Merchant banks on booming Brisbane trade

 

The Brisbane hotel scene is hotting up ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. 

The newest cab off the rank is the Radisson Hotel Group opening The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the heart of the city. 

The Merchant marks the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in Queensland and follows a complete revamp of the budget former Turbot House Hotel. 

Inspired by the trading heritage of the historic Roma Street markets, the contemporary 58-room boutique hotel promises to "combine distinctive local character, personalised service and modern comfort" close to corporate, government, cultural and entertainment precincts.

Located on Turbot Street, The Merchant Hotel is within, walking distance of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City Hall and Roma Street Parkland, with South Bank, Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre also easily accessible.

"The opening of The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, represents an important milestone for Radisson Hotel Group in Australia and introduces Radisson Individuals to Queensland for the first time," said Radisson regional COO Tim Cordon. 

"Brisbane continues to grow as a dynamic destination for business, events and leisure travel, and this distinctive boutique hotel brings together a strong sense of place with the flexibility and global reach of the Radisson Individuals brand. 

"We look forward to welcoming guests to an experience that feels authentically connected to the city." 

There are four room categories: Urban Rooms, Urban King Single Rooms, Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms. Many offer city views.

The Lounge is a social hub for both hotel guests and visitors, while communal spaces include flexible lounge areas and hot desks equipped with charging ports. 

For bookings and hotel details, visit The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, on RadissonHotels.com

* To celebrate the hotel opening, guests can save 20% when booking directly for stays until December 20. The offer is available for bookings made before October 31.

Byron Bay's new boutique hotel opens its doors

Raes has announced its new boutique hotel, The Bonobo by Raes, has opened in the heart of Byron Bay.

Designed as "contemporary hotel and lifestyle destination", The Bonobo features flexible accommodation, a lobby lounge for all-day dining and drinks, and a mix of wellness and retail experiences, as well as a rooftop pool. 

“The Bonobo introduces a more social expression of Raes in the centre of Byron Bay," says Marty McCaig, group general manager of Raes. 

"It’s been shaped as a hotel people can move through with ease - whether they’re staying, meeting friends for a drink, or dropping by for a wellness treatment."

Following the opening of its Double Bay studio in October, Reset will extend its wellness offering to Byron Bay. Reset at The Bonobo will feature cedar saunas, ice baths, a eucalyptus steam room, magnesium bath and vitamin C–infused showers, alongside a private treatment room dedicated to LED light therapy, facials and restorative body treatments. 

Treatments will be available to both hotel guests and the wider Byron Bay community.

The Bonobo will comprise 33 hotel rooms alongside four one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom residences, all managed by Raes and suitable for both short and extended stays. 

There will be the option to connect with adjoining rooms to create larger multi-bedroom residences. 

The hotel’s food and beverage offering will be crafted by two-hatted Raes Dining Room executive chef Jason Saxby. 

Hotel bookings are available now at  https:/thebonobo.com.au/.

Bali bliss; how to get away from it all in real style

"Hey hey, you can't go back" - Patti Scialfa

There are so many places that I have yet to visit that I rarely return to destinations, even top-notch ones that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

The Damai, a little sanctuary of serenity in Bali, is a firm exception to that rule. Think exclusive, remote, and stylish. And definitely return worthy.

Tucked away in the hills above Bali's northern beaches, The Damai is a privately owned bijou resort where the air is clean, the sky clear and the sounds muted, except, sometimes, for the local frogs.

The Damai sits in the lush green hills above sleepy Lovina. 

There are just 14 beautifully appointed villas in lush tropical gardens with stunning views over the North Bali coast and the distant volcanoes of Java. 

The award-winning poolside restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine with organic ingredients from the resort's own gardens and farm. 

The Damai is a perfect spot to relax from the hectic world outside; to enjoy the private luxury of a pool villa or simply to relax in your private pool after a massage. 

With a few hours of arriving you will be zoned out, ready to start regenerating. 

There are plenty of activities on offer; a trip to one of the spectacular local waterfalls, perhaps, a boat ride out to swim with dolphins on one of the local fishing vessels, or maybe a vineyard tour, wine tasting and picnic at a local vineyard (yes, really!).

But my bet is that you will spend most of your stay in your pool, or reading a book, or having an al fresco treatment. 

