Hotel to shine a light on Vivid celebrations with fun cocktails

One hotel that's really getting into the spirit of Sydney's Vivid festival is the Hyatt Regency Sydney.

Two of its venues - Zephyr Sky Bar and Jackalberry - will be joining in the colourful fun of Vivid from May 24-June 15.

In partnership with Four Pillars Gin, these venues are promising "an unforgettable Vivid experience" including immersive activations, cocktails and views over Darling Harbour from Zephyr Sky Bar.

Sky Bar offers panoramic views of Darling Harbour, making it a perfect vantage point to soak in the Vivid lights.

Guests will be treated to a theatrical cocktail experience as signature Vivid cocktails are crafted tableside from a mobile cocktail trolley.

During this period, the bar will be decorated with décor including neon signs, Vivid-inspired media walls, and vibrant decals. I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds like fun.

The limited-edition Vivid cocktails include Shiraz Breeze (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, lime, sugar, mint, topped with soda) and Strawberry Blush (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, strawberry-infused Oscar Sweet Vermouth, Rubi Mistelle and Marionette Bitter Curacao).

At Jackalberry, guests can dive into Vivid cocktails featuring glow-in-the-dark concoctions and funky glassware.

The venue will be transformed with neon signs and quirky coasters, creating a Vivid-styled ambiance.

Limited-edition Vivid cocktails include Jackalberry G&T (Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, edible flowers and Fever-tree Elderflower Tonic, served in a light-bulb glass); and Peach Yuzu Fizz (Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Choya Yuzu Liqueur, Massenez Peche shaken with lemon juice and sugar syrup, topped with Fever-tree Soda Water and served in a High-Ball glass).

I suppose a beer would be out of the question?

The hotel is also offering a Savour, Sip, Stay package inclusive of breakfast for two, Vivid-themed cocktails at Jackalberry bar and a late check out.

Visit www.hyattregencysydney.com.

Blinded by the lights: How to enjoy Sydney's Vivid festival from the water

There can be few better places to enjoy Sydney's Vivid Festival light displays than from a boat on Sydney Harbour. 

Captain Cook Cruises has released a program of Vivid Sydney cruises taking in the key precincts of Darling Harbour, The Rocks and Circular Quay including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Running from August 6-28, Vivid Sydney returns to light up the winter nights. 

Experiencing Vivid Sydney from the water can add an extra dimension, with a kaleidoscope of light reflecting on the water in every direction. 

Two of the hottest new releases for 2021 are onboard Sydney's new 'Harbour Bar & Restaurant'.

Cruisers can experience sitting in one of the comfy new lounges as they laze back and enjoy a range of cocktails and live music with the lights of Vivid as a backdrop. 

Guests can add a little luxe and a lot of bubbles when you upgrade to the Vivid Mumm Harbour Bar, including 1.5 hours of bottomless Mumm Champagne and a seafood platter to share. 

The Vivid Harbour Bar prices range from $39 for cruise only, up to $99 per person including Champagne and seafood.

Vivid Sydney's dinner cruises are back as well with family-friendly, 1.5-hour dinners departing at the earlier time of 5pm. Options range from $59 for a two-course menu, up to $199 for a deluxe four-course degustation menu with paired wines.

The 7pm dinner departures give passengers three hours on the water with viewing windows providing spectacular viewing from every table while guests enjoy a superb dining experience. Prices range from $99 for a three-course menu, up to $259 for a deluxe six-course degustation menu with paired wines. 

For those short on time, one-hour Vivid Light cruises depart up to three times nightly between 5.45pm and 8.15pm. Prices start from $29 per person and are a great option for family and social groups.

 “Captain Cook Cruises has been proud to partner with Destination NSW to provide on-water experiences for Vivid Sydney since its inception in 2009,” said Captain Cook Cruises' general manager Nick Lester. 

“There is nothing better than seeing the world's best harbour and its iconic landmarks illuminated at night from the water.” 

All Captain Cook Cruises on-water Vivid Sydney experiences depart from Darling Harbour, King St Wharf 1. 

Vivid Sydney is an award-winning Destination NSW initiative, in conjunction with the Love Sydney campaign. 

For information and bookings call (02) 9206 1111 or visit captaincook.com.au