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5.0
#1 of 1 B&B in Bowen Mountain
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Cocooned by the natural serenity of the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a mere hour from Sydney, you'll find Spicers Sangoma Retreat. Aptly named after the Zulu word for healer, Sangoma is a place where you'll discover complete rejuvenation and true reconnection. An eco-certified retreat, Spicers Sangoma Retreat features sauna facilities, infinity lap pool, open plan lounge and 8 suites that capture the beauty of the natural surrounds. All gourmet meals and beverages are included as well as the premium mini-bar making it an ideal setting for luxurious escapes, romantic getaways, intimate celebrations and anniversaries
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Languages Spoken
English
Location
70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain, New South Wales 2753 Australia
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Once again, a trip to Sangoma reminds me that there is so much beauty in the world.
It has been a particularly stressful time, but the moment you arrive at Spicers Sangoma you are enveloped by a sense of warmth and wellbeing.
It is a perfect time to escape the stress of today’s world and to feel safe and isolated. This is social distancing at its best. The suites are completely individual, widely spaced, and therefore absolutely private, you would never have to see another person if you didn’t want to. You can have your meals in your suite if you prefer. If you feel up to tearing yourself away from the comfort of your suite, the lodge is large enough that all other guests are 2m away from you, and because the resort is so small, the number of guests are capped at 16 and you will never be exposed to crowds. It is easy to relax by the pool and take in the fresh air and enjoy the views and serenity in peace and spaced apart from other guests.
The staff cannot do enough to ensure that your every need is catered for at all times. They anticipate your every desire and are offering you drinks and running you a bath before you even knew you wanted it- thank you to Bede and Charlotte for being able to read my mind. The spa treatment was indulgent and nurturing and exactly what I needed to quieten my busy mind- thanks to Christine for her warmth and skill. The food is plentiful, nourishing, and delicious.
If you want to get away from it all and just be taken care of and spoilt, get yourself to Sangoma. You won’t regret it. I cannot wait to come back.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Spicers Sangoma Retreat General Manager, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 17 Apr 2020
Dear Laura, Firstly, thanks for the kind and thoughtful review and secondly, we ALWAYS love welcoming you back to your 'home away from home'. The team and I thoroughly enjoy your warmth and energy when you visit. Sangoma Retreat really does have a certain air and essence of care and healing. Even though we are only just over an hour from Sydney, as soon as you enter the gates (and greeted with a glass of champagne) there is an instant and very obvious shift in the guests demeanour. Any worries and concerns seem to disappear, the shoulders drop and by dinner they are so relaxed and blissed out they almost seem like different people. Amazing! Thanks again for the kind words. Stay safe during this topsy turvy time and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon Laura! Warm regards, Bede and the Spicers Sangoma team
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This was our 3rd stay, this time in an Escarpment Suite, so obviously we love Sangoma! Only about 1.5 hour drive from the city, it's the perfect escape for when you want to truly relax, and feel really really spoilt.
Our previous stays were in the Tent Suite and the Chief Suite, they are all slightly different and all are beautiful. Big comfy beds, outdoor spaces with views back to the city or into the trees, luxurious baths in gorgeous bathrooms, and romantic fireplaces.
There is a warm and inviting lounge area, perfect for sitting by the fireplace playing games, reading or chatting.... or enjoying the view of the city in the distance in a comfy chair on the balcony with a cocktail. There is also a lovely infinity pool, and a fantastic restaurant beside it, with indoor and outdoor seating.
The food is absolutely amazing and plentiful! On previous visits we've dined in the restaurant and it's usually a multi-course experience, however this visit due to social distancing measures, all meals were served in our room.
We actually really enjoyed having our meals in the room, the first night I had dinner in my PJ's just because I could! It wasn't quite cold enough for the fireplace, but we opened the sliding doors (in the suite we had you can open up the corner of the room out to the balcony & trees and it's totally private) and set the table up between the fresh air and the fireplace. It was great!
