Crown Towers, Melbourne, Vic
Crown Towers has just completed a comprehensive AU$65 million enhancement and bagged a swag of awards. Expectations are high, therefore, as I head to Melbourne for the weekend. And it would be fair to say that my jaw drops as I walk into the lobby of Crown Towers: the vast space features towering pillars and the opulence you normally see in the biggest Asian hotels. Something about the buzz also draws you in – a buzz that continues throughout the whole Crown Entertainment Complex of which the hotel is part.
Refurbished guestrooms at Crown Towers are, to all intents and purposes, brand new, and there is always something quite wonderful about the fresh smell and feel of a new hotel. This is especially true when it’s a five-star establishment, and the level of design and craftsmanship is second to none. Frankly, any complaint about the guestroom would be churlish. Everything from the huge flat-screen TV to the swank bathroom gleams, the décor of soothing dove-grey and charcoal is delightful, and even the pillow chocolates are scrumptious. Pillows are as plump as a French farm goose and the bed comfortable. For me, having a walk-in wardrobe is another big plus – a place to store away all that rain gear and laundry, and those extra shoes, out of sight from the rest of the room.
What more can one ask of a good hotel room? Well, how about a rain-shower and a deep bath? And for that extra touch of indulgence, a TV built into the bathroom wall just at the right bath-soaking height? Yes, thank you very much. And I wasn’t complaining about the 21st-floor views along the Yarra River towards the city either, from windows that ran the length of the wall. Such is the attention to getting it right here that, despite the huge windows, there are also block-out curtains that actually do the job, leaving you to a well darkened slumber.
Talking of views, if you stay in a room category with executive lounge access, head on up to the spectacular Crystal Lounge, which has extravagant windows that run two floors high and have views all across the city. This is just the spot for breakfast and complimentary pre-dinner canapés and cocktails as lights twinkle over the city. •
how to book
- For more information and bookings, contact Crown Towers on 03 9292 6666 or 1800 811 653 or visit www.crowntowers.com.au
The Cullen, Melbourne, Vic
Australia’s coolest hotel and the first hotel in the Art Series Group, The Cullen, has opened in the suburb of Prahan in Melbourne. Named for controversial Australian artist Adam Cullen, the daring hotel has 115 rooms and features original Cullen works and over 450 prints in rooms and public areas. Adam Cullen is one of the enfants terribles of the contemporary art world and the 2000 winner of the Archibald Prize for his portrait of David Wenham. In-house curator Jane O’Neill offers guests an insight into the works of Cullen by offering tours of the hotel and advice on the best art galleries and upcoming exhibitions.
As for the hotel itself, like the artist it does things a little differently, though in five-star comfort, with the very best in luxury accommodation and services. There are several room types, but all have convenient kitchenettes and living and working spaces – more studio than guestroom.
The ground floor features the hair salon Ornate and two dining spaces. Hutong has the charm of an antique Chinese garden with a contemporary twist. Beautifully-carved antique wood screens, billowing Chinese silk curtains and red lanterns set a dramatic backdrop for the glass-fronted kitchen display, as a cast of dumpling makers creates favourite dumplings.
Terrace Bar & Bistro, meanwhile, offers a seasonal Mediterranean menu with Italian influences and features tapas, share plates, pizza, pasta, a range of steak cuts and daily specials with an extensive wine list of boutique Australian and New Zealand wines, in addition to a cellar list of rare vintages. The focus of the Euro-designed restaurant space is the corner bar, which opens onto Commercial Road. Outdoor seating on the terrace lends itself to al fresco dining. Food-lovers will enjoy dining in the tapas bar, with a glass façade offering a full view of the open-plan kitchen. Recycled timbers, polished floors, custom lighting and varying textures, colours and materials all combine to create a warm ambience.
For fitness lovers, former AFL footballers Shane Crawford and Ben Dixon are available to guests for personal training sessions in the gym or in surrounding parks.
