Adults-only Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains foothills: Luxury with a heart

Spicers Retreats has upped the ante on its reclusive, adults-only Sangoma Retreat in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The new-look retreat, with complimentary Veuve Clicquot in the mini bar and heady degustation dinners, was fully booked for opening weekend. Sangoma's original architect Barbara Tarnawski collaborated with Spicers' own design team led by Katherine Young on the six-month makeover, which includes the addition of two new 80-square-metre Escarpment Suites – featuring king beds, two-person Philipe Starck bathtubs and luxury linens – and a soft refurbishment of Sangoma's six existing African-inspired suites.

The collaboration ensured the same look and feel of the intimate, eco-luxe Bowen Mountain property. Also new is an outdoor firepit, enlarged outdoor, lounge and dining spaces, and personally curated artworks from artists including the late Robert Juniper and Donald Friend.

Spicers Sangoma general manager Rhiannon Hurtz said while the original owner's vision for the much loved retreat was very much in line with Spicers, they had now taken it to the next level. "Guests will see a stronger gourmet offering from chef Sam Harding. We've done a lot more landscaping, including adding edible fruit and vegetable beds, and used a combination of raw, natural and recycled materials for the refurbishment in line with the retreats' low-impact, eco certification."

Guests can now transfer to Sangoma by helicopter from Sydney, while scenic flights over the Blue Mountain's Three Sisters are also on offer. Spicers plans to include Sangoma in a triangular wine, bush and city offering, incorporating Spicers Vineyards Estate and its first Sydney property, Spicers Potts Point, expected to debut at the end of this year, or early next. From $1199 all-inclusive for two. See spicersretreats.com/spicers-sangoma-retreat

​See also: 20 reasons to visit the Blue Mountains