 
Unlike many of Bali's top resorts, The Damai really is far away from the hustle and bustle.

You will find yourself far from the crowds, and close to the true heart of Bali, local people going about their daily lives. 

Maybe you will venture to a dance class in the village. Savour the scent of cloves in the breeze. Take a trek to a deserted temple or a secret waterfall. 

You are only a few hours from Kuta or Canggu, but in a very different world. 

After taking in the magnificent sunsets, the only sounds you are likely to hear are snatches of traditional music drifting from one of the small nearby villages, or perhaps a rooster crowing.

In addition to the marvellous pool villas, the lush greenery and superb food, the big strength of The Damai is its staff; the vast majority of them locals.

The service here is uniformly smiling and quietly efficient. Nothing is too much trouble whether you are enjoying a cocktail, taking a golf buggy trip from your villa to the main complex, or need help with a restaurant reservation at your next destination.

The Damai describes its style as "elegant simplicity". All the villas are surrounded by private gardens and you are unlikely to see any other guests unless you wish to.

The food is easy to enjoy. Simple brasserie dishes. Balinese classics. Tropical, local and good. Most evenings dinner is served by the poolside, by a roaring fire, under the stars, with view over the boats at sea, catching the fish for tomorrow's menu.

"We use organic ingredients wherever possible." staff tell me. "Many things we grow ourselves. Herbs and salads from our market garden. Honey from the Damai bees. Poultry, eggs and fresh coconut oil from our village. Fish from the local fishermen. Very few imports, and always of the best quality we can find."

In addition to the a la carte dinner menu there is always a three-course set menu of Balinese favourites.  And don't miss out on the cocktails - alcoholic or otherwise. They are splendid and potentially addictive. 

Breakfast features a choice of western or Balinese menus, but we began each day with fresh fruit platters and a shot of "jamu" - a local herbal elixir. 

You can then go traditional, or local, maybe with Mie Goreng, fried noodles with vegetables and chicken satés. 

Dinner is usually enjoyed al fresco next to the main pool. 

Think menu favourites like yellowfin tuna grilled bleu with ripe local mango, pickled raisins, sweet and sour soy vinaigrette with macadamia and oyster mushrooms, or poached village chicken with fresh zucchini, cucumber, dill oil, noodles and a touch of wasabi. 

Stay ultra regional with grilled local fish of the day, beurre blanc or spicy soy sauce, with pilaf rice and steamed local greens. 

Your villa will be just a 10-minute drive through the countryside - past local temples and farms - to the beach resort of Lovina.

The Damai Bali was recently nominated for the TOP25 Hotels Bali - World’s Best Luxury Hotels award: a pity as I would prefer it to remain undiscovered for just a little longer. 

It was praised for couples seeking a romantic honeymoon in an idyllic, private setting; travellers desiring a peaceful retreat with world-class amenities and attentive service, and for gastronomy enthusiasts eager to experience the culinary offerings. 

“We are honoured to be recognised among the world’s best luxury hotels,” said Damai GM Andres Rubio. 

“This nomination is a testament to our team's dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest. We look forward to welcoming travellers from Bali, across Asia, and around the globe to discover the magic of The Damai.”

One note: Unless you are brave/foolish enough to drive yourself, you'll need to book a hotel transfer. You are a good 3-4 hours from Denpasar Airport, and it is an interesting, albeit slow, drive.

You can stop along the way at Singarajah, Git Git Falls or in Ubud to break up the journey. 

The Damai: +62 877 888 41008, resort@thedamai.com. https://thedamai.com/

The writer was hosted by The Damai

Images: Winsor Dobbin 

Las Vegas hotel to attract different style of high roller

Las Vegas is set to welcome its first cannabis-friendly hotel.

The former Artisan Hotel Boutique is undergoing a revamp and will soon be reborn as the "cannabis inclusive" Lexi Hotel.

Alex Rizk, CEO of Elevation Hotels and Resorts, says the new look will pay tribute to the hotel's history, while appealing to a new crowd.

He says the 64-room hotel will be open to both cannabis enjoyers and those who don't partake in a spliff or two, with a combination of cannabis-inclusive and cannabis-free areas throughout the property.

