Crown Sydney

Opulent rooms with edge-of-the-water views and a world-class dining district within its walls leave little reason to stray from this harbourside hotel.

The rooms

There are hundreds of rooms and suites at Crown Sydney (crownsydney. com.au) but thanks to the building’s spiral design and walls of glass not one of them misses out on views. Nab yourself a Deluxe King Room with effort-saving technology (hello, tablet-controlled electric blinds) and a deep egg-shaped bath or – if the budget allows – book one of the Executive Harbour Bridge Suites, which comes with sprawling living spaces and an exclusive perspective on the iconic bridge.

The fine-diner

The enthusiastic shout of “irasshaimase” as you arrive is all that’s commonplace about dining at Nobu. In the vast space, Scandi-Japanese design (warm timbers, neutral tones and soft lighting) imparts intimacy, while on the menu every dish is extraordinary: yellowtail sashimi in a pool of yuzu soy sauce, each bite taken with a leaf of coriander and a ring of jalapeño; black cod with miso that’s so tender the fillet falls apart with barely a nudge; and tempura lobster, which transforms the luxury shellfish into a pile of sweet golden morsels. Understated excess never tasted so good.

The drinks

If the 26th-floor aspect and Cirq’s striking interiors (oversized chandeliers and plush velvet sofas) don’t distract you, the drinks list will. There are dozens of excellent champagnes to choose from, plus more than 30 different gins. And if you want to make a night of it, there’s a decent menu of bar eats, too, from bite-sized piquillo peppers stuffed with goat’s cheese to the more substantial Wagyu skirt with black garlic bagna càuda.

On a sunny day, get in early to claim a table on the outdoor terrace.

The pools

Between one meal and… the next meal, head to the hotel’s fifth floor for a cascading network of heated and unheated infinity pools. Lay your blueand-white-striped towel on a daybed suspended over water or splash out and book a cabana – each comes with its own mini bar, TV and butler.

The spa

We can’t tell you what treatment you need – the menu covers all your body-wrapping, antioxidant-enriching, hot-stone basics and adds in La Prairie facials for very good measure – so the decision is up to you and your weary self. But we can tell you what not to miss: it’s the bit before the treatment. The Aqua Retreat at Crown Spa might best be described as activated Zen – a circular maze in tones of mauve, grey and marble studded with wellbeing facilities. Pick and mix from the steam room, the monsoon shower, the infrared sauna and vitality pool heated to a tensioneasing 37 degrees. The only thing it needs? A clock, motivating you to make it to the relaxation lounge on time to be collected for your treatment.