ExpressO - Orient-Express

Lilianfels Avenue, Echo Point, Katoomba NSW 2780
Telephone 61 2 4780 1200 Facsimile 61 2 4780 1364
Toll Free 1800 024 452
Email reservations@lilianfels.com.au
Book online at www.orient-express.com
Both The Observatory and Lilianfels were
recognised at the recent 2004 HM Awards for
Hotel & Accommodation Excellence, held at the
Art Gallery of New South Wales in April.
A number of our staff were also recognised for
their service excellence.
The Observatory Hotel was awarded:
– Best Overall Accommodation Property in Australia
– Best Accommodation 5 Star
Lilianfels was awarded:
– Best Regional Property
– Best Boutique Hotel
The Observatory Hotel 89–113 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone 61 2 9256 2222 Facsimile 61 2 9256 2233
Toll Free 1800 806 245
Email email@observatoryhotel.com.au
Book online at www.orient-express.com
ExpressO
OBSERVATORY HOTEL AND LILIANFELS BLUE MOUNTAINS RESORT & SPA
AUTUMN / WINTER NEWSLETTER 2004

Welcome
to our 2004
Express-O
Patrick L. Griffin
Regional Managing Director
Orient-Express Hotels Australia
Recently Robyn Pontynen and I
travelled to Europe and America
as part of an Orient-Express Hotel
Showcase and were delighted to
find Australia is an increasingly
sought after luxury destination.
This sentiment was reinforced by the
Observatory’s recognition as ‘Australia’s
Leading Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards
in New York. With independent judges from
over 200 countries, winning once makes
us happy, but being awarded for the fourth
time in a row has us positively beaming.
Lilianfels was also nominated as a finalist
– another great achievement. Other
Orient-Express Hotels awarded as leaders
in their regions include Italy’s Hotel Cipriani;
South Africa’s Mount Nelson Hotel, South
America’s The Copacabana Palace and
Tahiti’s Bora Bora Lagoon Resort.
Such high standards couldn’t be achieved
without the dedication of our ever-growing
family of skilled staff. It’s our pleasure
to introduce some new arrivals: Hugh
Whitehouse, Lilianfels’ new Executive Chef,
spent four years at Milson’s in Kirribilli
where he received a prestigious Sydney
Morning Herald ‘Chef’s Hat’. We look
forward to his culinary vision. At the
Observatory Hotel’s Galileo restaurant,
Executive Chef Harunobu Inukai recently
welcomed Maitre’d Grant Burtershaw and
Sommelier extraordinaire Nicolas Cleradin.
Their efforts have already attracted the
attention of Australian Gourmet Traveller,
who described the dining experience
as “intriguing, inventive and exciting”.
Not least is Day Spa Director, Michael
Andrews, whose innovative relaxation
techniques ensure guests always leave in a
blissful state.
Over the coming months at The Observatory
Hotel Spa, you’ll notice continuous
improvements – including extended
treatment hours (8am-8pm daily) and a new
mural of Bondi Beach commissioned by
designers, Flourish and Baird. Lilianfels, has
also seen some changes: complementing
the new world class spa facilities is the
refurbishment of historic Darley’s restaurant,
including the addition of an enclosed
balcony for extended outdoor dining during
the cooler months.
ExpressO
With a seasonal chill invigorating the
morning air, it’s an ideal time to join in on
the Blue Mountains Winter celebrations, or
simply pamper yourself for no reason at all.

Winter
Treats
Winter Gourmet Getaway
Embrace the change of season with a
romantic Winter getaway at Lilianfels Blue
Mountains Resort & Spa. Watch the Autumn
leaves fall as you enjoy the delights of
a sumptuous mountain breakfast. As our
valued guest you’re offered exclusive
access to our newly refurbished Spa and
Health Club and, of course, complimentary
valet parking.
Winter On The Rocks
Never before has a city retreat been so
relaxing. From the moment you arrive at
The Observatory Hotel until the moment you
check out, it’s all about unwinding. Simply
pass your car keys to the valet, take in the
world class surrounds with a walk around
Observatory Hill to watch the spinnakers
unfurl in the harbour, or visit the hotel’s
exclusive Day Spa. Enjoy a sumptuous full
breakfast in the opulence of your own room
or, for a taste of European elegance,
in Galileo.
This special offer from $510 per night
includes complimentry cocktails for two
and a lavish three course dinner for two
in Darley’s.
For more details phone 02 4780 1200
Who’d want to
stay for
less?
We have a special Winter offer that’s
sure to put a smile on your face from
just $385 per room per night, including a
Demi bottle of French red wine.
(Valid 1 May – 30 September)
For more details phone 02 9256 2226
It’s all
about
unwinding...
Hugh Whitehouse is the new
Executive Chef at award winning
Darley’s at Lilianfels. Hugh joins
Darley’s from Milsons Restaurant,
Kirribilli, where he was awarded
a Sydney Morning Herald ‘Chef’s
Hat’ for fi ve consecutive years,
from 2000.
Hugh’s passionate and professional
approach to food is evident in his beautifully
balanced and fi nely crafted cuisine.
Highlights include dishes such as Rare
Roasted Duck Breast on a Press Duck
Confi t with Red Persian Lentils and Figs.
Using the best local ingredients, Hugh
creates beautifully presented cuisine with
sophisticated style and fl avour. Combined
with the newly refurbished, elegant
surrounds of Darley’s it’s a sure recipe for
an evening to remember.
Hungry
for
Hugh

