Have you noticed how good you feel when you're on holiday? Even a short weekend break leaves you feeling renewed. You go home feeling happy and uplifted as though a weight has been lifted from your mind and body. Even if you did indulge a little – after all, that's what time out is about :)

That's probably due to spending time outdoors going on a bush walk (or window shopping!), stopping to admire the beauty that Nature and the luxury of Time offer you.

Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat sits on a 1600 sqm block with views to the Blue Mountains National Reserve. With a young olive grove recently planted, our "mini vineyard" with different grapes growing plus our fruit and nut trees dotted amongst the gum trees, our focus is on creating a Mediterranean oasis in the heart of Katoomba.

Making it the perfect location for our Italian cooking class experiences.

Run with the help of my sister and my mother, the quintessential Nonna, our classes give an insight into our southern Italian traditions which focus on food and family. My grandparents lived in a small mountainous village in Italy and even though I only got to experience their way of life for a few months as a child, it must have rubbed off on me, along with my father's lifelong connection to the land.

We are replacing the grass with edible ground covers, herbs and flowers which thrill us to see bees coming back. When time permits, we attempt to grow vegetables in beds, framed by fallen tree logs. It's a work in progress that keeps us active and outdoors if a little sore!! Jokes aside, it makes us appreciate our parents' skills and sustainable habits and we love sharing our knowledge.

Our fire pit is a great spot to sit and contemplate, whilst listening to the Kookaburras as the sun sets. During warmer weather, we serve our dessert here at the end of our classes. Seeing our participants swap stories and smile is a great way to spend the day.

Our property also offers self contained accommodation for up to 8 people, yet you don't need to book accommodation to do a cooking class. And you don't need to do a class if you want accommodation. However, you may be interested in a package.

Suitable for small groups and the perfect family accommodation with holiday house essentials and little luxuries – encouraging you to unwind so you focus on time together. It's not too big for couples either. Blue Mountains tourist attractions are all within a 5-10 minute drive and Minni HaHa Falls and Reserve is just down the street.

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