Category Archives: Lifestyle

Things to do in Sydney

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It felt like a dream arriving by train into the Emerald city of Sydney. This iconic Australian destination has the perfect balance of city excitement and beach bliss and I couldn’t wait to explore. Thanks to the sunny climate it is easy to discover the neighbourhoods on foot, finding your own hidden gems as you tick off the essential sights.

 old clare hotel

To Stay

Shangri-La Sydney – a brilliant option for short stays in Sydney, this luxurious hotel is located in the historic Rocks district. Marvel at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from your bedroom window.

Old Clare Hotel – this new boutique hotel is found in the hip and gritty Chippendale area on the redeveloped Kensington Street precinct. The design is effortlessly cool, with 62 bedrooms, three destination restaurants, a bar and a rooftop pool.

bennelong

To Eat

Master – One of the hottest openings of 2015, this Surry Hills eatery is run by John Javier (former intern at Noma). He creates modern Chinese dishes with flair and finesse. Try the jowl peking pork with pancakes and cucumber, and order a side of special cabbage with fish butter.

Reuben Hills – a hip brunch spot in the trendy Surry Hills area serving delicious coffee and tasty South American recipes.

10 Williams Street – this cute wine bar is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a glass of organic, orange Australian wine. If you are hungry the succinct menu offers a range of tempting Italian dishes and nibbles.

Cho Cho San – a chic and minimalist modern Japanese restaurant with delicious small plates and inventive cocktails. I loved the addictive chicken karaage and the refreshing lychee & pineapple slushie.

Ester – A creative contemporary restaurant in a dressed-down industrial space. Much of the menu is cooked in the wood-fired oven and features some quirky clever recipes by chef Mat Lindsay. The roast duck with burnt honey sauce is a must.

Acme – The name comes from the initials of the four friends who opened up this fantastic little restaurant. Reasonably priced with a great vibe, it was one of my favourite restaurants in Australia. Don’t miss the pig’s head and egg yolk macaroni and the coconut rice cream with white chocolate for dessert.

Edition – There is always a queue for brunch at this Nordic – Japanese fusion café. Enjoy their premium artisanal coffee and the matcha hot cakes with mascarpone and passionfruit.

Farmhouse – It’s almost impossible to get a space at this rustic communal dining experience. With just 20 seats, the intimate restaurant is always full. Try to book in advance for Sunday lunch and let the knowledgeable team feed your stomach and soul with delicious homely fare.

Bourke Street Bakery – this neighbourhood bakery first opened in 2004 and has since expanded all over the city. The unique ginger crème brûlée tart is unmissable.

To Drink

Artificer Speciality Coffee – my favourite coffee stop in Sydney was this minimalist café on Bourke Street. Opened by two talented baristas, the coffee is rich and creamy and the space is Japanese inspired.

Paramount Coffee Project – this joint is serious about good coffee. Located in the foyer of Paramount House, a lovely art deco building… swing by for a delicious American brunch and cup of fine coffee.

Mecca Alexandria – Mecca Coffee started in the centre of town and quickly developed a loyal following. The new branch in Alexandria opened in a former warehouse, and the industrial space has been given a makeover by Smith & Carmody. The coffee is delicious and the menu offers some tempting treats too.

Bulletin Place – this tiny bar is highly regarded on the Sydney cocktail scene. The service is very personal and the drinks are unpretentious but brilliantly creative. We tasted a couple of their seasonal cocktails: the Cherry Navy and the Banana Prescription.

Opera Bar – Sitting in this al fresco bar beneath the iconic opera house is one of the best things to do in the Sydney sunshine.

Baxter Inn – this prohibition whisky bar is almost impossible to find, but it is worth the hunt. Sit at the bar and order an old fashioned (which they have on tap) or a speciality Whiskey Apple made with freshly pressed Granny Smith apples.

Shady Pines – Another prohibition-style favourite, Shady Pines is a fun and fabulous bar decorated with taxidermy and cowboy themed décor. Order a craft cocktail from the list or ask the bartenders to whip you up something bespoke.

The Winery – on warm days there is nothing better than sipping a glass of wine in a sheltered courtyard. This laid back Surry Hills establishment has a reasonable and interesting wine list and is the perfect place to wile away the afternoon.

To See & Do

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – Housed in a grand art deco building on Sydney Quay, this museum exhibits international and Australian modern art. When we visited a vibrant retrospective of Grayson Perry’s work was on show.

Art Gallery of New South Wales – Nearby to the Botanic Gardens this grand building showcases a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century Australian art as well as regularly rotating temporary shows.