If you love your art, this is a hotel that must be experienced. •
how to book
Jimbaran Puri Bali Resort, Bali
This luxury resort hotel in Bali has a simple, unpretentious and supremely romantic style. Located on the beachfront at Jimbaran Bay, the resort has uninterrupted sea views and is perfect for those looking for a private space to relax and unwind. You might want to re-awaken your senses with a spa treatment, discover Balinese cuisine at the beachfront restaurant, or just indulge in the luxury of this resort. I soon discovered that the perfect way to cool down on a hot Balinese day was to take a dip in the contemporary, horizon-edge pool. Terraced into the landscape, the pool’s fresh water cascades from three water spouts flowing into the water pool beneath. And after my swim, I simply settled down in a teak lounge chair and enjoyed the sunshine with a good book and an even better drink – now that’s what I call a relaxing holiday.
Since relaxation was my aim, I also experienced a private massage in my room, which I booked through the concierge. I tried the Balinese massage, in which the masseuse used a combination of stretching, skin rolling and pressure techniques to promote the relief of tension and improve blood flow, ease stress and calm the mind. It certainly worked!
The resort has a new spa designed to make the most of the beautiful location of Jimbaran Bay. It features three Balinese-inspired terraces (known as bales) with enough space for two people to experience spa treatments together, making it a perfect romantic experience for couples. There is also a double whirlpool bath terrace where you can relax and refresh your senses after your treatments.
Jimbaran Puri Bali has two excellent restaurants each with a selection of expertly prepared Balinese, Indonesian and French-Mediterranean cuisine. For those who are looking for an extra special dining experience, the Nelayan Beach Restaurant is located beachside, with some tables set up directly on the beach.
The resort offers guestrooms, suites and villas. I was lucky enough to be staying in a pool villa set among verdant gardens and towering palm trees and with its own swimming pool, surrounded by white Palimanan stone walls to ensure privacy. Absolute bliss! •
how to book
- For more information and bookings, contact Jimbaran Puri Bali Resort on +62 361 701605 or visit www.jimbaranpuribali.com
Sofitel Queenstown, New Zealand
It’s hard to explain, but the best thing about a good hotel is not to notice it is actually there. Staff should be unobtrusive and yet things must run smoothly. Showers should gush, beds should be plush and breakfast eggs hot. It’s only when things don’t work quite the way you want them to that a feeling of hotel-ness takes over, and you wish you were at home.
It would be fair to say that the hotel-ness of the Sofitel Queenstown is very discreet indeed. The only annoying thing about it is that staff insists on saying Bonjour even though you’re in the middle of New Zealand. Otherwise, the place runs like clockwork and oozes comfort and style. Feel like a coffee? Fancy that, an espresso machine in your room. Feel like indulgence? Under-floor heating in the bathroom will soothe your ski feet, and a deep soaking tub will revive weary limbs as you watch the bathroom TV.
The Sofitel sensibly goes for the modern and indeed somewhat urban look, rather than some hokey alpine pastiche. So it should, because it’s right in the middle of town, a short stagger away from Queenstown’s happening bar and restaurant scene. Still, throw open the windows and step onto your balcony and you’ll get a blast of fresh air and views of the Remarkables. Equally sensibly, the hotel doesn’t go for vast public spaces. This is a hotel you hardly notice is there, remember? The lobby is gone in a flash. The hotel saves its space for its large guestrooms and for the grand way you can snuggle up in your possum-fur rug or let the rain shower dance a polka on your skin.
There’s much to admire in the Sofitel’s staff as well, some of whom actually are French, rather than just pretending. That breakfast waiters remember your name the next morning is impressive. That the bartender will pour you a glass of wine in the lobby lounge, with its crackling fire, as if you’re a friend who has dropped in for a visit, is very pleasant. And that you can also avail yourself of a ski concierge is delightfully decadent. A glass of New Zealand pinot as your ski boots are fitted? All your ski gear hired and delivered to the bottom of the slopes? Yes, please.
Things just happen at the Sofitel. It isn’t so much a hotel as a box of magic tricks. And I’m happy to be mesmerised. So happy, I might even say: au revoir, et merci. •
how to book
- For more information and bookings, contact Sofitel Queenstown on +64 3 450 0045 or visit www.sofitel.com
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