Best dirty weekends
One of the many excellent things about falling in love is the potential for dirty weekends. While you’re still madly in lust is the perfect time to pack a bag with lingerie, Champagne and not much else.
But the real question is where to go? Where are the best dirty weekend getaways around Sydney? In the world? Without revealing anything too incriminating, where have you and your beloved, ahem, had a good time?
Here are three of my favourite places for a dirty weekend.
The Darling, Sydney
I once had a exceptional dirty weekend at The Darling. Why was it so good? Because you don’t have to go far to access some of the best fun that Sydney has to offer (and you’re never too far from your room if you need to get back there in a hurry). With the Lyric Theatre downstairs, Sokyo restaurant (my favourite), a food court with Gelato Messina and Din Tai Fung, and all the bars and gaming floors of the casino, you can easily imagine that you’re in Las Vegas (and we all know what they say about Vegas…).
Lilianfels, Katoomba
This is a classy option for a weekend away (especially if you don’t want to run into anyone you know). Lilianfels is old school, from the toile wallpaper to Darley’s Restaurant which has one of the best degustation menus – and some of the best service – in NSW. Kick back with a bottle of Dom Perignon, frolic in the pool, relax in the spa or go for a stroll down to the Three Sisters lookout. Or not. Just stay in your room and enjoy each other’s company. Here’s a full review of my stay there.
Bells at Killcare, Killcare
The restaurant at Bells has a grappa trolley – what more could you want?! The rooms at this Hamptons-esque coastal hideaway are cosy and elegant. There’s a gas fireplace to cuddle up in from of, a comfy couch, a bottle of wine and hey, who needs anything else? The fresh produce-driven Italian menu was a highlight for me. Bells is extremely discreet which is why it’s popular with lovers.
Where is your favourite place for a dirty weekend?
Best-ever romantic getaway around Sydney: The Q Station. Formerly known as the North Head Quarantine Station, this hidden gem puts you right in the midst of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Tender romance — together alone, at night, on a secluded beach; wake up to the sound of wild birdsong, and tranquil waters lapping right outside your room, only a few metres away. Then indulge in a leisurely breakfast, and maybe even a morning bushwalk to Manly. Perfect. http://www.qstation.com.au/
I love The Sebel Pier One in Sydney – not too exey, gorgeous views on the sea side and right near The Bar At The End of the Wharf (amazing), Fratelli Fresh (equally amazing) and Ventuno (mouthwatering). Also short walk to The Rocks and the Quay.
I think the weather can help make for a fabulous dirty weekend (or mid week). A windy, rainy and bitterly cold couple of days in Victoria, Vancouver Island in Canada meant that wandering the streets and checking out the sights wasn’t the best option, so we holed up in our hotel room at the Chateau Victoria. Lush big beds and a cosy atmosphere was just what we needed.
I was whisked away to Sydney last year and treated to the amazing Darling Hotel! http://www.thedarling.com.au/ – How can it not be a dirty weekend when your man is spending that much! Such a beautiful place with awesome views and some of the best restaurants right on the doorstep at The Star. BLACK by Ezard was divine. We actually hardly had to leave the confines of the building for anything. I actually just also spent the weekend at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny for a kid free weekend! http://www.spicersgroup.com.au/property/spicers-tamarind-retreat – completely tranquil and a totally different experience from Sydney. Big bed, beautiful bath and spa, private villa – the works!