Throw the troubles away at Double Bay
What better way to kick off 2015 than to escape for some alone time with your significant other?
Let’s face it – after the all the Christmas parties and family bonding, the gruelling return to work, and the severe lack of afternoon naps to which I’d become so accustomed, I wanted (needed) a break.
I wanted to go somewhere I didn’t have to think, and decided I was willing to pay for that privilege. So I set off on my internet mission: find a luxe hotel where everything would be taken care of; where the hotel and, more importantly, the bar was just a few steps away; where there was amazing food and a great selection of tequila, gin and cocktails.
Through my internet travels I heard rumour of a new, magical place that apparently had a bar full of gin! The restaurant and hotel were also supposed to be pretty swanky – but, GIN! This rumoured and mystical place was the newly opened Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay.
GIN!
Full disclosure: This place is not cheap. However, on this rare occasion where I just wanted to throw life out the window, it was a worthwhile investment.
You know it’s worth it the moment you enter the lower lobby. Stepping out of the cab, you’re welcomed by marble floors and a grand staircase. Somewhere along the ascent you lose the troubles of the day – I’m mesmerised by a chandelier-come-art-installation of what I can only describe as golden doves.
At the top of this staircase is the main lobby – an expansive, marble space that exudes luxury. The oversized architectural features, furniture, and desks create a sense of extreme space while still feeling very inviting.
Main lobby, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay
After talking with the lovely staff and enquiring about the history of the building – which is long and very dear to the local community – we head up to the room. Walking in, the first thing I notice is the large balcony doors that flood the room with natural light. When you sit on the day bed and look around, you can see the room has been designed to take advantage of it. Sunlight reflects off the white walls, then is soaked up by the dark carpets. Again, this creates a sense of space, but keeps the room inviting and cozy.
Our room has a huuuge king bed, as well as a desk, cabinet/minibar, and day bed. While the furniture in the lobby appeared to be designed for well-to-do giants, I’m relieved to find that everything in our room is standard-sized and perfectly laid-out. No stepping around the desk to get to the day bed!
King Bay View Room
Now for the bathrooms. I am obsessed with bathrooms, by the way. I have one word: Marble. Marble everywhere! Marble on the floor, on the walls, on the benchtops, in the shower, and in the toilet! The white-and-grey of the stone is offset by dark-wood accessories and cabinetry. So while this does sound like a lot of marble (and it is), it’s toned down by the finishes.
But enough about the room – it’s time to venture out and get our food and drink on. Luckily the Intercontinental Double Bay comes with both an amazing bar and restaurant.
My destiny awaits…
Stillery, the hotel’s concept gin bar (uh, hell yeah!), is a long, open-plan space that’s nestled behind the main lobby. It plays host to over 60 different gins, small-batch tonic waters, a very impressive range of tequila, and is run by Aaron Gaulke, bar manager and gin wizard extraordinaire!
After chatting with Aaron about what we like, we get started on somewhat of an impromptu Gin Masterclass. Tasting a range of seven gins, we start on the more aromatic and floral drops before continuing through the spectrum to a “single malt scotch gin” (which, if you’re a scotch/whisky fan, you’ll go bananas for). To finish we get some food recommendations and a gin martini. We try the Grilled Bone Marrow and some Hot and Crispy Chicken Skin (think chicken skin cooked like pork crackling!). The bone marrow is amazing – like eating delicious beef-flavoured butter – and the chicken skin is like light and puffy crackling. If you like food, you’ll love this place!
Our gin tasting selection
Afterwards we wander to Stockroom, the hotel restaurant that adjoins Stillery. While we don’t stay for dinner, all the food we see looks and smells equally as amazing as the small morsels we tried at the bar. Not surprising, really – the Stockroom is headed by Executive Chef Julien Pouteau, who’s previously worked in a number of Michelin Star restaurants across France. So if (when) I come for another visit, I’m making a point of going to Stockroom!
Stockroom, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay
I could write another 1,000 words, but I still wouldn’t be able to articulate how much I loved the Intercontinental. If you’re thinking about a luxe weekend away, put it at the top of your list – you won’t regret it!
In fact, if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day treat, the Intercontinental have got an awesome deal for the Stockroom which includes three-course dinner and a pre-dinner drink on the rooftop pool and lounge area. It’s reservation-only, so contact the restaurant at (02) 8388 8372 or stockroom.doublebay@ihg.com.
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