Schwartz Family Company expands Blue Mountains presence
The Schwartz Family Company has solidified its position in the Blue Mountains region with the acquisition of Leura Gardens Resort for $25 million. This strategic move complements the company’s existing Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and strengthens its partnership with Trilogy Hotels.
As Australia's largest privately-owned hotel group, Schwartz now oversees a network of 15 properties. Leura Gardens Resort, previously owned by the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund, will be managed by Trilogy Hotels, a hospitality venture founded by industry veterans Scott Boyes, Tony Ryan, and Grant Alchin.
Trilogy and Schwartz entered into a management agreement earlier this year, encompassing four properties: Mercure Sydney, Ibis Sydney World Square, Mercure Canberra, and Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. Leura Gardens Resort, renowned for its historic gardens created by Lady Mabel Fairfax and Hector Hood, is the latest addition to this partnership.
Located just minutes from Leura village, the resort offers 92 guest rooms and apartments, along with a range of amenities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, and the Olive Tree Restaurant. The adjacent Leura Golf Course, also owned by Schwartz, provides an additional drawcard.
Leura Gardens Resort's conference and events facilities cater to a diverse clientele, from weddings and corporate retreats to conferences. By combining the resort with Fairmont Resort and Leura Golf Course, Schwartz aims to create a premier destination for leisure and business travellers in the Blue Mountains.
Schwartz Family Company director Dr Jerry Schwartz says the acquisition is “well timed” following the NSW Blues rugby team announcement that it will establish a training base in the Blue Mountains, using the facilities at both the Fairmont and Leura Gardens.
“The Blue Mountains is Sydney’s holiday playground and one of the most popular destinations for weddings, retreats, leisure groups, conferences and events, and by bringing these three venues together, we can offer a complete tourism solution,” Schwartz said.
“Leura Gardens Resort’s 3.5-star accommodation will complement the 4.5-star accommodation at the Fairmont, while we can also offer multiple different venues for functions along with the renowned outdoor activities that the Blue Mountains is famous for.
“While cost-of-living pressures are likely to impact longer and more expensive holidays, short-haul holidays and conferences are likely to be far more resilient.”
Leura is only two hours from the Sydney CBD.
The Schwartz Family Company has a portfolio of 15 hotels comprising a total of 4,300 rooms operated under brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, Rydges, and Hilton.
Jonathan Jackson, 27th August 2024
