New look and new name for historic hotel

An historic country house hotel in the NSW Southern Highlands is to get a multi-million dollar makeover and a re-branding.

Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa at Bowral will become the first property to open in the Ardour Hotels & Estates collection, Salter Brothers Hospitality announced today.

Milton House will be the inaugural flagship property under new-to-market hotel brand Ardour Hotels & Estates after a $10+ million transformation.

Ardour Hotels & Estates is set to become "a portfolio of immersive luxury retreats".

Originally established in 1910 as a grand country residence, Milton Park has long held its place as a Southern Highlands icon. The estate’s refurb will draw inspiration from the country manors of Europe, but with a modern sensibility.

Milton Park’s signature offerings will evolve with the introduction of a​​ new dining concept, day spa and wellness program yet to be revealed.

Ardour Milton Park Bowral will re-open with 44 guest rooms and an interior transformation designed in two distinct palettes - one in sage greens and the other in cobalt blues.

There will be bespoke wool carpets, marble and walnut finishes, brushed brass accents, and custom-curated minibars. A mural feature wall in every room will pay homage to the estate’s famed weeping beech tree.

Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, describes the transformation as a statement of intent for what regional luxury in Australia should be.

“Milton Park has always held a special place in the hearts of so many," she said.

"With the Ardour brand, we’re creating something that’s not just luxurious, but deeply meaningful – a place people will come back to year after year. This is a destination where time slows down, and the extraordinary becomes part of the everyday.

“Ardour Milton Park Bowral is not just a new chapter for this estate -it’s a defining moment for regional hospitality.”

General manager David McDonald, who is overseeing the property transformation, said the re-branding will set the benchmark for regional boutique hotels.

“With a commitment to redefining Australian luxury, we’re excited to be transforming Milton Park into 
a destination that blends its rich history with modern elegance to deliver an unforgettable guest experience,” McDonald said.

With works currently underway, the official opening of Ardour Milton Park Bowral is anticipated in early 2026.

Salter Brothers operates and manages a portfolio of exceptional, luxury hospitality brands across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, including Spicers Retreats and the Bannisters Group.

See https://ardourhotelsandestates.com/

New festival sets itself some lofty goals

A new festival in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales has set itself some rather lofty goals - with the confident announcement that The Horizontal Festival is set to "transform Australia's festival landscape".

The new festival, which will debut at Centennial Vineyards on October 4-5 is, apparently "positioned to become a major annual highlight on the state’s cultural calendar".

Big boasts. And the press release carries on in similar vein.

"Horizontal Festival is not just another food and wine event. It is an immersive journey, placing the customer experience at its heart by blending the best of NSW’s food, wine, music, and art in creatively curated spaces."

Sounds huge. But what makes it different?

"Festival-goers will enjoy varietal-led wine tastings, exceptional local cuisine, live music performances and art installations - all designed to foster meaningful connections between producers, visitors and industry."

To be honest, it doesn't sound drastically different to plenty of other festivals.

On we go.

"Horizontal Festival reimagines the festival experience by seamlessly merging the energy of a music concert with the discovery and charm of agri-tourism.

"Throughout the festival, guests will enjoy live performances and curated music in every zone, alongside captivating art installations, interactive workshops, and demonstrations by sommeliers, chefs, and artisans - creating a truly immersive, multi-sensory festival experience that invites exploration and engagement at every turn."

Hmm.

Festival creator and founder Amanda Fry, who I have known for some time, says: “Events have evolved beyond what’s on stage or on the plate - people are craving unforgettable, immersive experiences that engage all the senses.

"I designed Horizontal Festival to put the guest at the heart of the action from the moment they enter the event. Every space offers a multi-facetted experience because I want people to walk away having been part of something fresh, new and exciting.

“By blending the very best of NSW’s food, music, wine, and art in creatively curated spaces, we’re setting a new standard for what a festival can be. A festival that truly puts the customer experience first.

“Across all the events I curate, supporting local businesses and artisans is at the centre of everything we do. So Horizontal Festival is a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship found right here in the Southern Highlands and across New South Wales.

"We want every guest to walk away feeling inspired, engaged, and part of a vibrant community and planning their next trip to meet the makers in their home towns.

“We’re thrilled that Destination NSW is investing in a regional event of this scale. Their support is instrumental in helping us shine a spotlight on the beauty and potential of the Southern Highlands as a backdrop to celebrating all the NSW makers, creators and growers can offer.”

At the heart of the Horizontal Festival experience are a series of distinct, immersive zones - each "thoughtfully curated" to transport guests on a journey of taste, sound, and discovery.

The organisers are certainly setting themselves a very high bar. And giving potential attendees high expectations.

Check out festival information, program highlights, ticket sales, and updates at www.horizontalfestival.com.au.

All change at landmark Bowral hotel

All change at The Gibraltar Hotel in Bowral, a New South Wales Southern Highlands landmark over the past decade.

As of this week the hotel is being operated by StayWell Holdings and has been re-launched as the Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral.

It is only the second hotel globally for the new brand, with the first - Park Proxi El Hayat Sharm in Egypt - signed last year.

