Luxury hotels: What is new and what’s on the horizon
Flynn opens in Cairns
Cairns has had a trio of fantastic hotels opening over the last two years, all from the one family. Flynn is the youngest sibling, to Bailey, which opened in November 2019, and Riley, which opened to an instant and adoring public on November 2018. All three are part of the Crystalbrook Collection. So what is different about Flynn? Each of the three properties has its own personality, and Flynn is the social butterfly of the family. Located on the Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk, Flynn has 311 stylish rooms and suites, many with excellent views of the Coral Sea, two glass pools – one of which is sure to be an Instagrammer’s dream – an Eléme Day Spa and 24-hour gym for those who simply must work out.
Boardwalk Social, a ground-level restaurant, has been powering along since it opened in January. The market-style food and beverage hub is home to live music, local ingredients and brews, with 40 different kinds of gin to sample. Flynn’s Italian, the hotel’s signature restaurant, will make its entrance in coming months, offering locally sourced heartfelt Italian food that celebrates local produce. It will come with an extensive Italian wine list.
Flynn’s sophisticated Whiskey and Wine Bar will also set the social scene alight, featuring an expansive selection from boutique Australian whiskey producers, local and imported wines, home-style delicacies, and modern Australian snacks.
Speaking of the opening, Joel Gordon, Area Manager, Cairns said “It’s fantastic to see the property come to life. Flynn as a personality truly is the place to be and be seen, and we are ready to welcome all Australians to our beautiful part of the world.”
Adina opens in Melbourne
The new Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank. © Peter Clarke
Having stayed in several Adina properties we are already fans, but this new one really piques our interest. The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank opened late October 2020 and is making quite the splash. Eco-minded travellers, in particular, will love it. Then there is its location, right in the heart of entertainment and lifestyle precinct, Southbank.
The Bates Smart-designed property is owned and developed by independent investment house Hume Partners and operated by TFE Hotels. According to Bates Smart Director Julian Anderson, the 220-room property’s green cross-laminated timber (CLT) tower punches well above its weight when it comes to boosting the city’s lungs.
A fifth of the weight of concrete, the structure is believed to be the world’s tallest engineered timber extension, cleverly built on top of an existing office building.
Julian explains, the 5,300 tonnes of CLT used to build the 10-storey, 32m-tall extension tower act as a carbon sink, off-setting about 4,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“The environmental benefit of using CLT, wherever possible, in place of carbon-emitting materials like concrete and steel, represents best practice green design,” he said. “What’s really exciting is people will make a decision to stay at Adina Melbourne Southbank because it ticks all the boxes on location and experience, but also because of its commitment to sustainability.”
Then there is the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to lakes, lush lawns and 8,500 plant species, a short stroll away.
The ultra-modern apartment hotel capitalises on its position with a striking, curved ‘glass curtain’ façade, punctuated by floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Guests can choose a north-facing city view across the Yarra River or, southwards, to Port Philip Bay.
Adina Melbourne Southbank Hotel General Manager Nigel Maxey says: “The other WOW-factor is the spaciousness of rooms, particularly the 10 two-bedroom apartments, which hug the curve of the building on every level, covering 75 to 80 square metres,” Nigel said of the hotel that also offers 70 studio apartments and 140 one-bedroom apartments. All with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities and lounge/dining areas.
“Guests will definitely enjoy being able to spread out and live like locals, with the benefit of full hotel services including 24-hour reception, meeting facilities and really impressive on-site leisure facilities. Ideal to entertain families or people staying on business.”
Overlooking the Yarra River, the hotel also has a 20m indoor lap pool and gym, blessed with natural light and direct sunlight.
TFE shows no signs of slowing down, with the Adina West Melbourne due to open in less than a month.
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank is in a prime location on the banks of the Yarra.
Rosewood Mansion has a celebratory remodel in Dallas
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has partnered with Miron Crosby to make the bespoke Mansion Boot. Credit Kevin Marple
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek holds a special place in the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts collection, being their very first property. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has renovated its 142-rooms and suites, and public spaces. Apart from newly refurbished guestrooms and suites and an inviting lobby, the property also features The Mansion Restaurant, The Mansion Bar, a swimming pool and fitness centre, event spaces and refined service with private residence ambience. Redefining the concept of residential luxury – a concept that the Mansion itself introduced when it first transformed from a private estate to an award-winning boutique hotel 40 years ago – the reimagined property was conceived by a team of leading designers and architects, including world-renowned interior designer Thomas Pheasant and Dallas architecture firm, three, who’s president, Gary Koerner, was the designer and project architect that introduced the Mansion in 1980. Together, the team celebrates the original building’s quintessential characteristics and charm while simultaneously incorporating a fresh sense of style.