"One of our goals is to destigmatize the use of cannabis in the proper areas," said Rizk. "So, we are following and will follow the local laws, even though some of our hotels will have more flexibility depending on where they are."

Rizk says the Lexi will feature a pot lounge at some point, subject to statutory approval.

In addition to a potential lounge, the newly branded resort will also feature an exclusive members-only lounge, achapel and an events centre. There will also be a café, a Cajun-inspired steakhouse and live music.

Located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, The Lexi will have all new guest rooms, and host pool parties over spring and summer.

"The Lexi allows the Elevations Hotels and Resorts brand to truly showcase our commitment to creating a new type of hotel concept that is defined not only by our acceptance and normalization of cannabis in the hospitality space, but also by our dedication to reclaim storied properties and transform them for the modern-day travellers," says Rizk.

For more details see www.lexilasvegas.com

Meet Sydney's newest boutique hotel

A new boutique hotel has opened its doors in Sydney - inspired by the people and past of its local neighbourhood.

Aiden Darling Harbour is a compact 88-room hotel with a local edge to its design, art, food and beverage options and room features.

The hotel is located in a remodelled 1930s Art Deco building in Sydney’s harbourside village of Pyrmont.

Interiors of the eight-storey hotel draw on textures and hues from the area, such as the Sydney Harbour blue of its plush velvet bedheads, fluted glass-inspired by shapes of Pyrmont Bridge situated opposite, and a 200-piece sculptural light in the lobby emulating dappled sunlight through Eucalyptus leaves.

Aiden Darling Harbour’s rooms feature locally-made furnishings including "super comfy" Sleepmaker beds and vibrant murals of native flora hand-painted by artist in residence Jessica Le Clerc.



Select rooms have exclusive views of an otherwise hidden 25-metre-high "evergreen" mural of lush subtropical rainforest.

In the ground floor lobby and Wayfarer’s Bar & Café, guests can discover the hotel’s signature botanical fragrance from candles handmade by Pyrmont local Em Cook, while enjoying croissants from Pyrmont’s PiOiK Bakery, Staves Beer brewed in the next door suburb of Glebe, wine from an all-Australian list, and custom-bottled cocktails mixed with local spirits.

Guest experiences include an exclusive local walking tour with Local Sauce and a private luxury sailing expedition with Sydney By Sail.

Aiden Darling Harbour has been created by well-travelled Sydneysider Nicolas Chen, with Pyrmont local Michael Sharp as general manager.

Modern touches include complimentary wifi and Chromecasting, ready-to-fill fridges replacing minibars, digital room keys and luxury in-room items like Dyson hairdryers.

The hotel has opened with 42 guest rooms, with an additional 46 being finalised with soft furnishings for stays from April 2022 including several with private open-air balconies.

To celebrate its opening, Aiden Darling Harbour is offering a special opening rate from $249 per night. For more information and reservations, visit www.aidendarlingharbour.com.au.

Sounds like one I'll be checking out next time I am in Sydney.

Launceston boutique hotel has a lot to offer

You can feel the warmth and energy the moment you enter the lobby of the Sebel Launceston in Tasmania's second city.

It is 5pm on a Friday and there are several groups enjoying post-work week drinks at Bluestone Bar and Kitchen, the boutique hotel's eatery. Several are clearly settling in for dinner.  

On a Saturday morning there are several family groups enjoying breakfast prior to heading off the the Harvest market just down the road.

There's a friendly vibe; the front desk have welcoming smiles and make sure you have everything need.

This 53-room hotel just a stroll from the Launceston CBD is family-owned and -operated - and its shows in the attention to detail.  

There are fully self-contained one, two and three-bedroom superior, deluxe and spa suites to choose from. All have separate bathrooms and private balconies.

The decor showcases natural Tasmanian stone and timbers throughout the interior as well as locally commissioned art.

Rooms have air-conditioning and kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Many suites also contain spa baths and laundry facilities.

Bluestone Bar & Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - and also for in-room dining from 5pm-8.3pm daily.

Chef Sam Bray, whose CV includes a stint with Rene Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen,  focuses on local produce with some Asian accents to match with regional wines from the nearby Tamar Valley and Pipers River.

Entrees include oysters served either with nahm jim juice, natural or kilpatrick; miso butter-baked Tasmanian scallops with nori crumble and duck and pinot terrine. 

