The Darling Sydney transforms a stay in cosmopolitan Sydney into a luxurious romp, with incredible views over the glittering city and a meticulous attention to detail that will have guests feeling like a rock star.
Sydney’s dazzling nightscapes have graced many a postcard, and at The Darling, one of Sydney’s most painstakingly designed and lovingly tended luxury hotels, guests get to be right where the action is, without ever feeling the heat. The 5 star spa hotel impresses with contemporary interiors brimming with character. Full-length windows look out upon the urban scenery beneath, showcasing Sydney’s stunning cityscapes.
Living
The Darling Sydney – Lobby
The Darling Sydney is one of city’s favorite 5 star luxury hotels, and has been nominated by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Top 60 Best New Hotels in the World. Still, one needs to visit to fully understand what sets it apart from your run of the mill five star establishment.
The hotel has taken full advantage of its close location with Sydney’s stunning CBD skyline and Darling harbor and turned the hotel experience into one that’s contemporary, hip and luxurious at the same time. Its 161 rooms, suites and penthouses each offer jaw-dropping views of either Darling Harbour or the CBD skyline.
Every design element of the hotel, from the architecture to the interior décor, is geared towards offering globetrotting visitors the ultimate urban experience. However, to balance the cold metallic ambiance you can feel in many five star hotels, we loved the bronze sculptures, bedonia stone, billowing curtains and soft candlelight which create an intimate atmosphere.
The luxury 14-room Darling day spa is one of the key draws of the hotel, and has hosted a bevy of celebrity guests. Four skin treatments using upmarket Swiss La Prairie products, exclusivity in NSW, are available on the menu, from the wonderful essential facial to the insanely pure gold radiance treatment, which uses pure gold leaf extract. I opted for a 60-minute deep muscle massage to relax after a long day of sightseeing in the streets of Sydney, while my partner enjoyed their signature treatment combining a back exfoliation and a customised hot stone massage for a deep relaxation. After that we jumped in the outside pool, surprisingly scented with a blend of white tea and eucalyptus.
Room
The Darling Sydney – Room
Never content to produce a cookie cutter experience, The Darling Sydney offers guests more than the chance to revel in 1,000 spring mattress, 400 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton bed linen and goose down comforters. Guests get to choose from a menu containing 12 luxury pillows to ensure optimal sleep. In addition, a home remote enables convenient control over the HD TV, light, air temperature and blinds.
The Adored Suites at the Darling are the height of luxury, accessible via a private foyer opening into a 115 square metre room with first class views of the stunning Sydney Harbour.
The suite also features a king size bedroom complete with walk in wardrobe, a gorgeous marble bathroom equipped with a rain showerhead, premium toiletries from British brand Molton Brown and even a separate shower room for guests to use.
Dining
The Darling Sydney – Black Restaurant
The Darling Sydney is part of The Star, city’s most glamorous dining and entertainment complex. This means foodies are in for a real treat, as every Sydneysider knows that that’s where you can find world famous restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs.
At Balla, you’ll be transported to the fashionable streets and dining rooms of Milan, while BLACK by ezard puts a modern spin on the classic Aussie grill. For Australian-Asian fusion gourmet, visit the incredibly chic Momofuku Seiõbo, helmed by David Chang, chef and visionary extraordinaire.
Level of exigency
Despite the beautiful interior and fashion-forward décor, the best thing about staying at The Darling is undoubtedly the attention to detail and level of service. Always professional and attentive but never intrusive, the staff are willing to go the extra mile and will make you feel like a celebrity. And some of their famous guests include Leonardo DiCaprio, Seal, Joel Madden and Mr Clooney himself.
Stay from 12th to 14th September 2014
Built in 2012, The Darling’s youth shows in its vibrant and unconventional approach. Its location is perfect for guests yearning for a night on the town at The Star. We stayed in one of the Adored Suite 110 with view on the pool and Harbour, which public rate is from AUD879/night.
I’ve heard only good things about the Darling! I should pay a visit one day :)