CLOTHING

Warm clothing is recommended for the cooler months and so are long pants and covered shoes for nature walks around the property. Bring swimmers for the spa! 

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COOKING

Spa Cottages + Artist's Lodge:

Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchenette with gas stove, microwave and a small fridge, as well as kettle, toaster, and bread maker! (oven not available).

 

Provided also are cooking utensils and crockery, salt and pepper grinders and sugar, etc - feel free to bring your food provisions and cooking oils.  Due to distance from shops, we suggest organising shopping prior to arrival - the major supermarkets (open till late) are at Katoomba and Lithgow, or local shops at Blackheath (close at 5pm).  

 

Your cottage has its own BBQ on the deck - BBQ wipes are provided for wiping off excess grease.

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Please clean up thoroughly after yourself, including drying and putting away dishes. 

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DRINKING WATER

Each cottage has its own water tank for collecting rain water. Our water is very clean, clear and sweet. It may sometimes be dyed by the falling gum leaves, which is harmless. However for extra safety, it is recommended that you boil all water before you drink.

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DVD

To enjoy movies and music, you will find a monitor, and a DVD/CD player. Feel free to bring your favourites. The monitor will also accept USBs. There is no TV reception offered in the cottages.

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FIREWOOD  

For the cooler months (April to September), we are happy to provide a firewood bundle to you free of charge. This includes the delivery of the first load of wood with kindling, fire starters and gloves, plus access to wood as needed during your stay from the wood shed along the circular drive.

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HEATING & COOLING

Each cottage has a reverse cycle air con for year round comfort if needed. There is an electric blanket on the bed, and heater in the bathroom as well.  During adverse climate situations, the air con will be set to 20 degrees to maintain a comfortable temperature prior to guest arrival. Your thoughtfulness in turning the air con off when leaving the cottage to conserve energy would be much appreciated. The mudbrick provides excellent insulation all year round, cool in summer and warm in winter.  

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MOBILE PHONE   

Reception is good on top of the hill for most carriers. 

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SPA DETAILS

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Our jacuzzis utilise a state of the art Ozone cleaning system, which eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. The water is kept crystal clear, has no odours, and is kind to your skin. The spa temperature is set at a perfect 38ºC (and will shut down for your safety if turned above 40ºC).

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The ozone cleaning system is very delicate and so that you and further guests can fully enjoy the spa, please read the following tips carefully:

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• The spa is not a bath, and will be damaged if used as such. It is a shared resource, like a pool.

• Shower thoroughly before entering the spa, remove all products, like makeup, deodorant, moisteriser, etc.

• Do not take in anything else with you, including: soap, massage oils, sunscreen, candle wax, food, drinks, loose clothing/swimwear, flower petals, etc.

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To ensure spa water quality, we will come to balance the spa water between 1 - 2 pm, everyday during your stay. This will only take a few minutes but please let us know if this time is not convenient for you.

 

MISUSE FEE

We hope that this will not be necessary, however in cases of clear misuse we will charge the following fees as a minimum, with any cost of special cleaning/repairs on top.

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• $150: for cleaning due to the presence of any products/materials

• $50:  to reset the jacuzzi in the event of a shut down due to the temperature being set above 40ºC

 

SPA MALFUNCTION REBATE

• $50 rebate per day in the very rare situation when the jacuzzi breaks down and we are not able to offer an alternative arrangement.

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SLIPPERS

Provided for your comfort and cleanliness inside the cottage. Please protect the floors by leaving shoes outside.

 

 

TRAVEL SPEED

Maintaining a slow speed below 15 km/hour while driving on the property would be much appreciated. Look out for the wildlife roaming on the property.

 

 

RESTAURANTS & LOCAL SHOPPING

There are some excellent restaurants nearby. If you do choose to eat out, we strongly recommend making a reservation well in advance to secure a table.

 

Below are some of our recommendations for dinner options at local restaurants. Offers from these establishments might change from time to time, so please check current status with them on booking.

 

For guests planning to eat out on Monday and Tuesday at the mountains, please make prior enquiries as lots of restaurants will be closed on those days.  The Caltex at Mt Victoria has a restaurant section opened daily.

 

In Little Hartley (~13 min)

- A delicious choice for lunch or dinner, the closest restaurant to us is Ambermere Rose Inn. Please note they are only open for dinner on Saturday.

As they have a wonderful reputation, they do normally get booked out for meal times so we recommend calling to reserve in advance at this number: (02) (6355 2266)

 

- Also in Little Hartley is Alchemy: Wood-Fired Pizza Cafe (02) 6355 2056 - the best pizza you can get for miles and some of the best sunset views on this side of the mountains. Open Wed 4-8 pm, Thu to Sun 9.30 to 8 pm (reservations recommended as they can get quite busy)

 

In Mt Victoria (~19 min)

Whether on your way into the mountains for the day, or on your way to Sydney, Petalura Eatery at Mt Victoria is a yummy way to start the day, offering a great breakfast menu with freshly squeezed juice.   (02) 4787 1220

 

In Blackheath (~25 min)

- A restaurant that has been getting rave reviews from our guests recently is Fumo in Blackheath.

They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Friday through Sunday.

We recommend phoning in advance to reserve a spot.: (02) 4787 6899

 

- Blue Jax Restaurant at the George Boutique Hotel (02) 4787 6111 – Under new management since it use to be known as ‘St Mounts Trattoria’, this spot is known for generous portions of Italian food in a truly charming atmosphere.

 

In Katoomba (~35 min)

Basil Nut Café & Restaurant is located in the heart of Katoomba, and they have a diverse menu of Asian cuisine with a modern twist. They are open for lunch and dinner and closed on Tuesdays. (02) 4782 1294

 

In Leura (~38 min)

- Silks Brasserie at Leura (02) 4784 2534 -  Modern Australian menu - beautiful food and setting - Silks is a well-known establishment in the Blue Mountains dining scene, and for good reason.

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ON-SITE ACTIVITIES

Most guests coming to Secret Valley Escape look forward to a unique getaway with the experience of total relaxation and serenity on the 200 acres of tranquil bush environment. Pack a picnic basket and take a leisurely walk in the natural surroundings dotted with scribbling gums, creeks, dams, valleys and the top meadows. We will provide you with a map of the property outlining our nature walks.  Enjoy hours in the sensational hot tub (*in select accommodations only) soaking up the beautiful escarpment views to the north and gazing at the magical star trail on a clear night - while enjoying a glass of wine!  At night embrace intimate moments in front of log fire, re-connecting or watching favourite movies..... If you would like a rejuvenating massage, this could be organised on prior booking.

 

 

OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES

Nearby places of interest within the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area include the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and Lakes, or taking any of the numerous bush walking trails including the Six-Foot track that passes by Cox's River. Visit Hartley Historical Site where the original settlements in the area began. Jenolan Caves conducts fascinating cave tours, and concerts in the Cathedral Chamber of the Lucas Caves, usually on Saturdays. During Autumn (April to May) you can go mushroom picking in the pine forests in Oberon (particularly good after rain) and there are many gardens in Leura and Mt Wilson that open to the public in spring and autumn.

 

There is a beautiful and easy to play golf course in Blackheath.  For those delighting in more adventurous activities, horse riding is available at Blackheath in Megalong Valley, outdoor rock climbing, canyoning and abseiling can be arranged by operators in the Blue Mountains.

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Please feel free to contact us if you require any other information or assistance.  We look forward to sharing our secret valley with you soon, and trust that you will have a beautiful and memorable stay.