Do you desperately need a fix of clean air and open spaces but you want luxe surroundings as well? Do you want to be pampered and indulged, but quietly, without fuss? Does it seem forever since you stayed somewhere that somehow knew that you only wanted to walk a few steps to a really first-class restaurant? If so, then you'll find Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains just what the doctor ordered.

In fact Katoomba was the prescription late last century when Sir Frederick Darley, then Sydney Chief Justice, learned that his 22 year-old daughter Lilian, had contracted TB. Hoping that the pure mountain air would save her, he planned a house there that, sadly, she did not live to see.

Many owners later, this elegant home at last realised its potential. In l992, Ulrich and Monika Renner, a highly skilled and creative team, opened the doors of Lilianfels Blue Mountains to the world. They had totally refurbished and restored the old Darley home, and had also built a top class 86-room country house on the same grounds.

Determined to give Lilianfels a personal 'at-home' feel they scoured auctions and galleries for just the right pictures and wallpaper for the rooms, books for the library, antiques, linen, china and curiosity pieces. They put spabaths in some rooms and mile-high doonas on every bed. Then they hired the staff.

Darley's, operating in the original house, is not a hotel restaurant. Several acclaimed chefs - enthusiastic, knowledgable, inspired - have over the years concentrated on using local, seasonal foods, preferring an innovative 'country' tag.  

In an industry increasingly tempted to streamline service, cut corners and reduce costs, Lilianfels concentrates on the people who stay there. It is a true breath of fresh air. Mountain fresh.

- Sally Hammond

AWARDS: (information courtesy Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa)

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa has cemented its position as an iconic Australian luxury escape after being named one of the five top lodges and resorts in the Oceana region in the 2011 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards.

After pampering its guests for 20 years, Lilianfels was joined by only one other Australian property in the category of Top Lodges and Resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Lilianfels Group General Manager, Brian McHenry, said the award consolidated that Lilianfels continued to have the right formula in the competitive international luxury market after two decades of operation.

"Lilianfels has again proven to be a timeless luxury resort," Mr McHenry said. "We opened our doors 20 years ago setting the benchmark in Australia for providing guests with an unforgettable experience and today, Lilianfels still appeals to the world's premium market."

Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards recommends Lilianfels' Deluxe Valley View Rooms, overlooking Katoomba's famous Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. Its Insider Tip is to splurge on a meal at the resort's Darley's restaurant which was the former home of the sixth NSW Chief Justice, Frederick Darley.

Lilianfels, on the bluff of the Blue Mountains National Park, is a 5-star resort renowned for relaxation and superior service. The converted historic country mansion features 85 exquisite rooms, multi- award winning Darley's restaurant, the Lilianfels Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and The Lounge area with its calm and elegant atmosphere.

For more information on packages visit the website or call 02 4780 1200. 

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has again proven its position as the ambassador of Australia's luxury accommodation market after winning another major international tourism award.

In Thailand recently, at the World Tourism Awards, dubbed the 'Oscars' of international tourism and travel, Lilianfels took out the award of Australasia's Leading Resort.

The accolade follows last month's Travel & Leisure magazine's award, naming Lilianfels as one of the Top 5 Resorts and Spas in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Group General Manager, Brian McHenry, said after 20 years operation, Lilianfels continues to be a successful national tourism treasure despite growing concern for the travel and leisure market.

"At Lilianfels we evolve with international trends in the luxury end of the market, while understanding the needs of our national audience," Mr McHenry said.

"Our awards and strong visitation are the result of refining and refreshing operations in times where the Tourism Research Committee predicts a downturn in the expected inbound arrivals, and a 6 per cent growth in Australians travelling overseas in 2012."

Lilianfels representatives attended the red carpet World Travel Awards in Bangkok to receive the prestigious award following a vote of 213,000 industry professionals around the world.

The 5-star luxury resort at Katoomba, NSW, is located on the fringe of the world famous Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. The converted 1890s country mansion features 85 exquisitely elegant rooms, spa and treatment facilities, pools and intimate lounge areas, English gardens and the multi award winning Darley's restaurant.

For more information visit the website or call 02 4780 1200.