TraveL
ISSUE 62 | June 2025
21
with Emma Wilson
Cosmopolitan stay in Sydney’s fastest growing city BY JANE KINKADE
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UXURYstays, rich history, and world-class dining await in Sydney’s vibrant second CBD staying at the Skye Suites Hotel. Our base was a stylish two-bedroom apartment, o ering all the comforts of modern luxury. Overlooking a stunning pool, spa, and inviting outdoor living space, the suite featured a full kitchen and laundry, perfect for longer stays or family getaways. High-end art books and thoughtfully curated magazines brought a cosmopolitan air to the living areas, elevating the already polished vibe to the space. An Oasis in the City The pool area is a true highlight. Multiple lounge nooks tucked
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away among manicured gardens, create private retreats for guests. The hotel is a ve-minute stroll from the sprawling West eld shopping centre, anchoring it rmly within Parramatta’s rapidly developing luxury precinct.
A Window into the Past
Located underneath Skye Suites is the Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre. During the site's development, workers unearthed remnants of a convict-era settlement, including the foundation of a historic pub and huts dating back to the early colonial days. Instead of bulldozing this archaeological treasure, the developers worked alongside local historians to preserve a respectful nod to Parramatta’s layered history and o er guests a tangible connection to Australia's colonial roots, right within the comfort of a luxury hotel. Don’t miss a visit.
A Night to Remember at Nick and Nora’s This glamorous speakeasy-style bar perched on the hotel’s top oor.
Channeling the elegance of the roaring 1920s, the venue o ers breathtaking panoramic views stretching from Sydney’s skyline to the leafy Hills district beyond. Breakfast with a Twist Breakfast at The Shed, located right next to the hotel entrance, o ered an equally satisfying experience. Middle Eastern in uences subtly infused the menu, with hearty and healthy options to suit every palate. Feast at MISC. Located at the edge of Parramatta Park and surrounded by towering gum trees, MISC. evoked memories of Central Park’s Tavern on the Green with a distinctly Australian twist. The menu celebrated Parramatta’s multicultural soul, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and modern Australian cuisines.
A Dog-Friendly stay at Potts Point
ERCHED on the corner of the CBD, next door to the famous red and white striped Coke Sign is Hotel Indigo. This groovy refurbed hotel (2023), decorated in neon and entertainment themes is an easy stay to explore the local area, which is a perfect mix of residential townhouses and boutiques and the vibrant main strip of the Cross. Rooms are cool and decor in-keeping with the entertainment vibe. If you haven’t visited the Cross in a while, head to Kings Cross Hotel for
a drink, you’ll nd a lovely, gentri ed pub space lled with university students and young adults playing pool and drinking cocktails.
complimentary breakfast and Hydrogel Face Mask from Loops Beauty. Find out more at www.hotelindigo.com
June Deal
Luke Mangan, the popular celebrity chef opened a French and Japanese casual restaurant adjacent to Hotel Indigo and the food is de-LISH. Try pork, sansho, apple and ginger skewers or chicken skewers with yuzu cream for starters. For mains share Market sh sashimi, Brooklyn Valley Sirloin
Hotel Indigo has a NOMO (Night On My Own) package, available until 30 June. They encourage guests to ‘embrace me-time and be taken care of. The package includes breakfast and bubbles in bed and a 4pm late checkout (subject to availability), as well as
Luc San Restaurant with charred cabbage and tempura enoki. Do not miss the Yuzu and Chilli margarita - oh my! Banquet menu available. Corner Pennys Lane & Kings Cross Road, Potts Point info@luc-san. com.au.
Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Surry Hills BY DAVE HAGAN
Don’t miss Vivid, Stay at Park Regis, Sydney Centre
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ATTLING torrential rain and tricky parking on Reservoir Street, we made it to Brooklyn Boy Bagels in Surry Hills around 8am to sample the New York style bagels, something totally foreign to me. The warm welcome from the sta instantly set a great tone. The menu was extensive but not overdone and amongst numerous great choices like Hoboken (hot sopressata, artichoke and capsicum), Pastrami Rueben (Swiss cheese sauerkraut and mustard) I ordered
BY DAVE HAGAN
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HE Park Regis City Centre hotel’s central location, directly opposite the new Gadigal train station makes access surprisingly easy and is a great spot to enjoy Vivid. The undercover parking is a major asset, allowing for a dry and seamless check-in and the front desk team has a warm, e cient manner with helpful local dining recommendations. Our room exceeded expectations—spacious and well laid out, featuring a luxurious oversized bed, a second lounge area with a sofa bed and extra tv. We didn’t experience the rooftop pool, though it appeared stunning, with panoramic views across Sydney. Vivid ends June 14th don’t miss out. Words: Dave Hagan. To book your stay, visit www. parkregiscitycentre.com.au
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the Big Benny bagel, stacked with two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, avocado, rocket, and a delicious hollandaise sauce. My partner went for the blueberry bagel with cream cheese, and we both got co ees—hot, strong, and served up fast. The bagels were standout, clearly boiled in true Brooklyn style, with a unique texture and avour that felt traditional. Flavour was very di erent to what I’m accustomed to. Everything was spot-on, from e cient service to tasty food. I’d swing by again particularly as I love to try a couple of the other combinations. 74 Reservoir St Surry Hills. www.brooklynboy.com.au.
Divide 8 Pizzeria
ORKING in St Leonards? You’re in luck because Divide 8 Pizzeria has landed. The newest project of Peter Augoustis, former director of Crust, former co-owner of Zeus Street Greek and current owner of Li’l Darlin and Jon Paul Partyka, former General Manager of Crust, o ers super fresh ingredients and an extensive range of pizza and salad options to choose from and delicious
desserts. This is the pizzeria’s fourth location after Bronte, Gymea & Stanmore. Dine in, the pizzeria is cheerful and spacious with BYO licensing or take away. Divide 8 has ‘Dinner Sorted’ packages (any 2 common classic vegetarian or cheese ranges plus garlic bread and brownie bites) or ‘Feed Me Feast’ (the above PLUS chicken wings). Call ahead for pick up 02 8359 1910 Find them at 1/48 Albany St, St Leonards NSW 2065.
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