Mains for spring include roast pork belly with charred onion, confit daikon and mushroom and tempura cauliflower with truffle glaze, artichoke puree and pickled oyster mushroom, as well as Tasmanian grass-fed beef. 

Even at breakfast there is a sense of adventure with choices including a Korean breakfast bowl and Japanese dish okonomiyaki, in addition to more mainstream choices, 

For business meetings there are two large, professional conference spaces, free daily newspapers, underground parking and a 24-hour on-site fitness centre.

The location is right, too, within walking distance of many eateries and bars but with triple glazing that keeps out any noise.

It is situated just off the Tamar River and only a five-minute stroll to the Seaport Precinct.
Book direct and the hotel promises to match any online price offers.

Sebel Launceston, 12-14 St John St, Launceston, Tasmania. 

(03) 6333 7555. www.thesebel.com/tasmania/the-sebel-launceston/

# The writer was a guest of Accor the Sebel Launceston 

Is this the best-value hotel in Adelaide?

Sometimes you really don't need a hotel with all the bells and whistles that cost the big bucks.

For a night or two you can get by without a concierge, 24-room service, around-the-clock reception and porters to help you take your one small bag to the lift.

What you probably do want is a clean, quiet, well-sized room with a TV, shower, fast free internet and a central location.

For all those of you with simple tastes, may I introduce you the Adabco Boutique Hotel in Adelaide.

With a history dating back to 1897, the Adabco has a communal kitchen and outdoor terrace located on each floor. It is clean, comfortable and very affordable.

Located in a heritage-listed Venetian Gothic style building it offers a beguiling mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication.There is even a guest lounge with computer terminals.

It's a little old school, for sure, but that's part of its appeal.

There are little touches of luxury like in-room robes and Netflix movies, but what the Adabco does best is offer a very good base within strolling distance of both Adelaide many cafes, eateries and bars and the lovely parklands.

The building was originally opened as Our Boys’ Institute in 1897, the early forerunner of the YMCA in Adelaide.

Lady Victoria Buxton, wife of the former Governor of South Australia, laid the foundation stone in October 1896.



There are a range of room sizes and styles with prices booked directly online for under $100 a night - that's cheaper than many crappy country motels. Two night stays, for instance, attract a 20% discount.

The Adabco is part of the Elanor Group. Adabco Boutqiue Hotel, 223 Wakefield St, Adelaide SA 5000. (08) 8100 7500. www.adabcohotel.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of Adabco Boutique Hotel but would happily stay there at his own cost

Simply capital: a novel stay in the Australian capital

Three of Canberra’s innovative women have collaborated to create a unique short-stay package bringing together art, wine and a luxurious spring stay in Canberra. 

The exclusive Great Things Come In Little Packages is aimed to appeal to lovers of ceramic art from emerging artists, cool-climate wines and boutique accommodation.  

“Great Things Come In Little Packages has been developed as a collaboration between Canberra’s tiniest gallery, Gallery of Small Things (GOST), the Little National Hotel and Lake George Winery,” said package collaborator and Director of GOST, Anne Masters.  

“We’re working together to showcase ceramic art and highlighting feature artist, Grace Brown of Oh Hey Grace on her first solo show in Canberra. And pairing her work with award-winning wines from boutique Lake George Winery and a stay at a small luxury hotel in the heart of leafy Barton, Little National Hotel. 

“We really want to support smaller businesses in Canberra including local art, wine, accommodation, transport and hospitality businesses, following a particularly tough 12  months for us all.” 

Great Things Come In Little Packages includes two nights’ accommodation at Little National with daily breakfast at Buvette Restaurant, private exhibition viewing at GOST, welcome drink with meet and greet the artist Grace Brown, a little ceramic workshop, a take home gift from the artist’s limited collection, and a personalised vine to wine tour at Lake George Winery.  

“We are confident Canberra Region advocates, and together invite visitors to experience a weekend away with our luxurious packages,” Masters said. 

 

Great Things Come In Little Packages is available  September 24-26 2021 only. The package costs $485 per person, twin share.  

For more information and to book visit www.galleryofsmallthings.com/great-things-come-in-little-packages-experience-weekend