Why you should plan a staycation in Sydney - now!
We're obsessed with this new bar and spa in the NSW capital.
We're obsessed with this new bar and spa in the NSW capital.
Looking for a reason to plan a short break in Sydney? We'll give you a few. Smack-bang in the middle of the CBD, Swissotel has just unveiled a new lobby bar, Arches on Market, along with a zhuzhed-up rooftop pool.
A long marble bar is at the centre of the drinking and dining den, with soaring ceiling and theatrical pendant lights.
Order from executive chef John Giovanni Pugliano's menu - perhaps, a serve of goats cheese and caramelised onion croquettes?
Just don't forget to pair it with one of mixologist Aaron Shuttleworth's concoctions. We're eyeing the Swiss Cobbler, with sherry, pineapple juice and citrus.
Want to turn up the luxe factor? Book a treatment at the just-opened two-storey spa at Sofitel Darling Harbour, where rituals range from lime caviar facials to organic-honey body wraps. Oh, and did we mention staggering city and harbour views?
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Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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