Whether we like it or not, COVID-19 has changed the way we live. The world pauses like we have never seen before. While international travel may depend on the vaccine (or effective treatments), and the vaccine may not be on the horizon for quite sometime; now is the time to embrace our own backyards, our home soil.
At the time of writing, Victoria has entered its stage four lockdown. Interstate travel seems out of reach again for the time being. Luckily, New South Wales has so much to offer and Sydney itself is a popular holiday destination. We Sydneysiders should not complain. There is no better time to discover and support our local business than now!
Some Like It Hotel For A Sense Of Getaway
For Kent and myself who spend a lot of time staying at home, working at our laptops (writing, editing…); we need a sense of escape since our home is also our office. For those who live in a small apartment, you’d understand that it is healthy to have a change of scenery every now and then. Among all the retreat options, I find a lounge swap from home to hotel to be the closest replacement to having an actual holiday.
Currently, our ‘home is office’ scenario fits right in to COVID-19 circumstances when residences have suddenly become work places for many. Yes we hear your frustration. While doing everything right to keep flattening the Coronavirus curve… dare I say it, we need a sense of getaway to keep us sane, to uplift our spirits! With ‘explore our local backyards’ in mind; I’m starting this mini series with the nearby, yes literary our neighbour – Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo.
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, A Destination For Joy
The Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, also known as Woolloomooloo Wharf, is a heritage-listed former cargo wharf and passenger terminal. Now home to a marina, luxury apartments; fancy restaurants such as China Doll and Otto Ristorante, and Ovolo Woolloomooloo the stylish 5-star hotel. 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway has everything somebody who loves leisure needs. Being a local, I have always been charmed by this quarter; to me, this part of Sydney is like the Southern Hemisphere riviera with an unmistakable Australian laid-back atmosphere.
What I am foremost attracted to the Ovolo hotel would have to be its funky interior design and decoration. Besides its fun, quirky interiors, on the day we checked in, we were impressed by the friendly staff (thumbs up to no uniforms), who greeted us with big smiles. That ’80s dance music playing at the lobby and bar put us straight in a jolly mood and our room, so spacious and full of natural light…
Social Without Distancing With The Company Of Your Choosing
Being hotel guests, we had the benefit of complimentary bar snacks and drinks during the Social Hour at the Alibi Bar & Kitchen. Having experienced very similar concept at our hotels in Prague and Manhattan, I thought the sizeable bar area seeing everyone sits rather far apart creates physical barriers. ‘It doesn’t help those who love to mingle and socialise.’ I thought. I remember one of the Prague hotels we stayed, its Social Hour allured guests with live piano performances and encouraging all guests to dance and engage.
Having said that, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Alibi Bar’s spread out sitting arrangement seems like a solution for our current situation. With ‘social distancing’ being a constant reminder, making it an ideal hang out place. And of course, no distancing required with the company of your own choosing.
Facilities That Make You Forget About Home
If an expansive, sun-filled room with city views does not excite you; well perhaps a large bathtub would. A bathtub is the next best thing to a day spa if you ask me. Here’s how I create my own day spa… While soaking myself in the hot, steaming bath, I apply hair conditioner from the mid to the ends of my wet hair, then cover it with a shower cap. Afterwards I use a face mask and let the steam opens up my pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. When I feel like I’ve had enough relaxation, it’s time to jump to the shower to wash everything off. A roomy hotel bathroom where both bathtub and shower are available has made my DIY day spa so much easier to manage and more enjoyable (thank you interior designers).
The indoor hotel pool is next to the gym, they are both open for hotel guests 24 hours, seven days a week. If you feel like some fresh air or sun, the pool is next to an outdoor area where you find comfortable sun lounges to rest, read or simply for sunbathing. It was a little windy outside that day, but Kent and I did have the whole pool to ourselves for a couple of hours and we turned it into a photoshoot studio… our kind of fun I guess!
2nd On Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2020 Top 25 Hotels In Australia
Ovolo Woolloomooloo continues to impress, coming second place at Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in Australia 2020. While we send our big congratulations to its team, we hope you enjoy this post as much as we enjoy sharing it. Stay tuned to more Sydney hotspots of our choices, as we will carry on with selecting one venue at a time to keep you inspired.
Hello Vivienne,
COVID-19 has two advantages for you: you discover more things in your neighbourhood and you enjoy good things Sydney has to offer.
I did it too in my country during this pandemic.
Hugs
Sounds great dearest Claire. I like the word ‘advantage’; it’s a positive attitude we all need, especially now – more than ever! X
Wow!! Yes please!! I’m booked in for Oct for a little neighbourhood getaway. So refreshing! You look gorgeous as always!!!
Thank you for your compliment Sage. Sounds fantastic and keep me posted! X
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit Sydney or stay in this luxurious hotel. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Cedric. The goal is to support our local business during this difficult time and encouraging Sydneysiders to explore our backyards. 🙂
Thanks for this fantastic post. When we are able to travel freely again from the UK to Australia, I’ll definitely pay a visit to Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf.
Thank you for the feedback Monika, I’m pleased to hear that.
Great images and very good write up! I have been daydreaming a luxury hotel escape after reading your post!
Thank you for your lovely feedback Denise.
Looks good there Vivienne and good break for you and Kent.
Thank you Peter. We do what we can to support our local hospitality business! X
Love that asymmetric dress you were wearing Vivienne!
Cheers Janelle. 🙂