The rebadged Park Proxi will feature a resort-style 18-hole golf resort course, gymnasium, and heated internal swimming pool along with 77 rooms and suites.

Food and beverage options include Harvey's Bar and Observatory Restaurant, which will showcase local produce from Southern Highlands farms.

There are also several conference and events spaces and the hotel has been a popular wedding venue.

The hotel rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Gibraltar and have continental king and queen beds, large bathrooms, some with a walk-in shower, climate control and Nespresso coffee-making facilities.



Simon Wan, president of the Park Proxi parent company, StayWell Holdings, said: “We could not be more excited about the launch of Australia's first Park Proxi hotel in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

"Our model welcomes collaboration with hoteliers to take advantage of the best that each location has to offer, based on the understanding that no-one knows an area quite like a local.

"We are thrilled to continue the legacy of the Gibraltar Hotel into its new era, whilst ensuring its ties to the Southern Highlands' community remain stronger than ever.”

Bowral is midway between Sydney and Canberra. 

For more information see https://www.staywellgroup.com/ or http://www.parkproxibowral.com

StayWell Holdings, and its parent company Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide has a network of 121 open and under-development hotels worldwide under brands including The Prince Akatoki, The Prince, Grand Prince Hotel, Park Regis by Prince, Park Regis, Policy, Park Proxi, Prince Hotel, Prince Smart Inn, and Leisure Inn.

Head to the Highlands for a gourmet experience

The Southern Highlands Food & Wine Festival is back in 2022 in one of the most beautiful regions of Australia with organisers are promising the event will be "bigger and better than ever".

There is a new new venue - in Moss Vale - and a new look with visitors being promised an array of local vendors including restaurants, winemakers, distillers, and brewers, as well as food stalls and a farmers' market growers area⁠.

There will also be cooking masterclasses and a VIP tent for those with cash to splash. 

To be held at the Moss Vale Showground on February 26-27, the event will also feature live music and space for children to enjoy while their adults do some tastings from producers like Centennial Vineyards, Tertini and Joadja Distillery.

VIP tickets include private parking, a glass of bubbles on arrival, plus a take home gift that includes a box of Riedel wine glasses and a $100 gift voucher for Langton’s 

There will also be opportunities to pay for exclusive tastings of Château d’Yquem and poulet de Bresse. 

Cooking classes will feature chefs including Colin Fassnidge and Alex Pritchard. 

For more information on who’s on when and for tickets see Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival. 

Silver ticket: $20 including a wine tasting and Olsson’s salted popcorn bag; 
Platinum ticket: $50 including a wine tasting and a cheese plate

VIP ticket: $150. 

Join the club: a whole new experience in the Southern Highlands

The heritage village of Berrima was recently named Top Tourism Town in New South Wales. 

Adding to the Southern Highland's hamlets attractions is Berrima Vault House - originally hand built by convicts in 1844 and now a recently opened five-star hospitality venue and private members club. 

Si Philby, Berrima Vault House's Founder and CEO, said: “When I first saw this building it was clear there was a special canvas to work with. The property has a series of spaces - including unseen rooms that have stood the test of time - with unbelievable history. 

"The original jail cells with their stone walls built by convicts are now private dining rooms, for example. We have curated a specific team with local expertise and world-class credentials, to bring the building back to life for the 21st century to continue to tell the story of the building but in a modern way.

“One of the silver linings to come out of the global pandemic is people have realised they don't need to live in the city or if they're living in the Highlands, commute as much – or at all - anymore. They're also a bit tired of working from home so are looking for somewhere they can hold business meetings, take business calls, have great wifi with high-level data security, print, scan, whatever they need to work…but they also want to relax and socialise.”

Berrima Vault House includes a number of public and private areas, including Taylor's Inn Cafe, 'The Dining Room' restaurant, The Snuggery, The Fireplace Lounge, private dining jail cells known as King George's Cell and Queen Victoria's Cell, The Village Shop, Hank & Molly's Bar, The Vinery, and The Rose Garden, giving guests plenty of places to retreat and relax. 

Guests will also discover a three-bedroom boutique accommodation offering, known as 'The Courthope Residence', where a stay includes complimentary access to all membership facilities. A concierge is also on hand to offer anything guests might need – but without the old-fashioned formality and stuffiness members clubs are all too often known for.

“Berrima Vault House is a place which doesn't quite feel like anywhere else," said advisor Dan Flower. "It's a place to call home, and that's how we want guests and members to treat the House – we won't tell you to take your feet off the couch – not literally of course."

Executive chef Tommy Prosser is leading the gastropub-style Taylor's Inn Café and The Dining Room, where local produce and ingredients are showcased. 

Pairing with the food is a substantial wine list by local sommelier Linda Lambrechts. 

Southern Highlands wineries such as Artemis, Bendooley Estate and Cherry Tree Hill feature on the list, along with organic and biodynamic wines. 

Memberships at Berrima Vault House start from $2,400. Applications are open now, with enquiries to be sent to concierge@berrimavaulthouse. 

Stays at Berrima Vault House's 'The Courthope Residence', start from $1,200 midweek and $1,600 on weekends (minimum two-night stay).

See www.berrimavaulthouse.com/