Your luxe inn over the sea
I’M CERTAIN if our hotel room was any closer to the sea it would be classed as a cruise ship cabin. It even has a balcony hovering over the waves like on cruise liners. And it’s on that sun-kissed balcony that we’re ensconced in our deck chairs, fixated on the mesmerising view. But it’s hard to know what to focus on – the waves caressing the clifftops just metres below or our resort’s uber-cool infinity pool with its inviting water seamlessly melting into the Pacific Ocean beyond. So this is how the other half lives.
Our heavenly coastal hideaway is Bannisters by the Sea, perched spectacularly above the sea at sleepy Mollymook on the NSW South Coast, three hours from Sydney.
Framed by gums and hugging absolute waterfront real estate, this luxury boutique resort dissolves stress, slows your metabolism and makes you put your phone down.
It’s a tonic for the soul. And a lot of its magic comes down to that view, over the pool and out to sea. Even at night, the sea works its charms, with the soothing sound of the waves lulling you to sleep.
Bannisters by the Sea oozes chic coastal cool, calming frayed nerves as soon as you park the car and glimpse the shimmering pool with accompanying bar. Grab a drink or one of the resort’s gourmet pizzas, relax, unwind and feast on the views.
Bannisters was once a bland 1970s motel but in 2002 it was transformed into a luxury getaway for discerning city escapees who like their views with gin and tonics, sparkling wine and craft beer as well as fine gourmet cuisine starring the best fresh seafood on the South Coast.
Overseeing the culinary offering is celebrity chef Rick Stein, who gives the resort’s waterfront restaurant its name.
At Bannisters, dreamy days can be spent watching the sun rise over the sea, paying homage to the beautiful breakfast buffet, disturbing the ripples in the pool, soaking in the rays, gazing on your balcony (each of the 32 rooms has sea views – of course), walking and swimming at the nearby beach and pampering your palate with amazing food at Rick Stein’s elegant restaurant a few metres from your room.
You haven’t visited the South Coast until you’ve tried the local prawns, oysters, crab and lobster enhanced by Stein’s inimitable flavours. And you haven’t been to Rick Stein’s until you’ve chosen the hazelnut and corianderdressed scallops, lobster ravioli and chocolate fondant – a trio of legendary dishes almost as divine as the views from your balcony.
Before leaving, reluctantly, the next day, we enjoy one last taste of the brand at Bannisters Pavilion, a two-minute drive away. Sleek and stylish and nestled in lush, palmstudded greenery, the Pavilion also offers accommodation but we’ve gone straight to The Rooftop – a pool, bar and outdoor/indoor restaurant that resembles a casual, coastal version of Sydney’s famous Ivy Bar.
Again, the pool here is striking and the hanging egg chairs beg your presence as you nurse a refreshing drink and soak in the relaxed ambience.
Sated by crispy skin salmon and vanilla hazelnut affogato, we hit the road to explore a little before heading home.
The eclectic antique stores and cafes of Milton not far away are always satisfying, as is tasting the local drop at Cupitts Winery near Ulladulla.
The more active can climb the birdcage-shaped Pigeon House Mountain named by Captain Cook in 1770.
The blinding white sands of Jervis Bay are tempting and the succulent oysters at Greenwell Point near Nowra are legendary but we’re in the mood for a scenic drive so we trace winding lanes through verdant hills and valleys behind Kiama, marvelling at Eden-like landscapes, before stopping for an ice cream in Berry and motoring home far more chilled.
Bannisters by the Sea – from $349 per room per night including breakfast. bannisters.com.au