07 November 2023
8 mins Read
Dragging your winter body off the couch and into the gym is one way to prepare for long sultry sessions, but brushing up on super-stylish drink destinations puts you well ahead of the game. Whether you’re leaning towards water views with a gentle breeze, cosy dens, the swankiest rooftops or laneway chic, our handpicked selection of hotel bars will serve you well; just add friends and mix. As always, quality over quantity is key. With that in mind, these are some of our top picks.
Where: Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection
This might be the city’s latest hot spot, but Bar Morris’s leather and marble-swathed den of cool guarantees comfort and style, even on a Sydney scorcher. Located in the recently launched boutique Hotel Morris Sydney – a lavishly refurbished early-1900s establishment built in Italian Renaissance style, part of the luxe Handwritten Collection – this intimate wine bar promises an indulgent experience, morning to night.
An excellent list of bar-snackery entices you to linger over authentic Italian cuisine with a distinctly creative edge; think whipped broad beans with paprika oil or octopus skewers with lardo and anchovy mayo, paired with a martini made with Seven Seasons Green Ant Gin. Situated near the Capitol Theatre, Bar Morris is ideally placed for a pre-show drink or meal, but you won’t need that excuse to visit. This Euro-chic joint exudes a particularly theatrical atmosphere in the evenings when it’s lit by chandeliers and the subtle glow of Art Deco-inspired table-top lamps.
Where: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Summer never really ends in Cairns, and that’s why Moku Bar & Grill is perpetually switched to island time. Nothing whispers ‘holiday mode’ like kicking back with your crew on a balmy afternoon, drinking in the sunset as tantalising aromas from the grill waft over on the sea breeze. Taking advantage of the cheeky tiki hour is probably the best way to distract yourself until it’s time to sup. Cocktails, mocktails and even boutique beers are infused with exotic fruits and aromatics native to the tropics; of course, no one will judge you if you choose to rosé all day. Upmarket bistro fare includes designer burgers, beer-battered local fish and your choice of steak with citrus coleslaw and smoked potatoes. Daily specials cater to both carnivores and plant-based diners.
In the heat of the day, head to a comfortable cabana or palm tree-shaded day bed in Moku’s blissful beach club, boasting Cairns’s only swim-up bar set within a turquoise ‘lagoon’. Dial M for frosty mojitos, margaritas and martinis.
Where: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar & Lounge has a tip-top location at Sydney’s Circular Quay, promising arresting views of the city’s iconic bridge and its harbour reflection. But when focus settles, you’ll find yourself in a lush tropical oasis accented with plush pastels and subtle animal print. Flavour-forward cocktails – such as the floral lychee and hibiscus martini, or Kingston Path, a concoction of pineapple rum, coconut and cinnamon – are matched with a bright, bold menu taking inspiration from the Americas. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters with lime and tabasco, salmon ceviche with white corn, pulled beef tacos or sweet potato chips with smoky chipotle mayonnaise.
Strap on your groove shoes on Friday and Saturday nights, when the DJ fires up. But don’t overdo it if you’re planning to be upright in time for Saturday’s popular bottomless brunch – or you could always stay over. Or come back on Sunday. The rhythm never stops, and all is easy breezy, citrus squeezy at Hyde Hacienda.
Where: The Playford Adelaide – MGallery
Adelaide’s vibrant dining and bar scene goes from strength to strength and Luma Restaurant & Bar is no exception. Inspired by the building’s original Art Nouveau structure, the fit-out’s luxurious decor is met with restrained contemporary elegance and offers relaxed sophistication – as well as all-day refreshment. The sleek bar area, featuring a strip of burnished brass with seating for 12, is naturally illuminated from morning till dusk, when it transforms into a deeply dramatic, sexier space.
Wake up with espresso and freshly baked pastries; later in the day, pull up and wind down with classic cocktails or a perfectly chilled glass of South Australian white, matched with delectable edibles including locally sourced salumi, olives and artisan cheese. The full restaurant lunch or dinner experience showcases beautiful local produce; try gin-cured Port Lincoln kingfish or steamed Boston Bay mussels with Lenswood cider and Barossa chorizo. On weekends, treat yourself and someone special to a sumptuous high tea in this effortlessly romantic space.
Where: The Adnate Perth – Art Series
What better way to beat the city heat than alfresco libations by a rooftop pool as the nightlights start to twinkle? Welcome to Hyde Perth Kitchen & Cocktails, where bodies and minds are instantly refreshed upon entering the appropriately dressed space, decked out in vanilla and fruity gelato-hued textiles, blonde timber and cane. The walls are lined with artful conversation starters, including interactive works for ‘gramming your own masterpieces.
By day, park yourself under the shade of the aqua and white umbrellas with a charcuterie grazing platter, or something from the grill or garden with a side of pommes frittes and ponzu mayonnaise. Remember to stay Hyde-rated; a mango coconut daiquiri might do the trick.
Where: The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery
Whether you’ve arranged a late night rendezvous or you’re travelling solo, be sure to steal away into a dark corner of Spice Trader’s overtly handsome space, curling up on a banquette with complimentary buttered popcorn. The artisanal cocktail list reads like a deliciously spicy novel: the Quickdraw – made with Volcan De Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila, jalapeno, citrus cordial, lime, ancho and cassia spice – vies for attention with a tropical punch that mingles Johnnie Walker Black Label, toasted coconut, passionfruit and cardamom. Also watch out for The Gentleman’s Groove, featuring George Dickels Tennessee Whisky, Dashi Montenegro and Dom Benedictine, finished with apple wood smoke. Oh, get a room.
Where: Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer
So many of the things we love about the Victorian capital have been rolled into one at Miss Mi Melbourne: laneway vibes, Asian flavours, formidable cocktail culture and superb hospitality. Sip house-created cocktails honouring Victorian distilleries – laced with bespoke syrups, homegrown herbs and heady spices – while perusing the food menu traversed with far-flung influence; think chilli crab and prawn dumplings with sea vegetables and caviar, Szechuan glazed duck and beef rendang with lontong, cipollini onions and refreshing cucumber.
Look around, as the food isn’t the only thing sizzling here. This lofty, bustling space is awash with colour and fully charged for fun and festivity – just some of the reasons Miss Mi Melbourne was recently awarded hotel restaurant of the year. Pass the pandan pina colada and come drink with Mi!
Where: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
Candy cane upholstery and neon pink lighting are clear signs you’re in for a sweet time at this minty fresh venue, but it’s the cool blues that draw the most attention. Hyde Paradiso – blessed with uninterrupted ocean views from its broad beachside deck – specialises in Mediterranean-inspired mixology and dining. Start with a bellini spritz or watermelon mojito as you snack your way through small plates of moreish nibbles such as eggplant wafers, smoked tomato and labneh or Moreton Bay bug rolls with avocado and harissa. Round up the glam squad for weekend tapas-style brunches, toasting your brilliance with a champagne upgrade. Dedicated micro cocktail bars throughout the sprawling venue will shake things up for fans of Makers Mark, Don Julio Tequila or Mr Black – particularly convenient on weekend evenings when the resident DJ has everyone on their feet. Just another day in Paradise.
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