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PERFECTLY PAMPERED IN AUSTRALIABy Cherie GlaserFOR THE VISITOR PLANNING A TRIP TO SYDNEY, TWO VERY SPECIAL HOTELS OFFER THE ULTIMATE IN ACCOMMODATION – AND PPS (PERFECTLY PAMPERING SPAS)
No wonder then that the internationally famous Orient Express group, which runs some of the worlds finest luxury tourist trains (like the fabled Venice Simplon Orient Express from London to Venice), and legendary hotels like the Hotel Bora Bora in Tahiti, the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Copacabana Palace in Rio, The Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Lapa Palace in Lisbon, The Ritz in Madrid and many more of the world’s finest, should also have hotels in Sydney and in the Blue Mountains. Both of these feature spas that are right up there with the world’s very best. The Observatory Hotel, Sydney
We found this hotel to be perfection in both service and accommodation. The Galileo Restaurant serves a fusion of traditional French cuisine with cutting edge Japanese influences from its executive chef Chef Haru Inukai, and we could not fault the staff and their impeccable attention. The concierge even offered to return our rental car for us. The hotel has arguably the finest heated indoor pool in Sydney, but what we found particularly pampering was the spa. It is not to be missed! The ultimate sensual Five Star Indulgence for my face used diamonds and pearls, (yes I’m not kidding). Listed as a Cellular Resurfacing Facial, the La Prairie indulgence exfoliates and nourishes the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The diamonds are ground to a microscopic powder along with the fresh water pearls and with the addition of various oils and a light flowery essence, this one and a half hour treatment will leave your skin glowing, feeling and looking wonderful. Of course there are other “Art of Beauty” spa experiences to pamper and soothe even the most frazzled. You could try a caviar body treatment, which includes an energizing total body massage, or a three hour experience called “Swiss Bliss” which claims to have immediate results and produces a sensation of total relaxation and wellbeing. If you are short of time, in 45 minutes you can have Five Star Eyebrows like your favourite Hollywood star. The perfect colour contour and shape will be designed for you by one of the team of eyebrow specialists in this up-to-the-minute totally luxurious Day Spa. The Observatory Hotel, 89/113 Kent St,
Sydney NSW, 2000, Australia
There is so much to do in this area that we could have stayed for two weeks without doubling up. There are Sunday markets, art galleries, a giant screen cinema experience, mountain bike trials, National Parks talks and tours, abseiling, bush walking, canyoning, photo safaris, rock climbing, horse riding, a skyway scenic cable car, the world steepest incline cog railway, cave exploring and a whole series of wonderful botanic gardens open to the public. But some guests go to Lilianfels for the sort of rest and recreation that keeps them right on the 2 acre property. This is also understandable once you have seen the relaxing lounges, huge indoor pool, the resort’s two outstanding restaurants and the spacious ultra-comfortable rooms. As with the Observatory, the management here leaves nothing to chance. The staff were extremely friendly and always helpful with any request. The cuisine was also memorable and delicious, with a huge wine list of the best Australian vintages. But, being a spa-freak, I wanted to try the one here – and was not disappointed. My spa experience was about as good as it can get. On arriving, I was handed a spa menu that sounded like a recipe for delicious Thai food. But my Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow was in fact a complete body treatment, starting with a light body brushing and a drizzle of warm oil. Then came an application of lime-and-ginger enriched coarse sea salt which, after a gentle scrubbing was removed with yet more oil. Was I ready for the grill yet? No, I was led to the shower and asked to rinse everything off with some of the body wash supplied. My skin was feeling soft and fabulous. Back on the couch and I was quickly floating away to the gentle music in this luxury spa which is a highlight of the resort. All too soon, the charming operator applied a soothing exotic Island Flower body lotion, and my Thai experience came to an end. The spa at Lilanfels offers a number of unusual treatments including some inspired by the Australian Dream Time like the Kodo body massage which uses Aboriginal techniques to realign energy flow and enhance mind and body. This uses native aromatic body oils which rejuvenate, harmonize or detoxify. I also wanted to try a Miji Jina Foot Treatment with Desert Salt Exfoliation, but unfortunately that will have to wait for my next visit. Lilainfels Avenue, Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW, 2780, Australia++612 4780 1200 www.orient-express.com |
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Sydney,
Australia!!! The very name of this city conjures up a sense of excitement! With
its world famous harbour, fabulous Opera House, iconic Harbour Bridge and an
ambiance that combines the best of Europe, America and Asia, this metropolis of
four million people is a spectacular gateway to the island continent that is
Australia. This city has everything! Friendly locals, sensational restaurants,
great hotels, and a million things to see and do – whether you stay a week or a
month, you will never run out of serendipity. And the nearby surrounding areas
are equally fascinating. The Hawksbury River offers one of the finest inland
waterways, and motor cruisers are available for rent from several companies. The
beaches within a day trip of Sydney are legendary. But an area that is an
absolute “must” for any visitor is the “Blue Mountains”, a sensational natural
Australian forest area that is a highlight of any trip to Australia.
A
stone’s throw from the exciting Darling Harbour complex, the Harbour Bridge and
its adjacent tourist complex known as “The Rocks”, and within walking distance
of Sydney’s central business district is the Observatory Hotel, a jewel in the
best European tradition. This is an elegant boutique hotel used by the world’s
“Rich and Famous” like Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Jackman, Gwyneth
Paltrow, Sir Richard Branson, Kylie Minogue, Ainsley Harriott, Cate Blanchett,
R.E.M, Priscilla Presley, Michael Palin, Gabriel Byrne, Alan Border, Michael
Crawford, Val Kilmer, Olivia Newton John, Nigel Kennedy, Nicole Kidman, Sir
David Attenborough, Tom Jones and Sam Neil.
America’s
prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Magazine rated Lilianfels as the 8th Best Spa in
Australasia & the South Pacific - Conde Nast Readers Poll, Feb 2006 - and for
good reason. Lilianfels is one of these special places that makes you feel at
home the moment you arrive. And what a home it is!!! Overlooking the spectacular
gorges of the Blue Mountains – so called because the Eucalyptus oil from the
leaves of the local forests create an astonishing blue haze – this beautiful
hotel was once the holiday home of Sir Fredrick Matthew Darley, five times the
Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales. Here he entertained royalty, and the
most important people in politics, science and the arts who were living in, or
visiting, Australia. Now owned by the Orient Express Hotel group, Lilianfels
maintains their very high reputation for quality, style and service. Lilianfels
makes a wonderful base for hiking, exploring and discovering the amazing ecology
for which the Blue Mountains is famous. We were enthralled by our 4WD tour with
Tim Tranter from Tread Lightly Eco Tours. Tim is one of the most knowledgeable
naturists in Australia and clearly loves the area he described so perfectly.
Another memorable part of this tour was the picnic lunch packed by Lilianfels. A
royal picnic banquet would have been a better description.
