Salter Brothers Hospitality unveils Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains icon to undergo multimillion-dollar transformation as it joins the prestigious Ardour Hotels & Estates collection

Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) has announced a new chapter for one of the Blue Mountains’ most beloved resorts. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa will be reimagined as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, becoming the second heritage estate in the operator’s prestigious Ardour Hotels & Estates collection.

The transformation follows the recent unveiling of Ardour Milton Park Bowral and represents a multimillion-dollar investment in regional luxury hospitality. Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains is expected to open in 2026.

A bold addition to Ardour’s growing collection

Launching in 2026, the Ardour brand was created to celebrate Australia’s most exceptional heritage-rich retreats, blending historic character with modern sophistication. For SBH, the addition of Lilianfels is a statement of intent to redefine regional travel experiences and set a new benchmark in Australian hospitality.

“The addition of Lilianfels to the Ardour Hotels & Estates collection is a powerful expression of our vision,” said SBH CEO Tash Tobias. “It’s about crafting exceptional hotels and estates and creating guest experiences that honour heritage while offering a deeply modern connection to place.”

Read more about Salter Brothers Hospitality  in AccomNews HERE

A resort with history and heart

Built in 1889 as the summer home of Chief Justice Sir Frederick Darley, Lilianfels has long been an icon of the Blue Mountains. It became a celebrated retreat in the early 1990s, attracting generations of guests seeking refined escapes.

Now, acclaimed design firm Luchetti Krelle will lead the refurbishment, drawing inspiration from eccentric English garden estates while sensitively preserving Lilianfels’ heritage character.

Planned upgrades include:

• A refreshed reception and lounge with iconic fireplaces

• A reimagined bar, extended with a striking wine wall and intimate private dining room

• 89 redesigned guest rooms and suites, styled in three bold yet elegant palettes blending heritage tones with playful, contemporary details

The resort will also see elevated dining, renewed event spaces, and expanded wellness facilities, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination.

“Lilianfels has a unique place in the heart of the Blue Mountains community and Australia’s hospitality heritage,” said Sandra Kloprogge, Regional General Manager overseeing the transformation. “This renewal respects its history while setting a new standard for luxury, wellness, and immersive guest experiences in the region.”

Renovation with minimal disruption

Lilianfels will remain open throughout the carefully staged renovation period, which commenced on August 22, ensuring guests continue to enjoy the resort with minimal disruption. The grand unveiling of Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains is scheduled for mid-2026.

Building a legacy of regional luxury

With Lilianfels joining Milton Park, SBH is continuing to build a curated collection of boutique estates under the Ardour banner. Positioned with the tagline “Celebrated Luxury, Shared Together,” Ardour Hotels & Estates is set to become synonymous with immersive, heritage-rich luxury escapes in Australia’s most breathtaking regional destinations.

SBH already operates a portfolio of 20 luxury retreats, hotels, and lodges, alongside 29 restaurants and bars and the renowned Scenic Rim Trail—Queensland’s only inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia.

AccomNews is getting ready to spotlight industry leaders like Tash Tobias at NoVacancy 2025.

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Salter Brothers Hospitality CEO Tash Tobias will be a Speaker at NoVacancy 2025