I recently flew to Sydney for a conference – in the middle of packing up our home in Tasmania, right before moving interstate. My partner, Brad, was away for work at the same time, adding to the juggling act that had become our everyday of late.
I left Elsie with my parents and sister, and breathed a sigh of relief as I took my seat on the plane. Two nights with no packing, no parenting, no to-do lists. Did I have time for a whirlwind trip to Sydney the week before we moved? Absolutely not. But I was determined to make the most of it – both the conference, and my stay at the beautiful Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
The hotel is located, as the name suggests, in Darling Harbour, perched on the side of the water, and conveniently right next door to the International Convention Centre. While my event wasn’t at the ICC, it was just a short stroll along the waterfront and into the city.
I arrived just after midday and launched straight into two meetings – the first in Surry Hills, a short Uber ride from the hotel, and the second, I conveniently arranged at the hotel – where we settled into Club Millésime on level 35, catching up over coffee with a skyline view that made even a working afternoon feel indulgent.
By 4:45 pm, I was soaking in Diptyque bubbles in the deep bath of my Corner Suite, looking out to a rainy Sydney evening and the harbour below. Clocked off, robe on – the perfect harmony of work and leisure.
Some hotels are made for rest, others for business, and some simply for pleasure. The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour manages to do all three – with quiet luxury at every turn.
I was in such a relaxed state after my bath that I could have easily fallen asleep as I lay down to rest on the silky sheets of my King bed. The promise of Apéro Chic in Club Millésime lured me from my bed, and I made my way back to level 35 for pre-dinner drinks and canapés.
As I found a seat by the window in the club lounge, the atmosphere was gently buzzing – politely hushed voices, glasses clinking, and that impeccable Sofitel service never far away.
I always recommend paying for a Club level room, especially with the big international groups, like Sofitel, who know how to do it so well – you can easily walk away satisfied enough not to need a dinner reservation, and with breakfast and afternoon tea included as well, it works out to be incredible value.
I did, however, have a dinner reservation, downstairs at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atelier. I may have indulged in too many lobster spring rolls in Club Millésime and turned up already half full – oops.
Atelier by Sofitel is a French-inspired restaurant celebrating premium Australian produce. The name “Atelier” means ‘workshop’ in French – a fitting reference to a restaurant so dedicated to its craft. From the Plumm glassware to the weight of the leather-bound menu to the clientele, everything at Atelier feels luxurious.
My lovely waitress took the time to chat and ask me questions, perhaps worried I was lonely dining on my own – little did she know, dining alone at a fancy hotel restaurant is one of my favourite pastimes.
I overordered, of course, because I always do when presented with a menu I can’t resist – starting with Oysters with Chardonnay Mignonette, Pan Seared Scallops with Cauliflower and Charried Capsicum Velouté, followed by O’Connor Grain Fed MS2 Tenderloin, with Organic Mixed Salad Leaves and Duck Fat & Rosemary Potatoes.
I wish I’d had room for the Baked Chocolate Tart with Date Ice-Cream, but I absolutely did not. As I let my dinner settle, I stared out the window, taking in the view of the city and glimpses of the harbour. Relaxed, well-fed, with a beautiful red blend to complement my evening, selected for me by the helpful staff.
When I returned to my suite, I found it had been quietly transformed thanks to the evening turndown service. It’s a detail in luxury hotels I never used to pay much attention to — but as life grows busier and luxuries feel few and far between, these gestures hold more significance. Curtains drawn, lights dimmed, slippers and an eye mask waiting by the bed, a sleepy tea ready to pour — it was all met with a deep sigh of appreciation.
On my final morning at Sofitel, I had an appointment at Sofitel SPA booked and was treated to the signature Vino Therapy Spa Facial. I must admit, I wouldn’t usually choose a facial as a spa treatment – I figure someone with no background on my skin couldn’t possibly do it any justice in a 60-minute treatment. It turns out, I was wrong.
This treatment is described as, “A deliciously decadent luxury ritual enriched with nutrient-rich resveratrol, Shiraz wine pressings and raw cacao chocolate. An infusion of powerful antioxidants with skin brightening actives of alpha-arbutin and alpha hydroxy acids to brighten and firm skin to promote glowing replenished luminosity.”
Truly, I did walk out of the spa glowing, straight into another meeting on level 35 – with no makeup on.
In the lead-up to this trip, knowing it would be a busy few days of back-to-back meetings and a full-day conference, I had worried I would leave feeling exhausted. Instead, I checked out of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour feeling like I’d been on a mini-break to a spa retreat. Thanks to the iconic Sofitel service, considered luxury, and the calm of a harbourside view.
You can book your stay at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour here.
The writer of this article was hosted by Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for a complimentary stay. All opinions expressed are based on the author’s personal experience.