Golden Age Cinema – For special cinematic outings book tickets to the exclusive Golden Age Cinema; a glamorous, boutique screening room in the Paramount Building. The cinema shows classic and cult movies, as well as occasional new releases. Save time for a drink in the cosy bar before or after the film.

Walk to Mrs. Macquarie’s chair – For the best view of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge this lovely walk along the water is a must. The sandstone chair was carved for the wife of the Governor of New South Wales in 1810.

Royal Botanic Gardens – It is free to visit these beautiful gardens, and when inside it seems impossible that you could be so close to the city centre. Sit by the lake or enjoy the pavilion glasshouses.

White Rabbit – A rare chance to see a collection of 21st century Chinese contemporary art. After you’ve wandered around the free exhibitions grab a bite to eat in the buzzy café and bar.

Walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach – Everyone you ask recommends this picturesque walk. It is a 6km walk that takes you past six beaches before reaching the famous Bondi stretch. Reward yourself with a drink at Icebergs, which boasts arguably the best views of the beach. In spring, a sculptural exhibition takes place on part of the coast.

Watsons Bay – Just a short bus journey from the city, this Eastern suburb is a popular escape for locals. Grab a rock melon sorbet on Camp Cove Beach or head to Watson’s Bay Hotel Beach Club for a drink.

venroy

To Shop 

The Stables – this Surry Hills boutique offers a range of forward-thinking designers and desirable accessories. At the back, a cute café offers sustenance for hungry shoppers.

Somedays – hidden away up an unmarked staircase, Somedays stocks a range of local and international designers, focusing on Nordic fashion influencers.

Venroy – Gould street in Bondi is a great place to pick up fashionable Australian souvenirs. Venroy was my favourite shop, a local brand that creates authentic and beautiful garments. The pastel swimshorts are super stylish and great value for money.

To Escape

Manly Beach – a 30-minute ferry ride from Sydney Quay, this surfers hang-out has some great venues. Try a burrito at Chica Bonita, coffee at Barefoot or Showbox, and a craft beer at 4 Pines Brewery. To burn off the calories stroll to the remote and calm Shelley Beach.

Blue Mountains – A couple of hours away by train the Blue Mountains is a world heritage region with dramatic scenery and quaint towns. I liked the pretty town of Leura where we had great homemade pizzas at Leura Garage for lunch. For the best views of the Three Sisters walk or take the bus to Echo Point.

Palm Beach – Famous for being the setting of Home & Away this sublime beach is a great getaway from the city. Walk to the Lighthouse for the best views and stop by The Boathouse for a bite to eat.

Hunter Valley – Australia’s most popular wine region offers fine restaurants and beautiful accommodation. Go for a tasting at the idyllic Audrey Wilkinson winery.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

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Shangri-La Sydney

Climbing the Harbour Bridge is the number 1 thing to do when in Sydney, but it’s expensive and always busy. I recommend spending the money on a room at the Shangri-La Hotel instead, where the views are equally impressive. Located at the top of a hill in ‘The Rocks’ historic area, this luxurious accommodation is the ideal location for exploring the city centre. With cultural activities and attractions nearby, such as the Contemporary Art Museum and beautiful Botanic Gardens, there is plenty to keep you occupied in the daytime. When night falls you can visit the iconic Opera bar for sundowners or just head up to 36th floor of the hotel to Blu Bar where many argue you will get the best views of the city at night.

Slightly removed from the busy hubbub of the city centre, the Shangri-La Sydney is a quiet and civilised hotel, popular with both business and leisure guests. In keeping with the company’s Asian branding the décor is subtle and sophisticated, which encourages you to relax. There are a range of rooms to choose from, though I recommend paying a little extra to stay in one of the Horizon Club bedrooms on the 30th floor, where the iconic city views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge will really wow. As a premium guest you will be invited to enjoy privileges in the newly refurbished club lounge. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet here each morning, and an afternoon tea banquet in the afternoon, prepared by the hotel’s talented pastry chef, Anna Polyviou.

