Salter Brothers Hospitality Announces Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains — The Second Iconic Estate to Join Its Prestigious Ardour Collection

Lilianfels to undergo multimillion dollar refurbishment and rebrand marking SBH's commitment to redefine regional luxury hospitality

August 27th 2025 -- Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) is proud to announce a transformative new chapter for Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa. The beloved Blue Mountains landmark resort will become the second heritage estate to join the prestigious Ardour Hotels & Estates collection, following the recent announcement of Ardour Milton Park Bowral.

Undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains will be unveiled in 2026 – honouring its legacy while embracing a contemporary vision under SBH, Australia's leading operator of luxury regional retreat hotels.

A Bold Second Chapter for the Ardour Collection

Born from SBH's vision to curate Australia's most exceptional heritage-rich retreats, Ardour blends historic character with modern sophistication. The addition of Lilianfels reflects SBH's ambition to redefine regional travel experiences and set a new benchmark for Australian hospitality.

CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, Tash Tobias, said, “The addition of Lilianfels to the Ardour Hotels & Estates collection is a powerful expression of our vision, it's about crafting exceptional hotels and estates and a new guest experience in regional destinations that is a deeply meaningful and modern expression, honouring heritage and connection to place.”

Honouring a Blue Mountains Icon with a Rich Legacy

Originally built in 1889 as the summer residence of eminent Chief Justice, Sir Frederick Darley, Lilianfels  became one of the Blue Mountains most celebrated retreats in the early 1990s. Its next chapter will be guided by acclaimed design firm, Luchetti Krelle who are drawing inspiration from eccentric English garden estates while sensitively honouring Lilianfels heritage.

The refurbishment will see:

• Reception and lounge area retaining their signature charm, with refreshed interiors and iconic fireplaces
• A reimagined bar, extended to include a striking wine wall and intimate private dining room
• 89 guest rooms and suites redesigned in three bold yet elegant palettes blending heritage tones and contemporary colour, custom print textiles and statement furniture for a playful sophistication.

Beyond the accommodation, the resort will offer elevated dining, refreshed event spaces and enhanced wellness facilities, reinforcing its status as a premier destination in the Blue Mountains.

“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. “The integration of this respected resort into the Ardour Hotels & Estates collection marks a pivotal moment — a thoughtful renewal that respects its history while setting a new standard for luxury, wellness, and immersive guest experiences in the region.”

A Growing Legacy of Luxury Regional Retreats

Lilianfels will remain open during the renovation period commencing August 22nd, with carefully staged work to ensure the resort continues to welcome guests with minimal disruption. Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains is slated for an official opening in mid-2026, further expanding Salter Brothers Hospitality's visionary portfolio. The Ardour Hotels & Estates brand is set to become synonymous with immersive, heritage-rich luxury escapes in Australia's most breathtaking regional destinations.

ENDS

Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains

5/19 Lilianfels Avenue

Katoomba NSW 2780

Website: https://ardourhotelsandestates.com  

Instagram: @ardourhotelsandestates

Images are available to download here.

Media Contact:

Nicole Ford, Public Relations and Communications Manager

Salter Brothers Hospitality
nicole.ford@salterbrothershospitality.com 

About Ardour Hotels & Estates | Celebrated Luxury, Shared Together

Launching in 2026, Ardour Hotels & Estates is set to become a curated portfolio of boutique luxury lifestyle destinations designed for immersive shared experiences in Australia's most iconic regional and natural locations. A Salter Brothers Hospitality brand, Ardour redefines regional luxury by offering elevated accommodations paired with exceptional event spaces, indulgent spa and wellness offerings, and epicurean food and beverage experiences. Crafted for couples, families, and corporate gatherings alike, Ardour properties are purpose-built to foster connection through curated rituals, seasonal menus, captivating landscapes, and unexpected moments of magic. Each hotel and estate is designed in harmony with its surrounding terroir and shaped by passionate hospitality professionals, creating spaces where milestones become memories and everyday escapes are transformed into something truly extraordinary. With an unwavering commitment to community, sustainability, and place, Ardour is where meaningful celebrations and restorative moments coexist, wrapped in warmth, refinement, and soul. Ardour Hotels & Estates invites guests to escape, reconnect and celebrate in a new kind of luxury: one best shared.

To learn more, visit https://ardourhotelsandestates.com 

 About Salter Brothers Hospitality

Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) is a leading Australian luxury hospitality company, committed to creating unforgettable experiences for discerning travellers. We operate a curated collection of boutique hotels, retreats, and estates, including the renowned Spicers Retreats, Bannisters Group and new hotel brand Ardour Hotels & Estates. The company embraces its vision of “Tend to Grow,” nurturing both people and business objectives, and delivering exceptional value to its investors and partners.

Salter Brothers Hospitality proudly operates and manages a portfolio of exceptional, luxury hospitality brands across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. The portfolio comprises 20 exceptional luxury retreats, hotels and lodges, 29 exquisite restaurants and bars, and the renowned Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland's only inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia.

You can find more information about Salter Brothers Hospitality and its portfolio at www.salterbrothershospitality.com