We really enjoyed our breakfasts and lunches out on the balcony in the sun.
Every single meal was absolute perfection, and if you're a total glutton like we are, you can clean out the mini bar as well - all included.
There is a lovely little spa tent too, this time unfortunately closed due to the current 'situation'.
Most importantly, the staff and their service are truly outstanding. Every stay they've all been so warm and friendly and I am sure they must be telepathic! They seem to know exactly what you need before you've even thought of it. Perfect for those of us whose brains are so tangled from city life and work stress, that even deciding what to eat or drink becomes confusing :). Each stay we have felt even more relaxed because it feels more familiar. Unfortunately we missed Jasmine and Tayla this time, but the amazing Bede took care of us, and it was lovely to see Kate again! The new head chef Will is incredible, the food was amazing (I think I may have said that multiple times now!)
We can't wait to come back again - hopefully this year, and maybe we'll try the other Escarpment Suite next time.
Thank you Bede and team Sangoma! See you again soon.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Cleanliness
Service
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Room Tip:All rooms are lovely!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 3 nights in August staying for our 5th time, this time back in the Chiefs Suite. Greeted by Yasmin and quickly met all the wonderful staff John, Sam, Charlotte, Bronte, Mike, Will some of whom were there last time we visited so it was lovely to see familiar faces again. We had a wonderful lunch on arrival prepared by the very talented Kiwi chef Will and his offsider Mike from UK. We would have to say the food was a culinary masterpiece every meal, such careful attention to detail and the most beautiful food we have ever eaten in all the years of coming. Such talent with vegetables (that red cabbage recipe came home with me!!) The boys cater for everyone even with specific dietary requirements so don't be afraid to mention what you do or don't eat, they will look after you. Wine pairings are offered for lunch (which a share lunch and isn't too big a meal as you need to pace yourself for dinner) as well as dinner which is a 5 course menu each. Breakfast was stunning, that pancake with strawberries, honey and coconut cream was amazing!
The Chief's Suite is a very beautiful suite, huge with plunge pool, log fire and plenty of space to chill out while overlooking the views towards the City. The pool is heated so that's a bonus in winter!!! The bed was to die for but the pillows were far too soft for us unfortunately this time, would have preferred harder pillows but I'm being overly picky. Housekeeping staff Gill and the other ladies are awesome and very unobtrusive. There's a mini bar (all included) and loads of local ciders, chocolates etc to rummage through if you are feeling peckish (which we weren't as the food in the main restaurant is plenty enough).
There's plenty to do around the area, bush walking, head to Kurrajong and wander around the shops, do a drive up to Bilpin or Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, go to the Bee Hive and get some local honey, but overall whenever we go up to Sangoma we go to chillax and don't tend to go out but this time we did for a half day which was lovely. The weather wasn't great when we were there this time with plenty of rain which made it even cosier and romantic as we were engulfed by the mist in the evenings.
