Infrared saunas and a rooftop pool seasoned with magnesium. Champagne and oysters overlooking the seventh best beach in the world. Snorkels and platoon bikes are delivered to your room.
These are just some of the highlights of a stay at the Manly Pacific, the five-star Sydney hotel that has become the go-to place for visitors looking for a luxury wellness break in the city since its $30 million facelift last year.
Overlooking the pine-lined promenade behind Manly Beach, the beach-chic seaside spot is a mecca for spa and exercise enthusiasts thanks to a new health-focused makeover. Health shots and Goji berries for breakfast, surfing and yoga lessons, and a rooftop pool overlooking the northern beaches are all on the menu here.
From French bistro-inspired tasting menus right on the beach to Mel C-approved cryotherapy sessions, here's what to expect.
Where is it?
Just across the street from Manly beach. TripAdvisor has just ranked Manly Beach number seven in the world and the hotel is in one of the best spots in the city, right behind the pine-lined promenade that stretches its entire length: think Cali vibes, with fewer skateboarders and more spikeball. With a cup of coffee in the morning you can watch the runners, cyclists and surfers from your balcony.
Manly's eight world-famous beaches are all within walking distance and Manly Wharf is just a five-minute walk away. Then it's a 30-minute ferry ride to central Sydney.
Style
Think Cali vibes again. The hotel underwent a $30 million facelift last year and it's all white and wood and coastal spa: think chic, plant-filled interiors, pale oak and neutral coastal colors that nod to the spirit of Manly.
Expect surfboards on the wall, fruit water in the lobby and chic black and white striped bath towels. The whole place feels like a luxury yoga studio, if yoga studios did sleepovers and espresso martinis.
Which room?
Each of the hotel's 213 rooms includes a private bathroom, 50-inch Smart TV and a minibar stocked with gluten-free Gumnut snacks, beer from local brewery 4Pines and Mr Zog's sex wax for your surfboard. Choose from standard rooms with queen beds and views of the Manly district; superior rooms with king size beds and balconies; deluxe rooms for lovers of natural light; and superior ocean view rooms for, well, ocean views.
The story continues
There are also dog-friendly rooms for guests with pets, and twin-bed coastal villas with private balconies with sea views, exclusive access to the infrared sauna and priority access to the Beach Club for all your leisure and recreation needs. Upgrade to the 177 m² Infinity Residence for the ultimate in luxury, with beautiful marble surfaces, a fireplace and al fresco dining for up to eight people on your private 100 m² terrace. Expect tea and chocolates on the bed as part of the nightly turndown service.
Eat Drink
The hotel has several dining options, from the French-inspired restaurant Bistro Manly (try the tasting menu, with freshly shucked oysters and matching wines) to the relaxed Japanese restaurant Tokyo Joe (order the Manly rolls if you like sushi), both right on the doorstep. the door. the beach. There's also room service, a relaxed menu at the rooftop pool and a luxurious new cocktail lounge on the ground floor called 55 North.
Breakfast is buffet style, serving all the usual hot dishes, as well as cereals, pastries and fresh fruit. There's an eggs-on-your-way counter with omelettes and the like. The staff is happy to pack up a small take-away box if you're rushing to catch some morning waves.
Facilities
Wellness is key here, from the hotel's own infrared sauna to the rooftop pool, seasoned with magnesium instead of chlorine (it apparently improves the health of your skin and muscles).
There's a poolside butler service that will deliver everything from champagne and cocktails to burgers and salads to your sun lounger, and the team will deliver snorkels and fins to your suite if you fancy a dip in the sea (the waters at Shelley Beach are an aquatic reserve and boast some of the most breathtaking swimming and snorkeling spots in Sydney).
If you prefer to stay dry while you exercise, yoga mats and even Peloton bikes can be delivered to your room. There's an on-site gym and even a hotel Mercedes on hand to take you for your red light therapy session further along the bay. Free morning yoga classes are offered every Thursday and Saturday on the sundeck for views and vinyasa in one.
What on Instagram
At sunrise or sunset from the rooftop pool overlooking the northern beaches. There is a handy sign indicating the respective sunrise and sunset directions when you get to the top floor.
Best for?
Wellness enthusiasts looking for a luxurious beach holiday away from Sydney's busy CBD. Manly Pacific's guests are a glamorous yet understated crowd, and the A-listers who pass through are quiet and just as eager to get down to business as the locals.
Australian rugby legend Michael Hooper is a regular at Manly Beach and former Spice Girl queen Mel C recently dropped in for a cryotherapy session, the staff tell me as I check in at the hotel's wellness partner, Cryo Northern Beaches, run by Manly and wife duo and Londoners-turned-manly-converts Dimple and Ash Naik (and Waffle, their Toy Cavoodle, who's happy to partake in glow facials if you don't mind him seeing you in your fetching cryo attire).
How to get there
Flights from London to Sydney take 21 hours, then it's just a 30-minute taxi ride at the other end.
When should I go?
Sea temperatures are at their maximum in March, a perfect time to visit for an Indian Summer on the Pacific Ocean. Visit between November and March if you're looking for long sunny days and real Australian warmth. The advantage of the Australian winter is a greater chance of sightings of whales and dolphins. Some locals even say this is their favorite season.
Rooms from € 186, manlypacific.com.au
