Image via agoda.com
Ahh the Blue Mountains! Winter visits conjure up images of toasty fires, fluffy jackets and viewing the magnificent vistas while your ears ache from the cold, whilst Autumn brings back memories of trees covered in flame coloured leaves, bush walks to keep warm and lots of running through the apple tree orchards. If you’ve never been to the mountains, now is the time to dig out your walking shoes, pack your weekend bag and head for the hills!
On our most recent trip we stayed at the beautiful Moments Mountain Retreat and were so very pleased with our overnight stay. If you’re looking for a comfortable and cosy room with stunning views of the mountains, I have the very place for you. And that’s before I explain just how good the breakfast is!
Image via Expedia
Location
Moments Mountain Retreat is located in Wentworth Falls, approximately five minutes from Leura and ten from Katoomba. It’s only 50 metres from the Conservation Hut cafe, where you will find the beginning of many bush walks. We arrived late in the afternoon, and still had plenty of time to wander along the trails to find ourselves surrounded by view-point after view-point of the stunning valley.
Wentworth Falls itself is a pretty little town, however we did spend the bulk of our time wandering the high street in Leura, sightseeing at Katoomba and searching out the most spectacular views we could find.The surrounding area is quiet and peaceful, and although the B&B is not far from the beaten track, it feels like miles from anywhere.
Accommodation
The Moments Mountain Retreat house itself is beautiful, and has buckets of charm. From when you arrive and pull into the crunchy stone driveway, to wandering down the winding path bordered by rhododendrons and stunning blooms (keep an eye out for the colourful birds and friendly possum!), to the beautifully appointed rooms, you will feel at home in no time. We stayed in the Spa Room, which although situated farther back in the house, still has stunning views. The enclosed porch was the perfect spot to sit in peace (with the windows open if you’re keen for mountain air!), and the bed was comfy and very cosy. Our fire was lit in wait for us, and the spa bath was a luxury!
The room was well-appointed with items to make tea and coffee, plenty of options for heating, information of the surrounding area and lovely fluffy robes and slippers. There are four rooms in total, and although all were full during our stay, it was very quiet.
But of course, the most important information I can share is in regards to the breakfast. And OH what a breakfast! Beautifully laid out and delivered promptly to our porch, I was thrilled by what was placed out for us. The toast was kept warm with a toast warmer (I’m almost definitely sure that’s the technical term), and with our muesli, yogurt and fresh fruit, fruit sourdough, baked eggs and bacon and tea, we were well set up for the day! Having a fresh hydrangea on the cart (I’m a sucker for the details!) and such a beautiful view, didn’t hurt the situation either!
Image via booking.com
What to do
Quite frankly, I would recommend the breakfast and the spa. That sounds like a heavenly holiday to me just in itself! However, if you’re one for exploring or getting out and about, there are loads of gorgeous trails to follow that will inspire your adventurous spirit!
If you wander down to the Conservation Hut cafe you’ll find many walking paths, including one that will take you back along to the main parking area and viewpoint for Wentworth Falls. From here it’s a relatively easy walk to the top of the falls, and from there on I can only imagine the beauty is astounding! However, a large rock (although entirely safe) was hanging at a suspicious angle, so I will never know.
Further afield, I would encourage you to head to Evans Lookout, where you will find Australia’s own Grand Canyon. Magnificent views will hold you there for a while, so take a flask and rest your feet a while. Grab a map and don’t miss Govetts Leap or Cahills Lookout either.
There are many other delights to be found at Moments Mountain Retreat (did I mention fluffy robes?), and so many more things to do and places to see in the Blue Mountains. You can pick organic vegetables in Bilpin, treat yourself to High Tea at The Hydro Majestic, wander through the antique stores in Blackheath and discover many more adventures! But if you’re looking for a romantic, quiet and cosy place to stay while you explore, this just might be the ticket.
Unless credited otherwise, all images by Nicola Goring
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Such an idyllic – and beautifully private – place to stay ; the gardens sound so pretty! And who could resist that delicious breakfast!
About Nicola Goring – I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).
Sounds perfect for a winter break – just what I need right now!
It sure is – even just thinking of the breakfast is making my mouth water!