Now Open: Lilianfels' Landmark $13 Million Upgrade Includes Èliva — a Luxe Day Spa Embodying Its Blue Mountains Surrounds
This grand Blue Mountains estate has emerged from a $13 million makeover with a luxe new spa and plenty of reasons to linger.
The bones of Lilianfels — one of the Blue Mountains' grandest stays — date all the way back to 1889. But this historic estate has been undergoing a serious update in recent times, having just completed a $13 million renovation. Now known as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, the property's sensitive update spans 89 refreshed guest rooms and a reimagined bar. What's more, this soaring destination is now home to Èliva Blue Mountains — a contemporary luxury day spa.
With the Èliva brand recently debuting its flagship location at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach Hotel, the Blue Mountains alternative is an equally upscale experience. Between dips in the pool overlooking the Blue Mountains National Park, guests will encounter four treatment rooms, a recovery lounge with a vibroacoustic bed, traditional saunas, steam rooms and mineral pools. Plus, a curated selection of full-body treatments explores three core pillars — Rest, Recovery and Invigorate — things we could all use more of.
"The launch of Èliva brings something completely fresh to the Blue Mountains region. It will move away from the traditional spa approach to offer a holistic, whole-body experience that is truly connected to each guest's needs," says Èliva Blue Mountains Spa Manager Trudi Zurlinden, adding that the goal is to create a space that "matches the peaceful nature of the Blue Mountains region."
Complementing the fresh mountain air, the treatments on offer include body therapies, high-end facials and recovery rituals, pairing evidence-based practices with renowned skincare products such as Hungary's Omorovicza. In fact, each treatment begins with a personalised consultation, where guests fuse a range of botanical oils — avocado, grapeseed, apricot and more — with Èliva's own essential oil blend inspired by the Blue Mountains.
Then, signature experiences take guests on a serious wellness journey. For instance, the Èliva Retreat includes a full-body massage, back exfoliation and a facial tailored to your skin needs — delivered with a glass of champagne, of course. Meanwhile, the Moor Mud Detoxifier offers a two-hour mineral experience, featuring a magnesium and trace-mineral-infused mud wrap, a mud scalp treatment, a deep-cleanse facial and an energising massage.
"Èliva embodies the very essence of immersive and experience-led luxury — something felt right across the hotel's new elevated offerings," says Salter Brothers Hospitality COO Chris Curran. "Èliva's premium quality has been seen in the success of Coogee Beach and Bowral to date, and we're excited to bring this to another beautiful destination to deliver something truly unique for the region."
Èliva Blue Mountains is now open at Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, operating Monday–Thursday from 10am–5pm and Friday–Sunday from 9am–6pm. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.
