Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is doubling its Australian portfolio through a new strategic partnership with Salter Brothers Hospitality, bringing five distinctive luxury properties, including two newly-restored heritage hotels, to its global collection in 2026.
The partnership includes the newly rebranded Ardour Milton Park Bowral and Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, both recently transformed through multi-million-dollar restorations, alongside Spicers Potts Point, Spicers Balfour Brisbane and Spicers Peak Lodge. Together, the five properties will debut on SLH’s global distribution channels, introducing these distinctive Australian luxury experiences to a wider international audience.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral, originally built in 1910 as a grand country estate for the famed Hordern family, opened in February 2026 following a AUD 10 million redesign masterfully directed by Sydney’s MAC Design Studio. The property now offers a refined 44-key retreat featuring a new dining concept, curated wellness experiences and Eliva Bowral, a destination day spa designed to celebrate restoration and wellbeing amidst one of Australia’s most picturesque regional settings.
Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains re-branded on 23 June following a significant multi-million dollar restoration, ushering in a new chapter for one of Australia’s most celebrated heritage hotels. Originally built in 1889 as the private summer residence of NSW Chief Justice Sir Frederick Darley, the grand estate has welcomed generations of travellers seeking respite in the Blue Mountains. Today, the 89 room retreat pairs its rich history with thoughtfully reimagined interiors by acclaimed design studio Luchetti Krelle, drawing inspiration from the romance of grand English garden estates while preserving the timeless character that has defined Lilianfels for more than a century.
“Australia has remained one of the most important source markets globally for independent luxury travel, and we are delighted to welcome Salter Brothers Hospitality to the SLH community as we continue to expand our presence across the region,” said Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, SLH.
“Each Ardour and Spicers property has its own distinct identity, reflecting the diversity, connection to place, and commitment to exceptional, authentic hospitality that align with the SLH brand. We look forward to introducing these independently spirited hotels to our global community of discerning travellers.”
Three Spicers Retreats will also join the SLH collection. In Sydney, Spicers Potts Point offers an intimate 20 room retreat within three meticulously restored Victorian terraces in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Spicers Balfour Brisbane brings its celebrated blend of heritage charm and contemporary luxury in Brisbane, occupying a beautifully restored Queenslander overlooking the Story Bridge. Completing the additions is Spicers Peak Lodge, an award-winning all-inclusive mountain retreat in the Scenic Rim, where just 12 suites offer an immersive luxury escape surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness.
“Joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World with these five hotels feels like a very natural step for us. We’ve always believed in creating hotels defined by people, place and experience, and SLH reflects that same philosophy by bringing together a community of hotels with real character. We’re honoured to have been welcomed into such a considered collection,” said Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality.
“What excites us most is the opportunity to share our distinctly Australian properties with a global network of travellers. It allows us to introduce the diversity of our portfolio and beauty of the regions to those seeking luxury with personality and a strong sense of place.”
The addition of Ardour Hotels and Spicers Retreats further strengthens SLH’s growing Australian presence, which spans some of the most sought-after destinations across the country, including Chalets at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, Le Mas Barossa in South Australia’s renowned wine region, Smiths Beach Resort in Margaret River, Islington Hotel in Hobart, and recent additions Lon Retreat and Levantine Hill Hotel in Victoria. Together, these independently spirited properties reflect the diversity and depth of Australia’s luxury hospitality landscape while offering travellers meaningful experiences shaped by place and character.