Relax
Brand
new way
to
relax
Lilianfels has always been a must-visit Blue
Mountains destination, and with the recent
expansion of the Health Club, it now boasts
one of the most exclusive spas in Australia.
With the new facilities comes a range of
Aromatherapy based spa products, Elemis, to
complement the existing Li’Tya range (based
on ancient Aboriginal spirituality and healing
traditions). Elemis is environmentally sensitive
as well as naturally luxurious: no rainforest
products are used and the range is not tested
on animals. This is particularly important to us,
given Lilianfels’ unique location in the World
Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
With so much to see and do in the region,
a little local knowledge goes a long way.
Complete your ultimate retreat by combining
treatments with daily guided bushwalks,
bike riding, tennis or golf to make the most of
your stay. For the many guests who can’t get
enough of the invigorating mountain air we’re
happy to tailor memberships to the Spa and
Health Club.
Use the aqua facilities for six months from
$450 per person or treat yourself to a full
membership from $1,400 per person.
Rejuvenation Retreat Package
To celebrate Lilianfels’ newly revamped
Spa, we’re offering a sublime rejuvenation
package that’s sure to reinvigorate the
mind, body and soul.
Stay in one of Lilianfels exquisitely
decorated rooms or suites, work out in the
gymnasium or relax in the sauna, steam
room and spa bath, then top it off with an
exfoliating red wine bath and twin hourlong
massages.
From a very affordable $550 per night
(2 night minimum on Friday and Saturday)
your visit also includes valet parking.
For more details phone 02 4780 1200
Fresh
menu at
Galileo
Committed to using only the freshest available
ingredients, The Observatory Hotel‘s Galileo
Restaurant is changing its menu to refl ect the
shifting seasons. Standouts are the entrée of
Pressed Duck – duck confi t, duck breast and
foie gras with savoy cabbage honey dressing,
and main of roasted John Dory – with artichoke,
celeriac and tomato confi t eggplant purée.
To really experience the sensations that our own
celebrity chef Haru can prepare (look out for him
on Channel 9’s ‘Fresh’ program) indulge in
the ‘To-Dine-For’ package.
To-Dine-For Package
Tempt your taste buds with this culinary sensation:
stay overnight in a lavish room, meet in the bar for two
complimentary cocktails, followed by a sumptuous ten
course dinner for two at Galileo. Awake to a morning
swim at the Day Spa then read the paper over a
leisurely breakfast. Available until 27 December,
from $600 per night.
For more details
phone 02 9256 2226

other’s others other
Day
MAKE
MOTHER’S DAY
SPECIAL
Mothers deserve to be spoilt and what better way to make
May 9 a special day than to treat her to lunch at Galileo or
Darley’s – perhaps followed by an hour or two of pampering
at either of our world class spas.
Luncheon at Galileo
Greeted with a glass of complimentary
French Champagne, we’ll help make
your mother feel special with the gentle
ambience of a classical harpist, a threecourse
lunch and a special gift. There’s
also a prize draw for one lucky mum.
For $80 per person, the whole family
is welcome, with children only
$50 per child.
For bookings phone 02 9256 2222
Luncheon at Darley’s
On the enclosed balcony of Darley’s at
Lilianfels, mum can enjoy a spectacular
view as she sips on a welcome glass of
Champagne. Enjoy a delicious lunch of
three expertly prepared courses for
$79 and our own Mother’s Day gift.
For bookings phone 02 4780 1200