Thanks again all for a wonderful stay and look forward to next time!!! Overall a stunning stay
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Date of stay: August 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment we arrived, the staff were nothing short of perfection. Champagne on arrival with a stunning view and car valet to the room, we already knew we were in for a treat. My sister and I decided on dinner and breakfast in the room which was accommodated perfectly, and we never felt like we missed out on the experience with staff checking in if we needed anything. Manoj and Yasmin on the first day really stood out to us, providing drink recommendations and things to do. Lauren was a stand out the next day and made us both feel right at home, we didn't want to leave! From housekeepers Jill, Edna, Liz and Jo maintaining the room beautifully, the chefs exceeding every expectation and the friendly front of house staff, we truly felt at peace and pampered at Sangoma. Cheers to John and his incredible team for giving us an experience we will both never forget
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Date of stay: December 2021
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Room Tip:The tent suite! Open plan room, tent wall behind which is the bed/bathroom and bath right by the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Spicers Sangoma Retreat General Manager, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 23 Dec 2021
Dear Kimberley, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your recent stay. We are so pleased yourself and your sister enjoyed your stay with us and it was a pleasure hosting you here. We strive for excellent service for all guests and we are proud that our staff delivered a delightful experience for you both. I will pass your lovely comments about our staff onto the team which they will greatly appreciate. We hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, John - Assistant general Manager | Spicers Sangoma Retreat
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Great spot to relax and read a book. We stayed in the Bush Suite but would not recommend this room. It looks to be one of the larger rooms but it backs onto the main house and people can see into your balcony/room. You also look over what seems to be a sewage tank which smells a lot of the day. The hotel could also do with some activates that don't cost between $300-$600. There's really nothing to do but go for a bush walk. I think they could set something up like axe throwing or paint classes or SOMETHING. Me and my partner got a tad bored but i think Spicers is more of a pure relaxation place where you stay and sit by the pool and read a good book. I'm totally nit picking as the hotel is a great over all stay for a romantic getaway an hour and a half out of Sydney.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sam Giles, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 24 Nov 2020
Thank-you davi969632, Thank-you for your feedback, I am sorry that you didn't enjoy your room when you stayed in when visiting us. We do have a array of different room types and I would be happy to assist you next time you choose to enjoy a romantic stay with us, I could also recommend some local activities in the local area that maybe of interest but will take on your feedback of further activities. Whilst you mention you are nit picking we do appreciate all feedback to help us to become a better property and ensure return guest enjoy there stay and have activities to assist in keeping them returning for more. For any future stays please don't hesitate to reach out to me personally Warm Regards Sam Giles gm.sangoma@spicersretreats.com
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As you enter the gate you know you are somewhere very special, peace & quiet with beautifully kept grounds. Thank you Bede for our warm welcome and amazing hospitality! The main pool is stunning and the lounge/dining room is very nicely presented an enjoyable place to wine & dine. We stayed in the Chief suite which is the WOW factor! Go on Book it! So nice. The spa experience is very unique and honestly one of the best massages I’ve ever had Thanks Kate! The dining experience was wonderful very talented chefs, Thanks Kate for serving our table with great knowledge of the dishes and wines matched, we enjoyed your hospitality. We received great service from all staff during our stay which made the experience so enjoyable and can’t wait to return. A unique experience. Loved it!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Spicers Sangoma... G, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 5 Jan 2020
Dear Jason and Rui, It was such a pleasure to take care of you both, your energy and warmth was felt by the entire team and fellow guests, THANKYOU! Our exclusive award winning Spa Anise is arguable one of the most unique restorative massage experiences in Australia. Perched on a rock ledge, within a luxury tent and with the sounds of birds and our private waterfall in the background, the spa at Sangoma is a must do. Thanks for taking the time to share your amazing Sangoma experience with us and we look forward to welcoming you both back again soon. Best of luck with the move and best wishes for 2020 Warm regards, Bede, Tayla and the Spicers Sangoma team
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Our two night stay at Spicers Sangoma was wonderful. From first impressions of driving in through the beautiful tranquil grounds to the warm welcome from staff and the fabulous aromas coming from the kitchen we knew this would be a lovely stay. Our Escarpment Suite was elegant, private and spotlessly clean with many thoughtful touches. The staff were all friendly, knowledgeable and professional and the food deliciously creative, driven by local produce and lovingly prepared by the fabulous chefs.
