If paradise had a postcode, 2753 would be it – specifically Bowen Mountain, an adorable grassy town in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just 80 minutes from Sydney CBD. The Blueys have long been my trusty escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where the world melts into misty peaks, lush bush and the soft soundtrack of bird calls. But at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, that faraway feeling is taken to a whole new level.
I had big expectations for this all-inclusive, eco-luxe lodge, which was one of just nine hotels to score two keys in Australia’s inaugural Michelin hotel awards. The phrase “all-inclusive” is a dream to most travellers – think all meals sorted, unlimited drinks and a complimentary minibar that’s restocked daily. Sure, those perks were appreciated – but in the end, it was the genuinely warm service, chef-hatted dining and premium amenities that made my stay memorable.
Why stay at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
True to its name – the Zulu word for ‘healer’ – Sangoma feels like a serene, safari-style hideaway, complete with African-inspired interiors across its eight luxury bush suites. It’s the sort of place you escape to when you want to switch off completely, with hours spent roaming through the surrounding bushland, lazing by the solar-heated infinity pool, steaming in the sauna or sipping wine fireside. It’s also a swoon-worthy couples’ retreat, with two-person tubs overlooking the forest canopy, matching robes and slippers, complimentary Champagne and a big plush king bed that makes sleep-ins mandatory.
You’ll be paying a premium for the all-inclusive experience at Spicers Sangoma, but premium is exactly what you get. Every meal is catered for by the talented chefs at Restaurant Amara – a destination in its own right – and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout your stay. You can also level up your getaway with add-on experiences like yoga sessions, wine tastings and indulgent spa treatments.
What are the suites like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
With just eight intimate suites across five room tiers, Spicers Sangoma has a truly boutique feel. Each suite seamlessly brings the outdoors in, with earthy tones, wood and stone accents, and large windows or open-plan layouts that frame the surrounding forest and bushland. Furnishings and fittings are as luxe as it gets: think private wraparound balconies, soaring ceilings, cosy fireplaces, freestanding baths, rainfall showers and Leif amenities. Suites also feature big flat-screen televisions and Bose sound systems, though guests are encouraged to disconnect and fully soak up the private, peaceful surroundings.
I stayed in the Lodge Suite, accessible via a semi-secret staircase from the main dining and lounge areas. It’s a win for convenience, though sound does travel downstairs – so you’ll want to be the last one at drinks. I loved the airy, open-plan layout that lets you glide from the lounge room to the bedroom to the bathroom, where a mega two-person bathtub awaits. Breakfast on the private deck was a highlight, overlooking the native gardens and bushland. And of course, there’s the daily-replenished minibar stocked with Champagne, beer, rosé, Shiraz, juices, soft drinks and snacks like trail mix and crisps – perfect for a little anytime indulgence.
Is Spicers Sangoma Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, Spicers Sangoma has one pet-friendly Bush Suite and a special Pooch Package, complete with a plush dog bed, bowls and treats.
What is the restaurant like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
Every stay at Spicers Sangoma includes all meals – à la carte breakfast, share-style lunch with dessert, a five-course dinner and beverages – starting with a welcome lunch on arrival. That makes Restaurant Amara your first taste of the retreat, and it’s an introduction that leaves a lasting impression.
At Amara, the focus is on local, seasonal produce, sourced from around the nearby Hawkesbury region (within about an hour’s drive), often from small farms and growers. The menu rotates on a three-day cycle, changing according to what’s fresh and available that very day. Every dish feels intimate, personalised and innovative, showcasing advanced techniques like dehydration, foams and smoking.
Menu highlights from our stay include a bite-sized potato hash topped with yuzu and gochujang – a clever Asian twist on wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce. Other standouts included market-fresh fish in a kombu broth, roasted asparagus on a bed of crème fraîche with black garlic gel, and pan-roasted duck with coffee carrots and Davidson plum. Dinner comes with complimentary wine pairings, featuring bottles from the Barossa and Hobart to France and California, while a curated selection of cocktails and spirits is also included.
What is breakfast like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the elegant dining room or delivered straight to your suite. Alongside barista-made coffee, you can choose from avocado toast, spiced shakshuka or eggs your way, or indulge in something sweet like a deep-dish pancake or housemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit.
What is the service like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
“Above and beyond” is a good way to describe the service at Spicers Sangoma Retreat. We were welcomed right outside reception with valet parking, and our bags were whisked straight to our suite. On arrival, we were also offered a glass of Champagne or tea before settling in for a welcome lunch at Restaurant Amara.
Because all meals are enjoyed at the restaurant, the staff quickly get to know you by name and remember little details – from your preferred water (still or sparkling) to your favourite coffee order. The service feels effortlessly personalised, and daily housekeeping happens while you’re at breakfast, so seamless that I’m still baffled when they had time to sneak in.
What’s the pool like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
With just eight suites, there’s a very good chance you’ll have the pool at Spicers Sangoma all to yourself. The solar-heated infinity lap pool is perfect for swims year-round, surrounded by chic lounge chairs and tables, with complimentary beverages served poolside.
My favourite part of the pool was its sweeping valley – on a clear day, you can catch glimpses of Sydney’s city skyline. If it’s too chilly, you can retreat into the sauna just steps from the pool.
What's the spa like at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
Spa Anise isn’t like your typical spa. Here, the mountain breeze does the cooling, birdsong sets the soundtrack, and the setting sun provides the perfect natural glow. The coolest part of your treatment is that it takes place inside a glamping-style tent, set up with two comfy treatment beds. I had the choice between a light or fluffy blanket, which I cocooned myself in as I prepared for my signature massage. It’s a big call, but this was the best massage I’ve ever experienced. My therapist carefully listened to my target areas and worked her way from back to front, melting away all the tension I’d been carrying in my body and mind. While I highly recommend the signature massage for full-body relaxation, Spa Anise also offers restorative facials and body exfoliation treatments.
What’s the area like around Spicers Sangoma Retreat?
The eco-luxe retreat sits on the bush‑covered slopes of Blue Mountains National Park in the quaint town of Bowen Mountain. It’s roughly an 80-minute drive from Sydney CBD, and only accessible by car – though transfers can be arranged on request. The closest shops are in Kurrajong, just five kilometres away – but with all you need on-site, you probably won’t feel the need to leave.
Technically just outside the Blue Mountains, Spicers Sangoma is actually a 70-minute drive from Katoomba or Leura. A closer adventure awaits in Bilpin – the “Land of the Mountain Apple” – just 25 minutes away, where you can go fruit picking at Bilpin Fruit Bowl and fill up on apple pie at Bilpin Cider. For those who prefer stretching their legs, the Vale of Avoca and Poet’s Rock offer moderately challenging bushwalks through quintessential Blue Mountains scenery.
Address: 70 Grandview Ln, Bowen Mountain, NSW, 2753
Price: From around $2,049 per night
Book now: Here