Staycations are the new black. The challenge with Sydney is that cool hotels share similarities to Bernard Salt’s Man Drought…there’s just not enough of them to go around. Finally the big end of town are sharpening their design claws. There’s a new showgirl in tinsel town: Swissotel’s new Signature Skyline Suites.
If Mr Big had an apartment in Sydney, we’re betting it looks something like this. The entrance lobby of wooden ebony floors, white walls and circular chrome mirror capture attention momentarily, as city vistas unravel from every corner of your suite. St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney Tower and neon signed retail stores become your living wallpaper.
More apartment than hotel room, savvy design creates intimate chill out areas from oversized sofas to designer black leather chairs and high tech work zones. The king size bed is not the thing which will stop you in your tracks, it’s more likely to be the island style mini Imax in the middle of the room which rotates 180 degrees to reveal a mirror, so you can check out your hairstyle in bed…er –hem!?? The bathroom almost spans the entire suite; Purovel spa toiletries, soft grey towels (be gone white imposters!) and a bath big enough to do a backstroke. It’s designer style meets luxury with a rare element of homeliness.
Before dinner hit the Amrita Spa. Catch some winter sunshine rays on the deck or opt for a dip in the heated pool then book a massage, choose your aroma oils to suit your mood and let soothing hands take away the stresses of the week. Alternatively head to the executive club lounge, curl up by the fire with a good book (or trashy magazine) indulge in a glass of wine with a canapé and marvel as the city sparkles in the darkness below you.
Dinner is a highlight. Chef Thomas Heinrich (ex Dolton House, Four Seasons in NYC and Michelin starred Chicago) now heads up JPB restaurant demonstrating a love affair of native Australian cuisine. Seafood bites of Morton Bay bug, nashi pear and ginger is the perfect plate until you try the best ever surf n turf combo – fried whitebait, brussels sprout leaves and pigs ears. An order of scotch eggs reveals technical expertise in the kitchen as does mains of perfectly grilled Cone Bay barramundi and 12 hour braised short rib. Don’t miss the side of truffle risotto.
So shopaholics beware, foodies rejoice and spa lovers make note. Hidden at street level in the golden mile of retail is the perfect designer weekender. Now you have a reason to sail out of the hotel, buy up big, toddle back to your suite and all you need to remember is one thing…repeat as required.
Swissotel Sydney
68 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
www.swissotel.com/hotels/sydney
Photos by: Swissotel Sydney
