By RAMA GAIND
IT’S very easy to feel on top of the world – at the Diamant Hotel in Sydney, especially when it comes to soaking up the urban vibe – in the luxury penthouse.
Overlooking the city’s skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the 12th floor, three-bedroom penthouse combines contemporary luxury living with rock star glamour, located moments from Sydney’s most vibrant quarter.
Designed by renowned architects Burley Katon Halliday, the state-of-the-art entertainment systems, floor-to-ceiling windows, sun-drenched living spaces and private access with high-tech security creates an oasis in the sky for the sophisticated world traveller.
The Diamant is located in the heart of Kings Cross, Potts Point and Darlinghurst triangle, offering Sydney’s biggest and eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs.
The three bedrooms are designed with practicality in mind: the lounge room, in the middle is flanked on the one side by two bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, a massive kitchen (almost of commercial proportions) and the main bedroom which has its own separate wing with a spacious en-suite bathroom with spa bath, powder room and a smaller balcony.
Comfort is of the essence here. The lounge room and dining area are open plan with room for a 10-seater dining table. The adjoining balcony with sweeping views is a magnificent vantage point to watch the sunrise and sunset.
The kitchen is a chef’s delight: with huge preparation table, cooking hotplates, dishwasher and hot water. Views from the kitchen take in Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay.
If you don’t want to cook, the penthouse comes with a butler service, on request, and is available for short- or long-term accommodation, product launches, photo shoots, private dinners and memorable occasions.
The main bedroom was amazing: walk-in bathroom, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ hand basins, separate shower and toilet and a spa bath. The firm mattress and pillows on the king size bed made for a good night’s rest. That long line of built-in cupboards – wow – I want them in my home!
Abundant adventures
My adventurous streak was stroked beyond expectations during my short stay in Potts Point.
One of the trendiest suburbs in Sydney, just 3km east of the CBD, this stylish suburb is wedged between ritzy Elizabeth Bay, iconic Woolloomooloo and nightclub mecca Kings Cross. Said to have one of the highest population densities in Australia, Potts Point is a snakes and ladders patchwork of historic mansions converted to quaint guesthouses, intimate waterholes, eateries and fashion outlets.
Minutes walk to Oxford Street, Darling Hour, Circular Quay, CBD, Chinatown, cinemas, shops, St Vincent’s Hospital, galleries and Kings Cross Station.
The streets are tree-lined, pavements are wide and you get a hint of Euro-style urban elegance.
Stroll down Macleay Street, and Potts Point’s lavish history jumps to life. Named after banker Joseph Potts, elaborate Georgian manors were built on large blocks of land, later to be pulled down in the 1930s to make way for a distinctive new architectural style – art deco.
Make your way down to Orwell Street for a look at the gorgeous art deco building in The Metro which originally showed the groundbreaking musical, Hair, in the 1960s.
Walk to Challis Street for a cluster of great dining out options and continue into Victoria Street’s Embarkation Park that offers views and a chance to commune with nature in the heart of the city.
Whatever you do, a visit to this sophisticated little suburb is sure to be a highlight of your Sydney stay.
Pampered beyond belief, it was unfortunate that I stayed at the Diamant on my own. Come with your family and make it your base for the 2012 Sydney Festival – a three-week celebration of music, dance, opera, theatre and art – between January 7-29, 2012.
Mary Poppins, the musical
Make the hotel your base if you are looking for another type of entertainment and go see Mary Poppins – The Supercalifragilistic Musical at the Capitol Theatre, in Sydney.
A splendid adaptation of the beloved books by Australia’s own P.L.Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, the spectacular production includes all of the best- loved songs from the film including Chim Chim Cher-Ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Feed the Birds and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and new classics like Practically Perfect and Anything Can Happen.
Mary Poppins features an impeccable Australian cast including Matt Lee best-known for his judging role on the hugely successful So You Think You Can Dance, Philip Quast, Debra Byrne, Judi Connelli, Sally-Anne Upton, David Henry and Christopher Rickerby and after an extensive Australia-wide search for the practically perfect nanny, Verity Hunt-Ballard in the title role.
It’s a magical world with commendable performances.
The musical will play at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, in Brisbane in January 2012 before going to Perth in March.
WHERE TO STAY
Diamant Hotel (part of 8Hotels group)
14 Kings Cross Road,
Potts Point, NSW 2011
Telephone: (02) 9295 8888; freecalll 1800 037 544
Email: [email protected]
www.diamant.com.au
Rama Gaind was a guest of Diamant Hotel, Potts Point.
