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Christmas comes twice a year in the Blue Mountains

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If you love Christmas then you’re going to adore the Blue Mountains in winter, writes Marc Llewellyn.

In June, July and August, when the sun sets early and a crisp snap in the air, the Australian winter is livened up with the twinkling of fairy lights and log fires blazing in many of the region’s spa retreats and mountain guesthouses.

During Yulefest, as its known, revellers enjoy mulled wine and egg nog by the gallon, pull Christmas crackers and wear silly hats, eat turkey, ham, plum pudding and mince pies till they almost burst. They sit on Santa's knee and sing carols round the fire.

Spa lovers flock to the mountains at this time of year too, and the region’s day spas do a brisk trade in Yulefest pampering. After all, there’s nothing better than getting a good rub down with warming oils when it’s cold outside.

The idea for a mid-year winter celebration came about 30 years ago, when a small group of Irishmen headed for The Blue Mountains in search of the winter climate they were accustomed to back in Ireland.

As they relaxed in front of a log fire at the Mountain Heritage, a multi-award-winning historic hotel and spa retreat, they glanced out through the frosted window panes and saw snowflakes dancing on the wind. Their thoughts turned to home.

Overhearing their Christmas reminiscences, Garry Crockett, the owner of Mountain Heritage, offered to re-create a similar festive atmosphere at the hotel. Preparations for the great feast were in full swing, with the hanging of decorations throughout the hotel. A Christmas tree was found and trimmed. A traditional Christmas feast with all the trimmings was prepared. Thus it came to pass,  ‘Christmas in July’ was born on a cold wintry night at the Mountain Heritage.

Today the tradition has become known as ‘Yulefest’.

The Mountain Heritage is the perfect place to stay during the season, and the associated Spa Sublime is one of the best in the Blue Mountains.

Christmas packages at the Mountain Heritage include a six course sumptuous dinner with an after dinner glass of port. A cabaret show, a visit from Santa, caroling around open fireplaces, and an atmosphere of Christmas that December really can’t match. Perhaps even a hint of snow on a cold winters night. Just think, a Christmas celebration without the stress.

Another warm and welcoming option is the Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge & The Blue Mountains Wellness Retreat. This lodge is a Featured Spa on Day Spa Guide. Another special place is the historic Carrington Hotel, home to the lovely Yindi Day Spa. Then there’s the luxurious Lilianfels Resort & Spa, and the fabulous Echoes Boutique Hotel & Spa, plus a whole range of other spas to indulge in.

Ho, ho, ho.