The bohemian Blue Mountains village of Blackheath has welcomedKyah Boutique Hotel, a 1970s era motel that has been reimagined with a 'luxe' touch by Sydney-based design firm, MKD Architects. The hotel will welcome its first guests on Monday (20 December).
Less than two hours drive from Sydney, the 46-room, family-owned hotel sits on two exquisite hideaway acres, embodying everything travellers desire in a modern mountain retreat.
More cutting-edge than kitsch, Kyah Boutique Hotel is what happens when fresh mountain air collides with Palm Springs-inspired design. Think on-trend archways, curves and cutaway interiors; art deco inspired furnishings and an abundance of space, resulting in an elegant (but playful) escape from suburbia.
Indeed, Kyah's understated yet stylish aesthetic is guaranteed to leave any dated day-trip vibes guests might have about the destination for dust. Guest rooms and suites feature a choice of blush and blue-hues or more earthy olive and rust colour palettes. Each room also comes equipped with custom lighting, classic Caesarstone sinks and vanities in the bathroom, plus all the bells and whistles you would expect from a hotel stay.
Embracing the original motel's enduring, functional layout, the revitalised hotel comprises three separate accommodation buildings (each named after one of Katoomba's famed Three Sisters) that flow into a welcoming central lobby and entertainment hub. The highlight of which is Blaq, a restaurant and bar underpinned by sophisticated simplicity, designed to appeal to in-house guests, local diners and curious out-of-town gourmands alike.
Blaq (named for its location - Blackheath) is overseen by Executive Chef Mate Herceg who, by no coincidence, is also the hotel's General Manager. With Kyah Boutique Hotel equally serious about delivering exceptional culinary experiences as it is about hosting enjoyable stays, it is a non-conventional yet forward-thinking approach to boutique hotel management.
A Blue Mountains local for more than eight years with decades of hotel and hospitality experience under his belt (Hydro Majestic Hotel, Lilianfels. Blackheath Bar & Bistro), Herceg focuses on a garden-to-plate philosophy in Blaq's restaurant. He allows the best fare of the Blue Mountains to shine, prioritising hyper-local, seasonal and sustainable produce and producers over a cuisine focus. The menu will constantly evolve, providing Mate and his team the flexibility to support local suppliers with produce overspill as well as snap up whatever is ripe and ready on a weekly or even daily, basis.
The ability to stay nimble when curating a locally-driven menu is key, believes Mate.
The drinks list at Blaq bar also champions local suppliers, from international award-winning Karu Distillery located at the foot of the mountains and the Katoomba-based Blue Mountains Gin and Mountain Culture Beer Co., through to the 100% New South Wales wine selection. Consultant sommelier Andres Aragon (Bert's, Trippas White Group) has curated a list that expresses the beauty, diversity and terroir of the iconic NSW wine sub-regions. His wine menu features new and exciting producers from the state, older vintages from classic NSW regions and where possible, producers that follow organic, biodynamic or sustainable farming practices. The wines sit alongside a collection of locally-infused cocktails such as the Native Negroni (Okar Native Bitter, Blue Mountains Gin, sweet vermouth), G & Tea (Karu Infinity Gin, amethyst tea, butterfly pea, ginger root, dry tonic, citrus aromats, rose petal) as well as the statement Blaq Martini (vodka, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, wattleseed, macadamia sugar).
With a capacity of 170, Blaq presents several seating spaces to suit your mood. Perch at the bar to enjoy a signature cocktail or nab a spot on the outdoor deck to enjoy a cold beer after a day of hiking or exploring. There's multiple fireplaces to keep you cosy in winter plus plenty of banquettes and loose tables to enjoy a long, leisurely meal at.
From an accommodation perspective, Kyah guests can select from a broad range of well-appointed rooms and suites, each with their own separate external entry to bypass the lobby - a clever retained 'motel' era feature that adds a touch of convenience and privacy to any stay.
Travellers can choose from King Suites (which sleep up to three people), Twin Queen Rooms (which sleep up to four), and generous Two-bedroom Suites and Spa Suites (sleeping up to five people). For those travelling with younger children and teens, Kyah has created a selection of thoughtfully configured Family Rooms that include one Queen bed and two single beds. In addition, Kyah offers a one-of-a-kind Family Suite (which is completely accessible) featuring two standalone bedrooms - one with a king bed and the other with bunk beds.
Regardless of your room type, each room comes with complimentary wifi, a smart TV to cast content from your own device, USB charging points and reverse cycle air conditioning for a comfortable stay, no matter what season you visit.
Other hotel amenities include a hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, and bar fridge with ethically sourced bathroom amenities included in all guest bathrooms.
Kyah also serves up a charming, curated mini bar with a selection of alluring local favourites such as premixed Negroni (complete with dehydrated orange slices) by Karu, Herbs of Life Kombucha, craft beer by Katoomba brewery Mountain Culture plus gourmet cookies and treats from popular Blue Mountains bakery, Whisk and Pin.
On check-in, the Kyah team ensures the process is casual and streamlined, prioritising a minimalist, low contact experience via iPads located in reception. There is also ample motel style parking for hotel guests and free parking for visitors dining at Blaq.
General Manager/Executive Chef Mate Herceg says the six-month renovation project has been embraced by locals.
A hotel for all seasons, Kyah offers the best of both worlds - native Blue Mountains bushland at your doorstep as well as the lush green acreage of the property, complete with a 100-year-old cherry blossom tree (one of the Southern Hemisphere's oldest) greeting guests at Blaq.
Located near the highest point of the Blue Mountains between Katoomba and Mount Victoria, Kyah Boutique Hotel is the perfect base to explore the destination's most iconic and spectacular tourist sites and look-outs, enjoy world-class national parks and bushwalking, or seek out the many local artisans, wineries and distillers.
Of course, while the great outdoors and spectacular scenery of the region are a definite drawcard, Kyah offers a range of convenient lifestyle features onsite for those who prefer to stay in, take it slow and cocoon without ever having to venture far from their room.
Hotel facilities include three open fireplaces for the chillier months in Blaq, tennis court and vegetable gardens to explore.