Many thanks to Bede for your warm hospitality and making us feel so welcome, to Charlotte, Tayla, Yasmin and Kate for your amazing and personal service and to Jo and Hayley for the meticulous presentation of the suite. Our stay was perfect in every way and we look forward to returning soon.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Spicers Sangoma Retreat General Manager, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 17 Apr 2020
Dear Susan and William, Thanks for your amazing review and kind words. Our team at Sangoma are such wonderful humans and talented hospitality stars so thanks for recognizing this, i'll be sure to pass on your wonderful feedback. The food at Sangoma is unlike anything else in the region. We are privileged to have a talented and passionate team that hail from some of the worlds greatest restaurants. We have more exciting foodie experiences up our sleeve so watch this space! We're looking forward to welcoming you back to Spicers Sangoma Retreat soon. Kind regards, Bede and the Spicers Sangoma team
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We loved our Bush Suite with its panoramic views, open plan design and luxurious furnishings. We even had a chandelier above our bath! So private and tranquil and yet we were the closest room to the restaurant, pool and lounge. We felt warmly welcomed by Lydia and Sam and every member of the team we encountered was friendly and knowledgable. It is wonderfully stress free to have your food and wine chosen for you especially when everything is excellent. The menus inspired by head chef Will are creative and delicious and matching wines were perfect. We particularly liked the way that Will always managed to bring one of the courses to each table and spend time with his guests. Sangoma is a South African word for traditional healer - we certainly felt that we benefited from the resort's healing powers.
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Date of stay: September 2020
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms are beautiful but we liked Suite 2 and Suite 3 for proximity to restaurant.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sam Giles, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 15 Oct 2020
Thank-you Sue for your review, we loved having you stay with us and glad you feel refreshed and benefited from the healing powers of Sangoma. The Luxury Bush Suite you had with the Chandelier is always a crowd favorite. Will and the team are so passionate about there food and creations and love sharing and hearing your feedbac. I do hope we can have you back to Spicers Sangoma Warm Regards Sam and the Spicers Sangoma Team
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For a five star property at more than $1500 per night this misses the mark. There were dead insects in my suite on the floor and on the rug and in the pool, not cleaned despite using the pool morning and afternoon. Food is great but not worth the price tag. St Regis or Four Seasons for half the price is typical of a five star establishment.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Spicers Sangoma Retreat General Manager, General Manager at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Responded 9 Mar 2020
Dear Rudy, First of all, I would just like to thank-you for taking the time to review our retreat and provide us with your honest feedback. For the most part, we are delighted to see that you have enjoyed your stay with us - I will be sure to pass on your lovely comments regarding the team and service that you mentioned offline. I am sorry to hear that your experience didn't exceed your expectations. Feedback is the only way we can improve upon our guest experience, so I appreciate your honesty. I am however disappointed our watertight property management practices waned slightly on this occasion. Summer in Australia and in particular parts of NSW has been wild to say the least. The recent bushfires, followed by a fantastic amount of life giving rain and then high humidity has led to our surrounds brimming with not only bright colours, lushness and wildlife, but an incredible amount of new insect life! We are beyond grateful for mother earth regenerating so quickly but an unfortunate byproduct of such rapid growth is the amount of insects buzzing around. Even though they are completely harmless and a critical part of life in the Australian bush, they can be annoying. We always bend over backwards for our guests so it's a shame we we're not made aware of the extraordinary situation sooner. Regardless, please accept my sincere apologies that we have let you down and that this has dampened your experience with us. Please also feel free to utilise me as your direct point of call for any future reservations you may need - I would love to be able to personalise your next trip and to ensure you experience is nothing but outstanding. Thanks again and please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything further I can assist you with. Warm Regards, Bede and the Spicers Sangoma team
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This is a place like no other, it’s so special from the moment you enter the large gates, you feel like you’ve left the world behind. The team are simply amazing and nothing, absolutely nothing is to much trouble. The rooms, which are all around the grounds, are all different and each has their charm and uniqueness. The food is spectacular too, they really try and source ingredients locally...it’s wonderful. It’s also all inclusive, with a great choice of wine and spirits, even the drinks in your room. There are also a selection of spa treatments available, it’s worth while booking to avoid disappointment.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi MissMotivated! There is a heater in the bedroom area in addition to the fireplace in the living space, so you'll be nice & cosy during your stay. We'll look forward to welcoming you soon!
There are more places to choose from in the Bowen Mountain area.
PRICE RANGE
$1,811 - $2,152 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Sangoma Retreat
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesBlue MountainsBowen Mountain
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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