CRYSTAL VILLA
CROWN TOWERS, MELBOURNE
Certain things are sacred in Melbourne, not least of which are the AFL grand final public holiday (yes, a statewide day of reverence for a sporting match) and a tendency to enjoy anything that happens after 8pm with the panache to rival that of the buzziest European cities. Then there’s the supersized drawcard that is Crown. Housing the biggest casino in the country (and 11th largest in the world), it’s adept at hosting high-rollers, so your most decadent fantasies are likely to be met.
There are 32 luxe villas in Crown Towers, from Deluxe all the way up to the Chairman’s Villa, encompassing an entire floor at 1,090m². But for a stay that won’t require a sweeping blackjack win, a one- or two-bedroom Crystal Villa will do the trick. On arrival, private check-in will have you doubting the need to queue for anything ever again, a feeling only enhanced by the champagne waiting in your room (with 35,000 bottles popped here each year, it’d be rude not to contribute).
The fully stocked bar means your friend who used to moonlight as a bartender can have carte blanche over refreshments, and there’s a 24-hour butler should you wish to have your soiree catered to. That said, some of the world’s best chefs have restaurants here, including Heston Blumenthal, Guillaume Brahimi and Neil Perry. As for the casino? That’ll depend on your luck, but a surer investment can be found in outposts from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry and Bulgari. q crownhotels.com.au