This was published 4 years ago
Elegant Acceleration: Sydney to the Blue Mountains
By Jez Spinks
A guide to the ultimate weekend away. Credit: Getty Images
This is sponsored content for Maserati
From dramatic scenery to romantic retreats, this road trip replete with spectacular sights and luxury stops is the ultimate weekend escape.
SATURDAY MORNING
North of the Sydney suburb of Richmond, the road climbs and curves steeply, setting the tone for a scenic route toward rugged mountainous beauty. The Maserati Levante GranSport SUV is equipped to provide its occupants with the requisite luxuriousness, exclusivity and sportiness associated with the legendary Italian brand as it cossets them along the Bells Line of Road's succession of arcs and undulating straights.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
After an effortless morning drive, it's time for a coffee and a spot of lunch in Lithgow. The Tin Shed serves up rustic charm under its high-beamed ceilings as well as a great flat white and delicious food made from locally-sourced ingredients. From here it's a relatively short drive to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort, with the steep, winding descent to the valley floor showcasing the comfort and support of the Maserati's sculpted leather seats in combination with the rare DNA in the Levante's handling.
SATURDAY EVENING
Enjoy one of the resort's pre-dinner wildlife tours as the setting sun bathes the ancient sandstone escarpments in a stunning golden hue. It's then time to head to the main homestead, where a six-course or a la carte dinner awaits under the soaring, timber-beam ceilings of the Wolgan Dining Room restaurant. During colder nights, sandstone chimneys provide a toasty fireside ambience as you relax in deep leather couches and wing-back chairs. Savour a leisurely twilight stroll back to your deluxe heritage villa.
SUNDAY MORNING
After a blissful sleep under the luxurious linen of your villa's four-poster bed, take a dip in the heated indoor plunge pool as you marvel at the mist-shrouded morning through the opened bi-fold doors. Take in expansive views of the valley as you tuck into breakfast, and plan a morning of shopping for local art and crafts, unique antiques and vintage treasures in nearby Katoomba. The climb out of Wolgan Valley offers the perfect stage to experience the unmistakeable sound of the Maserati. A soothing ride ensues thanks to Levante's sophisticated air suspension, and the relaxing drive can be complemented with blissful music from the standard Harman Kardon audio system.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
There's no rush to return to Sydney, especially as the route home takes in the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa. The Terrace of the Echoes restaurant provides panoramic views of the majestic Blue Mountains escarpment and Jamison Valley during lunch. The modern, Asian-influenced Australian cuisine presents options such as Miso-infused ocean trout and deconstructed mango and sticky rice. The weekend has a fitting conclusion as you head to the spa for a therapeutic, full-body volcanic stone massage that'll leave you perfectly primed for a leisurely drive home.
Maserati Levante:The beast behind the beauty
The Maserati Levante now receives two V8 derivatives. The GTS, powered by a 410kW (550HP) V8 achieves 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The Trofeo though, is the ultimate Maserati of SUVs. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 and producing 440kW (590HP) and 730Nm, the Levante follows the famous Italian brand's grand touring traditions while adding a superhigh-performance factor. The Trofeo can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a remarkable 3.9 seconds.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.