EPICURE LOOKBOOK
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
It’s been called a sleepy little town and other less flattering names, but as you stand on the balcony of your room at The Calile Hotel or lounge at the giant pool area decked with cabanas, you realise that Brisbane is slowly shedding its boring and quiet city image.
This year, The Calile Hotel is the latest opening among a growing slew of boutique hotels in the biggest city in Queensland. The 175-room urban oasis is the work of leading design firm, Richards and Spence, and is located at the centre of the buzzing James Street precinct; the latter is known for its independent fashion boutiques, eateries, design showrooms and galleries,
The city also draws lovers of the nature lovers and sun seekers. “Our (Brisbane) climate is great for living outdoors most of the year. The naturally ventilated rooms allow guests to share our outdoor lifestyle, reinforcing a sense of place that is uniquely Brisbane. The Calile Hotel is our greatest professional achievement to date.” says co-director Adrian Spence.
EYE FOR DETAILS
There’s a poised clarity and rich aesthetic in each hotel room that is evident by the arched windows and playfully curved showers. The rooms’ modern design taps on natural elements within Queensland’s environment. Case in point, to reduce carbon emissions from importing foregin materials, the building is constructed with masonry brick - a common residential building product in Brisbane but not often used on massive structures. “We flipped the priorities to ensure the building is well-suited to the temperate climate that lasts for most of the year. And our intention is always to do as much as necessary, but as little as possible without being brutal,” Spence shares. Physical items are locally sourced, where possible, such as the mini bar products, toiletries by Grown Alchemist and lush bathrobes supplied by the Venroy boutique downstairs.
“As a counterpoint to a reductive material palette, we look for circumstantial opportunities to create charm without being kitsch,” says Spence. That playful charm is generously served out in shades of pastel pink, sky blue and caramel timber, while brass details and round, frosted sconces and cork flooring complete the sophisticated picture.
Co-director Ingrid Richards says the sense of charm is also hidden in the invisible, functional elements of the design – an often underrated yet important aspect of a luxury hotel. “We designed rooms with space big enough to unfold two suitcases, benches for shopping bags, vanities large enough for your own toiletries, operable windows to experience (Brisbane’s) great weather, operable walls to enable customisation of the space. We often forget the added beauty that the guests themselves provide to a hotel room interior. The charm of a well-made, carefully planned interior is the most luxurious room that we can think of,” she says.
The same soft pastel palette is also maintained in the hotel’s communal areas, which are connected by a sequence of open-air walkway. As spaces comes in abundance on each floor, air flows through easily, while ceiling fans provide a cooling breeze via customised breezeblock screens.
ALMOST PALM SPRINGS
Outdoors, a 30-metre rectangle pool injects a laidback vibe to the space. Framed by palm trees, plush cabanas with mint green cushions, and turquoise and white pool brollies over sun decks, it’s no wonder the pool is a hit with many guests. Arrive early to secure a daybed and you can enjoy the sun with a glass of Hellenika G&T, a refreshing concoction of Tanqueray, Fever Tree tonic and rosemary.
After a few laps, guests usually make their way to the breezy olive tree-lined al fresco terrace at Hellenika. Furnished with chairs made from salvaged timber floors, the Greek restaurant is another Instagram-worthy spot in the hotel. The peckish can try the signature kolokithia (zucchini chips) but if you are in the mood for more, choose the eggplant moussaka, chicken souvlakia or a massive 1.2kg classic baked lamb shoulder. A big fat Greek breakfast awaits early risers. Expect caramelised fresh grapefruit with sweet Greek yoghurt, spanakopita (spinach pie) and the Eggs with Eggs with Eggs (boiled eggs, taramasalata, salmon, peas and toast). Another calorific eat is the Onassis, a platter of streaky bacon, loukanika (Greek sausages), olive-oil fried eggs, fresh tomato, a lamb cutlet and toast.
Spence sums up the appeal of The Calile Hotel: “More than anything, we want our guests to feel comfortable. That extends well beyond a comfortable bed and pillow. We want them to feel relaxed at all stages of the visit, from the arrival in the lobby to the poolside experience.”