A Mansion Suite at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek © 2019 Ethan Tweedie Photography Serving Hawaii and Texas
Several new, unique services and partnerships highlight the Mansion’s Texas heritage. The one we love is the new partnership with bespoke cowboy boot company Miron Crosby. To celebrate the anniversary and the remodelling, Miron Crosby recently unveiled The Mansion Boot. Fashioned specifically for the property and inspired by its distinct history and heritage, the boot showcases the style and sophistication of the destination while simultaneously highlighting the two brands’ shared appreciation of artisanry, hand-craftsmanship and the local Dallas community.
Originally built in 1925 as a private estate, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek boasts original architecture influenced by 16th century Renaissance Italy and meticulously restored features including hand-carved fireplaces, marble floors and stained-glass windows. Inspired by these offerings and the Mansion’s distinctive and distinguished spirit, Pheasant’s entirely customized approach creates an undeniably refined yet residential atmosphere that highlights the Mansion’s rich history at each turn. From the artfully curated bookshelf niches in each guestroom, to the subtle motifs in the carpets and cabinetry drawn from preexisting elements of the property, to the unique corridors adorned with photographs of modern ranch memorabilia, each detail of the redesign perfectly portrays Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein the local sensibilities of the destination are realized throughout all aspects of the property.
“Since its inception, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has been a beloved gathering place for the local community and visiting travellers alike, and it is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome guests to experience the next chapter of the Mansion’s illustrious story,” said Andrea Gates, managing director of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. “Offering a modern interpretation of the property’s signature, residential-style, the new Mansion reflects the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in today’s times. We’re thrilled to mark our 40th anniversary with the official reintroduction of the hotel and look forward to the countless memories to come over the next 40 years and beyond!”
Penthouse Terrace at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. © 2019 Ethan Tweedie Photography Serving Hawaii and Texas
Mondrian to open on the Gold Coast
An artist impression of the new Mondrian to be built on the Gold Coast.
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, and sbe, the leading international hospitality group that develops, manages and operates award-winning brands, recently announced Australia’s first Mondrian hotel and branded residences will be built at the iconic Burleigh Heads Beachfront on the Gold Coast.
A stunning dual-tower property, Mondrian Gold Coast will be constructed on an expansive beachfront site on the corner of First Avenue and The Esplanade Burleigh Heads in one of the Gold Coast’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Guests and residents will have direct access to the signature white sands and world-famous surf of Burleigh Heads Beach. Mondrian Gold Coast will feature two distinct towers to separate the private residences, comprised of 89 luxury residential apartments, from the hotel, which will encompass 208 guestrooms. The buildings will be united by a three-level podium that acts as the building’s common space and hub of activity, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, spa, restaurants, and swimming pools, all overlooking the world-famous beach and Burleigh Headland National Park.
This coastal Queensland location will be sbe’s first hotel property in Australia after the celebrated recent openings of Hyde Paradiso lounge in Surfers Paradise and Hyde Perth, further expanding the brand’s luxury lifestyle experiences in the Asia Pacific.
Artist impression of the two towers of the Mondrian Gold Coast
Six Senses to open first property in South America
Artist impression of Six Senses Botanique, a hidden gem surrounded by towering Araucaria pine forest.
The resort lies in the desirable Mantiqueira area, at the confluence of three river valleys in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains. These are known as the “mountains that weep” due to the abundance of springs and rivers. Enjoying a temperate climate with endless sunny days, Six Senses Botanique integrates mountain serenity with local features and modern luxuries to create a place in which to rekindle connections with nature and the world around.
The hotel was constructed in 2012 by regional architects and designers using indigenous materials such as jacaranda wood, natural stone, and chocolate slate. The slate is mined just once every 17 months and the hotel’s bearing walls incorporate three-ton boulders from the adjacent river. The massive 120-year-old wooden beams are reclaimed from farms in nearby Minas Gerais. Huge glass panels line the rest of the construct to evoke a sense of “outdoors inside” with uninterrupted views of Mantiqueira’s valleys and mountains.
When the property adopts the Six Senses brand in early 2021, it will offer seven suites in the main hotel and 13 private villas. A further 14 villas are planned and will be constructed off-site in a modular manner using local materials. They will be sited to minimize their impact on the surrounding flora and fauna.
There will also be 37 branded residences, again constructed using an eco-friendly modular approach, available for purchase off-plan, with the first phase already underway. Owners will have access to all the hotel’s facilities, amenities and services and the opportunity to place their homes into the rental program managed by Six Senses.
Six Senses signature venues such as the Experience Centre, Alchemy Bar and out-of-the-ordinary dining spots will also be added next year.
Outside, a main pool, Grow With Six Senses kids’ club activities and Earth Lab are also planned for Six Senses Botanique in 2021. In addition to fitness programming including capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art, there are hiking and horse-riding trails for exploring the native forest and observing the exuberance and beauty all around.
And it wouldn’t be a Six Senses without a Spa. This one currently has eight treatment rooms, relaxation suites, floatation pool, CO2 bath and tropical rain humid sauna. New treatment rooms, relaxation and wellness areas, as well as a fitness centre will be added in 2021.
