If you are a seasoned traveller then you have no doubt heard of the Shangri-La Hotel group, which are located in many top destinations around the world. The hotel chain originally started in Asia and even in Australia the Shangri-La carries an air of Asian influence. The Shangri-La Sydney is located in the historic region of ‘The Rocks’ which is amid all of the action of city’s CBD.
Planning on visiting Sydney? Then what a better way to wake up during your stay from a ridiculously comfortable bed, open your curtains and gaze out onto the bustling Sydney Harbour.
The Shangri-La boasts one of the most enviable locations in Sydney while you will want to experience the many wonderful things to do in the city, if you are like me, you may spend more time soaking up the luxury of the hotel itself.
Normally, when I stay at a hotel I love to explore the delights of the city. But during my two night stay, I opted for dinner at the hotel’s Altitude restaurant instead of dining nearby.
The aptly named Altitude restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine and sits on the 36th floor of the hotel which makes it feel as if you are dining in the clouds. I’ve never eaten at that height before, don’t worry it is all from behind the safety of the industrially strong glass floor to ceiling windows, but it’s a panoramic eating experience like no other. Seeing the city at night is a whole different experience from the day views, the city comes alive with lights and is a spectacular sight.
Right next door to the restaurant is the famous Blu Bar – a contemporary cocktail bar again with sky high views. Before our dinner reservation we experienced the legendary cocktails. Witnessing them being made was like being in a potions’ class at Hogwarts, with fiery oranges, roses and rosemary and liquid being poured into smoking flasks and teapots. It’s worth sitting back and tantalising your tastebuds whilst enjoying the romantic city lights.
Be warned though, it is recommended to book a reservation at both the Blu bar and Altitude restaurant if you want a good table as it’s very popular and gets pretty busy.
The Harbour lounge offers a grand breakfast buffet and afternoon tea and early evening drinks where you can witness some of the most stunning sunsets over the city.
Alternatively, there is all day food available at the in house restaurant on level one as well as refreshments and drinks in the stunning Lobby or you can take it outside, weather permitting, onto the hotel’s luscious terrace. The desert pop-up bar in the lobby is not to be missed. All of the treats here are artfully created by “the punk princess of pastry” Anna Polyviou. Polyviou – an award-winning pastry chef – appeared on MasterChef this year and has set alight the pastry world in Sydney with her unique street art influenced pastries.
Perhaps you may find that your tired after a long day of sight seeing or business meetings and want to truly relax and unwind. Then you can head down to the hotels indoor heated pool and sauna or you can work up a sweat and release some tension in the Health Club. Personally, I enjoy a massage or therapy session to truly find my zen. Therefore, I wasted no time in booking myself into the Chi spa. There are many therapies to choose from and they are all inspired by traditional Asian healing techniques each designed to restore harmony and balance. I opted for the Crystalus Body massage which is designed to incorporate a sense of Australia with Australian healing stones and plant essences and crystals all combined to restore complete relaxation and harmony.
The Shangri-La is a fantastic place to stay whether it be with friends, family, loved ones or on your own for business purposes. I truly felt welcomed by everyone and no request seemed too big or small for the staff, they were always happy to accommodate in any way they could. They really go above and beyond to make everyone feel like an esteemed guest and it made the stay feel more personal rather than being another guest at any other generic hotel.
Bianca Spendlove was a guest at the Shangri-La hotel. Visit the hotel website for bookings and reservations at www.shangri-la.com
