Blue Mountains News

The naughty Blue Mountains knees-up will feature a dizzying schedule of dancing, sumptuous costumes and decadent dining over three weekends – just like that enjoyed by the well-heeled set of a century ago.

Now owned by Escarpment Group collection of boutique hotels, the Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath was known as Mark Foy’s "Palace in the wilderness", the scene of legendary parties, celebrity performances, exotic food and sumptuous decor.

Foy himself was a renowned Gatsby-esque character. A dashing retail baron, world traveller and sportsman who sold off shares in his self-named department stores to finance building his own personal party palace overlooking the magnificent Megalong Valley, which he also owned.

Refurbished in elegant decadence and relaunched in 2014, Australia’s most famous hotel has reclaimed its place as the grandest of the grand hotels of the Blue Mountains, once more entertaining an endless stream of visitors from around the world.

Escarpment Group guest services manager Meagan Iervasi said: "The Hydro Majestic is synonymous with fabulous fashion, fun and naughtiness (always elegant of course).

"So who knows which mischievous traditions will be revived during three weekends of Oriental and Egyptian-inspired fashion, dramatic decor, vintage cars, heritage trains and jazz music!"

Bookings will open soon for the following Roaring 20s events at the Hydro Majestic Hotel:
 
SATURDAY, February 8

• 11am: Charleston Dance for Charity (gold coin donation to Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service)
• 12pm: Majestic Long Lunch in the Ballroom showcases the best regional food and wine, with an unforgettable vintage fashion parade curated by fashion historian Charlotte Smith. Cost: $95pp.
• 12pm: Alfresco casual dining options including picnic hampers at the Majestic Pavilion and tapas in the Salon du The & Cat’s Alley venues with music and dancing on the pavilion forecourt
• 11am – 3pm: Themed high tea in the Wintergarden Restaurant. Cost: $75pp
• Vintage car tours throughout the day. Cost: $39pp (minimum 2 passengers) for 20-minute tour
• 6pm: Deco Dinner sumptuous 3-course themed dinner in the Wintergarden Restaurant. Cost: $95pp
• 8pm – 10pm: The Roslyns will form part of a 7-piece band performing vintage classics with dancing in the Majestic Ballroom. Tickets: $35pp

SUNDAY, February 9

• 11am – 3pm: Themed high tea in the Wintergarden Restaurant. Cost: $75pp.
• Vintage car tours throughout the day. Cost: $39pp (minimum 2 passengers).

 
SATURDAY, February 22 & SUNDAY, February 23

• Hydro Express vintage train from Central in time for high tea at the Hydro. Cost: from $130pp.

 
SATURDAY, February 29

• 8pm: Gatsby Casino Fundraising Night in the Majestic Ballroom. Cost: $50pp includes glass of sparkling cocktail on arrival and 10 playing tokens (further tokens are available for purchase at the venue). All proceeds of entry tickets will go to Blue Mountains Rotary.