Parklands – A Perfect Place to Play and Stay

Looking to escape to the Blue Mountains for a weekend, mid-week break or longer?  Then let us suggest that you look no further than Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges – a visit here is like returning to the home of a very good, allbeit very wealthly old friend.  This luxury accommodation is located within a spectacular 28-acre heritage listed property and, the resort itself provides the perfect base from which to explore the region.  That is of course if you can bare to leave.

Reminiscent of a grand European estate, the resort is set in an inspirational location and has many wonderful walks right on its doorstep –  the magnificent 'Govett’s Leap Lookout' is at the end of the road, and the resort is also only a few minutes walk from the quaint mountain village of Blackheath.

The main guesthouse and the cottages have an elegant New Hamptons feel – think light-filled rooms, creams, whites, beige, Elk-horn chandeliers and contemporary striped wing-backed lounges – just perfect to relax in.

Served in the main house – that also sports the spa, guest lounge, bar and courtyard – you will find the breakfast dining room.  It is here that you will  thoroughly enjoy starting each day with a sumptuous breakfast.  Everything you could possibly want to eat seems to be laid out in front of you.  Everything from cereals to pastries, fresh fruit and juicies to specialty items cooked to order.  Local produce features heavily on the menu with local smoked fish, sausages, bacon, cheeses, jams and breads all available.   It doesn't stop there either.  You can order a choice of quality coffee and teas and a delightful selection of hot dishes all cooked to order.   You will not want to leave which is fine, as the breakfast room lends itself to a long, relaxing mini degustation style start to the day.  With complimentary papers, magaines and Wi-Fi you can linger – you might even be tempted to catch up on the daily news or those pesky emails.

Later in the day, the lounge area provides the perfect place to sit and unwind with a drink while you enjoy reading that book you’ve been putting off for lack of time. 

There is no pressure at Parklands to do anything really.  Relaxation is the key.  They even have four gorgeous spa rooms in their onsite day spa.  Catering for individuals and couples it is stocked with the  Kerstin Florian range of treatment products.  Here you will enliven your senses with soothing, restorative body and beauty treatments all provided to enhance your natural state of balance.  While there I enjoyed a luxurious and decandent 90 minute 'Caviar' facial which is said to boost collagen, smooth fine lines and improve the skins texture.  After cleansing, a peel, followed by a wonderful acupressure massage and specialised mask packed with collagen, antioxidants and nutrients, left my skin supple, healthy looking and lifted – it even had a lovely glow.  An additonal 'Eye Remedy' 30 minute treatment was added which is said to help with fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.  All in all AMAZING!

Seven, two storey garden cottages sit among beautifully manicured grounds overlooking lush gardens lined with old pines, cypresses and Japanese maples – many that have been planted more than 100 years ago.  Each cottage has two loft suites and two garden suites with '5 star everything'. Individual suites are air conditioned, have a woodfire – with touch button control –  super-comfortable kingsize beds (can be turned into twin beds if necessary), ensuites with underfloor heating and warmed towels, CD players, complimentary drinks in the bar fridge and fabulous garden views.  The resorts  private lake with jetty is well worth a stroll to as on the way you can discover the resorts gorgeous gardens. 

The secluded retreat is part of the Escarpment Group, which also owns Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa with Darley’s Restaurant, Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant at Katoomba and the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath.

To book call 6 1 2 4787 7211 or visit the website for more

Goddess View: It is one of the outstanding properties in the Mountains where beauty, luxury and privacy combine to guarantee an exceedingly comfortable and memorable stay.  Breakfasts are delicious and the spa is sublime.

Goddess Tip:  For a full guide on the best things to do, see and experience in the Blue Mountains see our full colour, free magazine

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