Despite fabulous hotel openings in recent years, the city has never seen an urban oasis quite like this
1. A getaway in the city
This remarkable property – with its white brickwork, reams of travertine and impeccable facilities – has been billed as “Australia’s first urban resort” and is drawing the eyes of everyone along the bustling James Street precinct since it opened its doors last September. It’s the new yardstick for Brisbane hotels and is the place to stay if you want to mix with a handsome crowd of jet-setters.
2. Brisbane by design
Architects Richards & Spence have spent the past 15 years creating a new design language for the city, and have brought all that knowledge to bearon this establishment. Corridors with breeze blocks and ceiling fans are open to the elements, while the hotel’s function spaces include an exquisite sun-kissed amphitheatre. Many of the rooms look down on a palm-tree-lined pool deck, making the most of Brisbane’s never-ending summer.
3. A minimalist's heaven
There’s a rich, detailed minimalist aesthetic to each of the hotel’s 175 rooms – their bright, airy spaces are defined by marble, cork panelling and brass highlights. The precise geometry of the hotel’s exterior shows up in arched windows and playfully curved showers. Minibar items are locally sourced where possible, with toiletries by Grown Alchemist and a pair of lush bathrobes supplied by the Venroy boutique downstairs. All you need to do is choose a colour – your options are pastel green, blue or pink.
4. More reasons to stay in
The hotel boasts two great restaurants. On the ground floor, you’ll find the marble sanctuary of the Lobby Bar joined by celebrated Gold Coast import Hellenika, which serves produce-driven Greek plates in one of the poolside cabanas. Elsewhere, there is KAILO Wellness Medispa, which offers everything from remedial massages to facial treatments, and boutiques including bassike, Dion Lee and Love Stories.
5. Bright young things
Step outside into what is a veritable playground for Brisbanites. Find them dining on fine Middle Eastern fare at Gerard’s Bistro, sharing neo-Chinese plates at Happy Boy or imbibing late into the night at Gerard’s Bar. For coffee, cross Wandoo Street for the award-winning Bellissimo, while brunch is best taken up the hill at King Arthur Cafe.
Singapore Airlines flies to Brisbane four times daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Review: The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach, Brisbane
This article was originally published in the September 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
