Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
Where to stay for a luxury stay? Capella Sydney
Having opened just earlier in 2023, Capella Sydney is truly one of the most chic hotels in the city. Located fairly close to the most popular landmarks – such as the Royal Botanical Garden – and within walking distance of Pitt Street Mall (one of the best shopping destinations in Sydney), Capella is a great option to book if you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxurious getaway. I was really blown away with the spectacular decor, especially the mesmerising moving flower installation that sits above the Aperture Lounge by the lobby.
Recommended SPA nearby – Auriga SPA within the Capella Sydney: If you’re someone who loves a luxe SPA treatment (who doesn’t?), you have to pop Auriga SPA in your itinerary, because this venue screams opulence and Bali-level relaxation. Trust me, having had my fair share of SPA treatments, I was genuinely impressed with the variety of treatments as well as the individually tailored approach. I highly recommend the Sensitive Repair Energy Balancing Facial, which is a gentle treatment that involves a number of organic oils and bio actives as well as a firming Gua Sha massage. A must for sensitive skin types.
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains? KYAH Hotel
As soon as I walked into my room at the KYAH Hotel, I was in awe with the Palm Springs-inspired motel aesthetics: everything from the dusty pink walls to a pastel green headboard captured my exact taste in interiors – chic yet minimalist, with a hint of retro. Although the rooms don’t really offer much storage space, it felt like the hotel is designed for short-term stays for those of looking to escape to the Blue Mountains for a long weekend. The hotel also features a hot tub and a sauna (but be sure to pre-book to secure your slot) as well as a stunning on-site restaurant with a “garden-to-plate” concept, letting you taste the best local ingredients and produce sourced by chef Mate Herceg.
Recommended SPA nearby – SPA Sublime: Looking to relax after a long and tiring day of hiking at the Blue Mountains? Say no more. Although SPA Sublime is a considerably smaller SPA destination compared to those that I visited in Sydney, it definitely is a hidden gem. I was particularly impressed by the personalised approach and the very attentive team, who took the time to listen to my concerns and preferences in order to best advise me and tailor a full-body massage that would tick all the boxes. I opted for a combination of the Swedish and deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy and it ended up being one of the best body treatments I had to date.
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
Where to stay for a contemporary feel? ACE Hotel Sydney
I stayed at the ACE Hotel towards the very end of my trip, and personally, I left thinking that it’s definitely one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever been to. Everything from its contemporary and stylish design to the neat location right against the edge of the CBD (Central Business District) in Surry Hills makes it a great option for both short-term and a long-term stays. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the hotel’s Medium Plus rooms, which offers a spacious king-size bed as well as a a daybed and – my favourite – a substantially large bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bathtub. The best part is that every room is a little different, meaning that every time you’ll return to the hotel, you’ll be treated to a slightly new experience.
Recommended SPA nearby – Sofitel Darling Harbour: Located just under 15 minutes away from the ACE Hotel by car, the Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is the ultimate destination for the most indulgent SPA treatments. Overlooking Darling Harbour, this luxe SPA features minimalist interior all throughout to let your mind unwind and switch off from the outside world. Definitely worth considering for a girls day out, an anniversary gift or simply a way to pamper your dear old self after a long day in the city. I highly recommend the Lime Caviar Brightening Facial, which includes a combination of high-grade skincare ingredients such as ferulic acid, vitamin C and E, as well as lime caviar and kakadu plum – all aimed to sooth, brighten and even out your skin tone.
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