Our 2004 calendar of dining
events at The Observatory
Hotel are not to be missed.
They provide diners with
opportunities as diverse as
winning a premium quality
diamond to our iconic
Melbourne Cup lunch. Pencil
in these dates...
For enquiries or to make your reservation
call the Observatory 02 9256 2222
Secretary’s Month Lunch
May
Join us all month in our Globe Bar to
celebrate secretaries – Globe style.
For just $28.50 per person you’ll receive a
delicious lunch with a quality glass of wine.
Surprise Celebrity Chef Dinner
Mid June
Following on from the success of the Ainsley
Harriott Dinner last year, as part of the
Good Food and Wine Show, we would like
to invite you to join us in June for our
2004 Surprise Celebrity Chef Dinner.
Enjoy a welcome glass of Champagne and
three-course dinner, including wine for
$170 per person.
State Dinner
September 23
After a welcome glass of Champagne,
guests will be treated to a sumptuous fi vecourse
dinner in Galileo that showcases
the best produce and character of each of
Australia’s fi ve States. Priced at $150 per
person our expert Sommelier is also happy
to match the best wines from each State to
your meal for an additional $50 per person.
Pure indulgence.
Diamond Dine
October 1 – 31
Diamonds are extra friendly to girls in
October. Every woman who dines at Galileo
during October has the opportunity to win
a sparkling premium quality diamond to
take home.
Melbourne Cup Lunch
November 2 (noon – 4 pm)
You’ll feel like a winner when you’re
greeted with a glass of French Champagne
and treated to a specially prepared threecourse
lunch at award winning Galileo.
Be a part of race day festivities with prizes
for Best Dressed, Best Hat, Lucky Draw and
Cup Sweep. At $88 per person it’s a sure
bet for a fun afternoon.
Observatory Calendar

Personal Shopper
For the best boutiques that aren’t yet on the
radar, we can provide you with a personal
shopper who’ll take you to the best kept
shopping secrets in town. Save on legwork
and make a dramatic entrance to boot
in a luxury car.
For more information call concierge
on 02 9256 2222.
Happy 40th Patrick
40 years is a long time to be committed to
any career, so it was with much pleasure
that the Tourism Task Force of Australia
recognised our Regional Managing Director,
Patrick Griffi n for his four decades service to
the industry. Garnering many awards over
the course of his career, Patrick’s passion is
legendary and has helped Orient-Express
achieve the high standards it is known for.
News
Observatory Leads In
Wireless World
When travelling on business, the quicker
you work, the more you can relax. The
Observatory Hotel is leading the way in
Australia with state-of-the-art wireless
roaming services.
Available in-room is high-speed broad band
internet access and fully trained staff are on
hand to answer any questions.
The foyer, conference rooms and even the
Globe Bar and Bistro are also internet
equipped with the added convenience of
wireless roaming, so you can sip a cocktail
while you work. Simply bring your laptop
and our friendly staff will help you do the rest,
providing security access codes and wireless
cards as required.
With technology working faster for you, you’ll
have more time to enjoy the other leisure
activities on offer – relax in the Spa perhaps.
Jamie’s Kitchen Inspires
Fresh Start
Joining forces with top industry
organisations – Australian Hoteliers
Association and Hostec – The Observatory
Hotel and non-profi t organisation Youth
Matters have created a unique program to
train youth at risk. Aptly named ‘Recipe for
Success’ this pilot program has been an
inspiration for disadvantaged youth seeking
the skills and confi dence to get into the
workforce.
Perry and Attenbrough
Among Friends
Friends star Matthew Perry found himself
a new home away from home when he
based himself at the The Observatory Hotel
while auditioning for a fi lm role in Sydney.
He enjoyed the generous hospitality and
entertained friends of his own in Galileo.
Good company abounds with worldrenowned
documentary maker, Sir David
Attenbrough and actor Geoffrey Rush also
fi nding the charm and sophistication of
The Observatory world-class.
Forget ‘Ruff-ing’ It
In the lap of luxury your favourite dog,
cat or feathered friend is promised star
treatment at both Lilianfels and The
Observatory. Dogs receive a bed of their
own and a special chewy treat while
friends of the feline variety get their very
own pet menu and water bowl.
Better still, straight off the Milan catwalk,
and perfect for winter strolls in the Blue
Mountains, are Lilianfels tailor-made
News
Drizabone coats. Even if it paws your
Imparted are tangible skills in hospitality
four-legged four-legged friends are sure to stay warm.
that instil a sense sense of pride. We’re We’re proud to
announce six trainees graduated this year
from the program, celebrating in style
at a morning tea presentation at the hotel.
Two will be provided with permanent
employment at the hotel.

Mount Nelson Hotel
After experiencing the luxury of Lilianfels
and the Observatory, many guests are
seeking the same standards of comfort and
service on their international adventures.
For a unique experience, South Africa is our
pick, with it’s wildlife safaris and spectacular
scenery surrounding the Mount Nelson Hotel
in Capetown.
Call of
the wild
Nestled in the shadow of dramatic Table
Mountain, it offers British colonial charm
and unspoilt luxury. Enjoy a safari day trip
then relax in the Cape Colony Restaurant
listening to live contemporary jazz, any
night of the week. Alternatively, surround
yourself with restaurants, elegant boutiques
and world-class shopping centres at the
Westcliff in Johannesburg.
If you can hear the wild calling you, visit
www.orient-express.com or call the Mount
Nelson Hotel on 0011 27 21 483 1000 or
The Westcliff on 0011 27 11 646 2400 for
further details.
The Westcliff
Au Revoir