We live in a special place, richly-deserving World Heritage status. At Cloudlands we see it as a moral imperative to promote and live by sustainable principles, so that future generations may also enjoy this majestic setting – and our beautiful planet may simply survive. With this “caretaking” role in mind, the following BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES IN SUSTAINABLE LIVING have been adopted:-

1. Minimal use of plastics and disposables. For example, you will notice all receptacles are paper-lined, rather than lined with plastic bags. Where any plastic containers are used (i.e. in some toiletries) they are recycled plastic to the best of our knowledge.

2. Cleaning is done using natural, environmentally-friendly cleansers with citrus cleaner and vinegar and water our favourites!

3. We believe in supporting local small businesses. Products to make your stay more luxurious and comfortable are purchased locally wherever possible from businesses/companies committed to using top-quality, natural ingredients with minimal packaging. It also goes without saying that the beautiful, natural toiletries provided are not tested on animals! The breads supplied come from local organic sourdough bakeries and the eggs are always free-range.

4. Luxurious alpaca wool quilts (Australian grown/made, of course!) grace your beds. These have been purposefully selected because alpacas are soft-footed animals - and they don’t eat into the crown of plants. In our ancient land with fragile soils, introduced hard-footed animals have caused considerable damage to our soils and vegetation. Alpaca wool was known by the Incas as the Fibre of the Gods, because of the unique properties of softness, lightness and insulation.

5. Breakfast provisions left for guests are locally-made in the Blue Mountains ad mostly organic, thereby reducing food miles and supporting the local economy. We are also proud supporters of Slow Food.

6. We support other forms of artisanal food production: The delicious handmade chocolates left for our guests are made by the Mountains’ iconic Paragon Restaurant and still in the original box design from 1916.

7. Pampering , natural toiletries in the Retreat are handmade and locally-made.

8. Energy-efficient light bulbs are used extensively throughout the Retreat.

9. For the water-conscious, 4 minute hower timers are available for use and the energy-efficient hot water system enables guests to programme the water temperature without the need for adding cold water.

10. We have started introducing self-powered battery-free lifestyle accessories, including a torch which can also charge mobile phones.

11. State-of-the-art Bokashi internal composting unit is in the Retreat’s kitchen for guests to use. As we are organic gardeners, this compost is then placed in our gardens.

12. Ethical and Fair Trade coffees are provided for guests to make delicious, enjoyable plunger coffee during their stay.

13. Clouldlands proudly supports Help In Suffering, an Indian animal charity fundraising to establish an ELEPHANT HOMELAND in India for her elephants, losing their habitat due to increasing urbanization.

14. Cloudlands is in a central yet private location right on the escarpment, giving easy access to both Katoomba and Leura village centres and walking distance from major attractions! There is no need to bring a car! We are located near both the Trolley Bus and Explorer Bus pick-up points for guests who wish to go further afield.

15. At Cloudlands we have a “repair rather than replace” philosophy with our furniture and fittings, which have been sourced from local small busineses as far as possible. We are very proud of the high standard we offer, while adhering to this for the sake of our planet. When linen, blankets and other items have reached the end of their lifecycle, they are donated to charity.

16. We are members of RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL and the GOOD TRAVEL COMPANY and have successfully-participated in the BLUE MOUNTAINS BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAMME, which assesses the sustainability credentials of small businesses.

17. Australian wildflowers are featured throughout the retreat, being themed in the bedrooms, artwork and hand-blocked waratah frieze in the kitchen and dining room. Many of our books are by Australian writers. Artwork found in the lodge is by local artists.

18. Owners are actively-involved in a number of community organizations and projects, including encouraging more public art in our region and developing sustainable principles throughout the Blue Mountains.

19. A gift table in the Retreat contains local products and some eco-friendly items guests are welcome to purchase.