Hotel Profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains

Lean into country style at Seclusions Blue Mountains, where cosy timber cabins are purpose-built to encourage romantic notions.

A farm stay to coax out inner romantics, this beautiful property on the edge of the Blue Mountains eases tensions with its open vistas of gently plunging valleys, pastoral fields and blue-hued peaks beyond. As a popular wedding venue, Seclusions is a place for love to take its next big step and, as a couples’ weekend retreat, to find its spark again. While there’s more than enough to do, the best thing to do is, in fact, not much at all.

Location

Embrace agrarian beauty on the fringe of the Blue Mountains here. Tucked into the lush and rolling hills of the Seven Valleys with eyes on Mount Walker and Lake Lyell, just 15 minutes from the township of Lithgow, this cabin-style retreat set on eight hectares is undeniably angled toward weddings, but also makes a cosy escape for couples.

an aerial view of Seclusions Blue Mountains — The lure of the outdoors beckons you. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Vistas of undulating pastures dotted with cows and whispering, towering pines hedging the property ensure a serene setting to exhale deeply in the fresh mountain air. Weddings and cabin stays are booked exclusively so they don’t collide, which means you won’t end up being kept awake by an enthusiastic wedding party stomping out the ‘Nutbush City Limits’ late into the night.

an aerial view of the scenery at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Soak in the scenery. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Style and character

Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life with private decks angled to watch the soft, bush-covered hills beyond. Idyllic and bucolic, the country charm here ramps up to an adorableness overload but doesn’t feel contrived. The property has a vast settler history dating back to 1868 with some of the original buildings still standing to provide photogenic backdrops for newlyweds or repurposed to house events.

the Seclusions Blue Mountains signage — Check into the rustic and charming Seclusions Blue Mountains. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Facilities

As a wedding venue, Seclusions has plenty of beautiful places to tie the knot and continue the celebrations, from gardens to historic buildings and modern spaces.

The purpose-built, 150-capacity Pavilion is the place to hold a reception, The Boat Shed with its indoor/outdoor design is used for canapes and dancing, while the Amphitheatre has been designed as the ceremony space.

There’s also a firepit for after-dark gatherings and a vintage caravan bar. If you’re not here for nuptials, or even if you are, you’ll find a tennis court and swimming pool to enjoy, as well as resident wildlife, alpacas and highland cows to befriend.

a cow grazing in the field from a distance at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Be surrounded by trees and undulating pastures. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Rooms

There are six beautifully styled cabins to settle into, each with its own kitchenette, gas log fire, verandah and accompanying panoramic views.

There’s no wi-fi, but you can find analogue entertainment in the form of in-cabin board games, books and magazines. The cabin ensuites have a two-person spa bath, robes and luxe bathing products, should romance need a little help to kick into gear.

a rustic bedroom at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Feel the romance at Seclusions. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Food and drink

For weddings, Seclusions can help you to secure catering, otherwise, there’s no restaurant onsite, but you can choose to purchase a selection of hampers for DIY meals. There are four breakfast boxes to choose from, as well as an antipasto box, a barbecue hamper box, fondue for two and a movie night box. Failing that, you can always take the 15-minute drive to Lithgow to pick up provisions or dine out.

the living space inside Seclusions Blue Mountains — Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Experiences

The experience at Seclusions is, aside from weddings, all about disconnecting from the every day and reconnecting with your significant other. Your entertainment is largely in your own hands. However, beyond the property’s pine-hemmed boundary, there are nearby towns and attractions to discover, such as historic Lithgow, bushwalks, and canoeing in Lake Lyell.

the surrounding landscapes at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Explore the property during your stay. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

You can take the 45-minute drive to Oberon’s Mayfield Garden to wander the exquisitely tendered greens or enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Seclusions also host occasional events, should you like to organise a group experience, such as a yoga retreat, workshop or birthday celebration.

the veranda at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Seclusions Blue Mountains is a serene retreat away from the crowds. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Access for guests with disabilities?

There’s one accessible cabin with a separate bath and shower, and a ramp. If you’re visiting for a wedding, most of the venue spaces are fully accessible or largely accessible.

Family-friendly?

That’s a no for human children, as Seclusions is an adults-only retreat. However, when it comes to your fur family, dogs are allowed to participate in weddings (when chaperoned) but must adhere to the property guidelines and won’t be able to stay in the cabin with you. Beyond your dog trotting down the aisle, Seclusions is not pet-friendly, largely on account of their beloved farm animals.

cows grazing in the filed at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Find cows grazing in the paddocks. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Details

There is a two-night minimum stay, while public holidays and long weekends usually have a three- to four-night minimum stay.

Address: Seclusions, 209 Martins Rd, Rydal via Lake Lyell, NSW

Contact: (02) 6355 6300

Cost: Weekday rates start at $315 per night; weekend rates start at $345 per night.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Hotel profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains