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.
What does being ‘independently minded’ as a hotel owner mean to you?
As a small, independent hotel, we have the freedom and flexibility to fully customise the guest experience on a daily basis. Our staff embrace an open mindset, allowing us to identify opportunities to truly wow our guests and provide them with the best possible experience during their stay. This level of personalised attention and adaptability sets us apart from larger chain hotels, enabling us to create a unique and memorable experience for each guest.
What was the inspiration behind the hotel, and where do you continue to find sources of inspiration?
I was inspired to open a hotel out of a growing frustration with the disappointing experiences I often encountered during my own travels. I believe that our time to explore the world is limited, and it should be cherished with exceptional care and attention to detail. Too often, hotels treat guests as mere numbers, providing vague or unhelpful responses to enquiries. I am personally driven by a deep love for travel and adventure, and I firmly believe that the hotel component is just as vital to the overall experience as the destination itself.
A hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an integral part of the journey. Over a span of 10 to 15 years, I meticulously documented the elements that truly define a hotel experience, from the way the staff makes you feel to the overall ambiance of a place. Every detail matters, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that our guests have an extraordinary and memorable stay.
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.
How do you think your hotel stands apart from other boutique hotels?
What makes our hotel a hidden gem is its exceptional proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage National Park. We’re fortunate to privately own 17 acres of pristine natural bushland that was once part of the National Park. Situated atop the Grand Canyon in Blackheath, our location provides guests with a natural wonderland to explore where they can truly immerse themselves in nature.
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. With hundreds of native plant species flourishing on our grounds, it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, who can appreciate the wide variety of birds that call our property home. This magical environment offers our guests a unique opportunity to escape, recharge, and connect with the natural world.
If you only had 24 hours to get a taste for your hotel experience, what would you recommend a guest must do?
To get a taste of our hotel experience, we would highly recommend embarking on the Grand Canyon Walk. Located a mere 600 metres from the hotel, this historic six-kilometre loop track offers a captivating journey into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape. Taking a leisurely stroll through the canyon, which takes about three hours to complete, is an experience that will leave you in awe. Widely hailed as one of the most impressive walking tracks in Australia, the Grand Canyon Walk offers a breathtaking landscape of lush rainforest, featuring several creek crossings, small waterfalls, towering cliff walls, and intriguing rock overhangs. The well-shaded track winds its way through a rich tapestry of native vegetation, including ferns and golden wattles, remaining close to Greaves Creek, where an abundance of native plants line the path. It’s an unforgettable adventure that encapsulates the natural beauty and wonder of our surroundings.
How would you describe your own perfect luxury experience?
In my opinion, the perfect luxury hotel experience begins with the quality of communication from the staff. It’s about receiving information that truly enhances my stay, rather than encountering time-wasting interactions. I hold a deep appreciation for a concierge who not only possesses in-depth knowledge but has also taken the time to gather feedback from previous guests, ensuring they provide recommendations that lead to exceptional experiences. When a concierge directs me to a delightful local coffee shop or restaurant, it establishes a direct and meaningful connection with the hotel.
While the aesthetics and finishes of a room certainly contribute to a luxurious atmosphere – and I personally relish high-quality sheets and meticulous room details – I believe that true luxury hinges on nailing every touchpoint, starting from the initial encounter all the way through to the interactions with the reservations team and concierge. If these elements aren’t executed to perfection, even the most opulent room won’t compensate for the overall experience falling short of true luxury.
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.
Book Chalets at Blackheath
Photographs by Anna Pihan
Share this article
Latest stories
12 of the world’s most photogenic hotel pools
Sure, some of us love to get a few early morning laps in, but for most travellers, the hotel pool is a place to stretch out and sunbathe beside — in full holiday mode. Ice-cold drinks delivered to your poolside lounger or cabana throughout the day, and only having to
Independent Minds: Steven Riseley, Castle Elvira
Crumbling castle it might have been for over a century, but Steven Riseley and husband, Harvey B-Brown, are writing their own contemporary fairy-tale at Castle Elvira in Puglia. Following a four-year restoration project with local craftsmen working to keep the original ceilings and stonework intact, the creative couple could finally
How to spend a short break in Syros, Greece
The Cyclades are known for their rugged beaches and iconic blue-and-white stucco buildings — until you arrive in the main town of Hermoupolis on the Greek island of Syros, that is. The bustling port city is an energised contrast from its Cycladic neighbours, where neoclassical mansions in a pastel palette
The dreamiest private villas to rent in Europe
Searching for a have-the-place-to-yourself holiday with room for everyone? These villa-style stays are stylish, spacious, and ever so secluded, with all the added extras of boutique hotel service included. Read on for some standout addresses to bed down in this summer, from Greek island hideaways to Tuscan farmhouses.