Our bedroom was elegantly decorated in shades of silver with accents of bright blue. A huge indulgent bed was topped with lavish linen and plump pillows. For a city hotel the ample floor space was an unexpected bonus. Those who require it could take advantage of the smart work desk, which was provided with plenty of natural daylight from the floor to ceiling windows. The en-suite grand marble bathroom had a separate bath and shower and complimentary L’Occitane toiletries.

afternoon tea sydney

The Chi Spa is a destination in itself, and many just visit the hotel for a day to experience one of the signature treatments. Hidden away on the second floor this boutique beauty haven feels exclusive and peaceful. The spa uses the celebrated organic Australian brand, Sodashi, whose therapeutic-grade products are known to rejuvenate and replenish the skin with the finest natural ingredients. I experienced an Aroma Journey Massage, a calming massage that used gentle smooth movements to relieve emotional and physical tension from my body. My therapist Kristina used the Sodashi Fitness Recovery Body Oil to sooth and moisturise my skin. After my treatment I enjoyed a refreshing swim in the pool and sunbathed on the terrace.

I had a blissful stay at Shangri-La Sydney. With so much to see and do in Australia’s favourite city it was a real comfort to be staying in a hotel that offers easy luxury and takes the stress out of travelling.

More information and book a room at Shangri-La Sydney here.

Blanket Bay, Queenstown

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When you ask people about the most luxurious lodges in New Zealand, Blanket Bay will normally be first on the list. It is the rumoured choice for stars including Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise and Bear Grylls (when he’s had enough of the great outdoors!) Just a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, this idyllic escape is blissfully remote, whilst also benefitting from its close proximity to New Zealand’s most popular tourist town.

We arrived by shuttle bus, though were told most guests fly in directly by helicopter. Our bus driver fidgeted excitedly in his seat whilst taking us up the private driveway, eager to catch a glimpse of the exclusive hotel that is so often talked about but rarely seen. The calm and deserted surroundings are majestic and breathtakingly beautiful. The setting reminded me of the Scottish highlands; rugged and unspoilt. The main lodge is grand and inviting, it was a cosy retreat from the drizzling rain. Guests are encouraged to treat these communal areas as home, whether you choose to use the sophisticated games room, enjoy a cocktail at the elegant bar or relax by the roaring fire. Breakfast and dinner are also served here, in opulent and comfortable dining rooms.

Blanket Bay provides a boutique service, with just nine rooms and suites in the main building and four chalet suites found outside in the grounds, the maximum occupancy is just 26 people. This enables staff to deliver an immaculate level of personalised service, while guests have plenty of space and quiet to truly unwind. I experienced the Wyuna chalet suite located a few minutes walk from the main building. The suite was luxurious yet unpretentious, sympathetically designed and decorated to complement the stunning setting. From our window we could relish the views of the Humboldt mountain range across the lake and the Richardson Mountains behind us. The bedroom was carefully created to pamper and indulge your senses… the softest materials, warm wooden antique furniture, and concealed modern gadgets. The centrepiece fluffy bed let me sink into it, propped up by the bouncy pillows, and I was kept warm by the impressive, farmhouse-style fire, which illuminated the room.

The bathroom was indulgent and functional with a powerful shower (that doubled up as a steam room) and large bath. Toiletries were provided by the familiar English brand, The White Company. The thoughtful extras were endless… branded Blanket Bay water bottles to take home, a complimentary minibar stocked with delicious local chocolate and a varied choice of music to listen to in the room.

Complimentary pre-dinner drinks, creative canapés and a five-course a la carte dinner are included in the room rate for each guest. Order a glass of the delicious Amisfield house wine from local vineyards or challenge the barman to create you a classic cocktail. The intimate dining room is a special place to dine, with filmic views from every window. The team of talented chefs create innovative dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients. Highlights from our meal included a vibrant and comforting Farro Risotto with pumpkin and pea shoots, and a beautifully delicate Saiko Salmon Mousse with subtle seasoning from the leek and celeriac and complementing creamy yoghurt dressing. I loved the Tahitian Vanilla and Rose Bavarois dessert, a girly sweet treat with a range of enticing flavours and textures. For a more private occasion dinner can be arranged in the wine cave.

For breakfast there is an array of healthy and wholesome foods on offer, or you can choose to indulge with the a la carte menu and order pancakes with blueberry compote and maple butter, like I did! For a more hearty morning meal opt for the homemade porridge with apple syrup.

Many guests will choose to take advantage of the private grounds for their outdoor activities and hikes but the staff can also arrange exhilarating day trips to nearby natural wonders. Take a jet boat ride on the Dart River or try heliskiing in the Southern Alps. For a more cultured excursion the hotel offers a wine and arts trail around the neighbouring wine region.

Blanket Bay is renowned in New Zealand and worldwide as one of the finest lodges on offer. For a breath of the freshest air and luxury like no other, this peaceful alpine retreat will nourish and nurture your mind, body and soul.

More information and book a stay at Blanket Bay here: www.blanketbay.com