In addition to treatments which incorporate Brazilian botanicals, the spa will offer a holistic haven of wellness programming integrating specific programs such as yoga, detox and anti-aging.
Six Senses Botanique features rich wood floors, natural stone and suspended fireplaces
Aman to open in the Dolomites
Having stayed at the spectacular Amangani near Jackson Hole in Wyoming, it is great news that Aman Resorts will have another property that appeals to lovers of all things snow. Aman has signed a partnership agreement with Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, a beautiful property in the UNESCO Heritage-listed Dolomites.
Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa is located in San Cassiano, a charming mountain village under the majestic peaks of Lavarella and Conturines. The property has been owned by the Pizzinini family since 1939. It will be Aman’s second hotel in Italy, with the first being the Aman Venice which also had rich family roots, being owned by the Arrivabene family for over 200 years.
The property will gradually evolve into a fully branded Aman by December 2022, just in time to welcome enthusiastic Australian skiers and snowboarders starved of the European snow experience.
Very much in line with the Aman philosophy, Rosa Alpina will be a sanctuary for guests, offering subtle glamour and exceptional service as well as breathtaking surroundings.
Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman said: “Aman has always prided itself on offering unique experiences in remarkable settings and our partnership with Rosa Alpina will deliver just this. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Pizzinini family, in particular Hugo and Ursula, and we look forward to maintaining and celebrating the history of the property all while uniting it with Aman’s philosophy. We will unveil Rosa Alpina as Aman Rosa Alpina in 2022 in what will be our 14th UNESCO site.”
Stay at Rosa Alpina and have access to the mind-blowing alpine playground that is the Dolomites
Individually decorated with local antiques, Rosa Alpina has 50 rooms and suites, the exclusive three-bedroom Penthouse and the free-standing, three-bedroom Chalet Zeno with its private outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna. Wood and stone touches complement a serene Alpine-inspired palette and panoramic views of the starkly beautiful mountains and forests all around.
Guests at the property have access to 1,200 kilometres of ski slopes within the Dolomiti Superski and Sella Ronda regions. In summer and autumn, visitors can unearth the Dolomites’ dramatic valleys on foot, bike or by climbing their vertical walls. While adventure is at the heart of the matter, the on-site 3 Michelin star restaurant, St. Hubertus is an indulgent foray into Italian cuisine, where the hotel’s Executive Chef, Norbert Niederkofler is set to continue his journey with Aman, having served as a consultant at Aman Venice since 2019. Meanwhile, the garden-level spa, indoor pool, gym and hammam provide a place of peace, synonymous with that of an Aman.
The other big plus is that the resort is three hours north of Venice, meaning that you can also stay at the Aman Venice. After all, two Aman stays is better than one.
Aman Resorts is opening another property in 2020, the Aman New York, which will be located in Manhattan.
Rosa Alpina is now part of Aman Resorts.
Have a G&Tea at Q Station
High Tea at the new G & Tea House at Q Station in Manly
Q Station is a hidden gem in Manly, with its history, accommodation, ghost tours and location adding up to a wonderful night or weekend away.
There is now another reason to visit, with the unveiling of G&Tea House. High Tea with a sophisticated twist is now served in a beautifully restored cottage high on the headland overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Partnering with Manly Spirits, the G&Tea House pairs freshly brewed tea and coffee with traditional High Tea and Devonshire Tea treats and tea-infused gin cocktails. Take your pick from a creative reimagining of all the crowd favourites, including the likes of Gran’s Remedy with Australian Dry Gin, organic elderflower syrup, lemon juice, sparkling water and dehydrated apple, or the Coast Garden featuring gin, chamomile liqueur, chamomile syrup, lemon juice and cucumber.
The G&Tea House’s wine list offers a handpicked selection of award-winning De Beaurepaire wines, as well as a range of fancy sodas and hot beverages. There are four High Tea options to choose from, which all include a delicious selection of petit cakes, sweet and savoury pastries, finger sandwiches, scones and preserves. There is also a special Children’s High Tea on offer – making the G&Tea House the perfect place to bring the entire family.
A big part of the charm of Q Station’s G&Tea House is the cottage itself, which has been decorated with whimsical paper art by Q Station’s artist in residence, Jo Neville, while historic heritage pieces from the 1800s which are part of Q Station’s museum collection sit alongside it.
With vintage teacups and teapots and cocktails served in old fashioned glassware, the ambience of Q Station’s G&Tea House is unlike anything seen before and is an experience not to be missed. Plus, on Saturday afternoons, live music is played on the lawns just outside of the G&Tea House, as part of Q Station’s very popular Sunset Sessions.
The G&Tea House is open Friday – Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, head to www.qstation.com.au. Or check out the menu here.
High Tea, G & Tea House, Northern Beaches, Manly
Lobby at The Lyall in Melbourne
