Independent Minds: Angela O’Connell, Chalets at Blackheath

Alpine adventures await in Australia’s Blue Mountains at this ruggedly refined chalet resort

In the midst of the Blue Mountains’ UNESCO-listed beauty, adventurer Angela O’Connell came across the perfect setting for her boutique chalets – in less than perfect condition after the Black Summer bushfires had all but burnt out the National Park. Looking past the scorched earth and blackened tree stumps, O’Connell assembled a team of ecologists, bush regenerators, and an expert landscape designer to conserve what was left and encourage native plant regrowth. Today, the wilderness which surrounds Chalets at Blackheath is flourishing, and guests can go off-grid in scented eucalyptus forests, soaring sandstone canyons, and New South Wales’ epic bush-walking trails.

Our property is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and it's not uncommon for our guests to enjoy kangaroo sightings or see echidnas wandering past.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?

Sustainability, or considerate travel, is at the core of our vision. We are deeply passionate about it and continuously strive to align our practices with current trends and best practices in sustainable travel. Given the current state of global tourism and the environmental challenges we face, we see it as our responsibility to be proactive in this regard. Our status as a small, independent hotel provides us with the agility to implement meaningful changes. We are excited about the future and have ambitious plans for adopting solar solutions that can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.

We aim to stay at the forefront of sustainable travel, not only because it aligns with our values but also because we believe it’s the way forward for the entire tourism industry. By integrating sustainable practices, we hope to inspire both our guests and our peers to make more environmentally conscious choices, helping to protect the natural beauty that draws travellers to our destination.

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