch, and exquisite five-course degustation dinner are the highlights of my stay, with special mention for the dish of sliced cucumber with finger lime pearls, lemon myrtle and edible pansy flowers sprinkles which was perfectly paired with a delicious drop of Marlborough Dog Point sauvignon blanc.
Amara is committed to regionally sourced, organic, and sustainable food
What's hot
The cuisine is the star at this serene retreat. Each meal is perfectly matched with delicious wines, and all are included in the base cost.
What's not
The infinity pool was too cold for a relaxing swim.
The infinity pool over looks the Blue Mountains
The verdict: 8/10
With sumptuous food, lavish interiors, and stunning forest views across Bowen Mountain, no detail is missed at Spicers Sangoma Retreat. A feel-good destination getaway worth putting on your radar.
Rates start at $2099 per night for two.
The writer was a guest of Spicers.
Originally published as Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains is the perfect escape from Sydney
