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Euro-summer might be flooding our feeds, but we’ve found a convincing case for staying closer to home. Brisbane has been quietly reinventing itself into a destination with equal parts polished and easy-going charm that allows the girls’ trip to finally make it out of the group chat for a stylish city break.
To experience the city through two distinctly different lenses — while finding common ground — ELLE columnist and tastemaker, Annalisa Ferraris, along with chef and stylist, Sian Redgrave, took to the streets of Brisbane to share their views on the bold, inviting city.
Where To Stay In Brisbane
Brisbane is home to some beautifully luxurious stays. And as the city highlights its love for the finer things in life, it’s become clear that Brisbane understands how to embrace a distinctly relaxed approach to luxury. Where thoughtful design, open-air spaces and a slower pace take precedence.
Centred in the heart of James Street is The Calile, recently named the best hotel in Oceania. Likely because the ‘urban resort’ has a trifecta of chic accommodation, tropical climate architecture (think: palm-lined poolside cabanas) and a metropolitan location.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
(Credit: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane)
Ferraris enjoyed the ultra-chic charm of the Emporium Hotel, with a “beautiful view over the river” and its unrivalled atmospheric rooftop terrace and infinity pool, she felt like “it was a little oasis in the middle of the city”.
What To Explore In Brisbane
Make the most out of your time exploring the sun-drenched streets. From wandering through galleries and museum spaces such as Edwina Corlette and the Institute of Modern Art, as both women did. Redgrave especially the cities “laidback warmth” mixed with “a quietly vibrant cultural scene,” noting that “walking without an agenda and allowing the city to unfold as you go” is the best way to experience the city.
Or spend the day shopping, eating and drinking at Brisbane’s acclaimed James Street Precinct. The precinct is brimming with local talent, with boutiques from Australian designers; consider leaving room in your suitcase. Between SIR., St Agni, Elka Collective and Venroy, resisting a little retail therapy is almost impossible.
How to Recharge In Brisbane
Between long lunches and boutique shopping, Brisbane also makes slowing down and recharging feel surprisingly easy.
Whether you take a moment to reset at your chosen hotel — picture lounging poolside, or a long bubble bath like Ferraris — or need a more active take on restoration, you’ll be able to find every option nearby.
Ferraris found some special solitude by spending time enjoying the open air on a CityCat down Brisbane River. She found that the “city reveals itself from the water in such a different way, and that little bit of distance allows you to take it all in before diving back into it.”
“Pulling into the Howard Smith Wharves reminded me a little of Brooklyn, with the river, the bridges (namely Story Bridge) and the energy along the waterfront.”
If you prefer a little more of a traditional recharge, luxury health and wellness space Total Fusion offers group fitness classes (because who wants to miss Saturday morning reformer Pilates?) and a health-focused spa.
Where To Drink and Dine In Brisbane
Breakfast
Finding the best coffee when you’re travelling is always the goal, and when a good espresso is paired with a delicious breakfast, it has the potential to make a holiday.
Whether you’re after a quick pastry or a heartier meal, Bistro Tino does it all. Sit back and enjoy the chic atmosphere while a European home-style menu (think, a potato and zucchini frittata) transports you to another world.
Evening
Sardinian food takes the rich decadence of classic Italian cooking and explores it with a rustic, regional lens.
Situated in Brisbane’s eclectic suburb of West End, where weekend markets meet boutique stores and op shops sits Pilloni. The masters of seasonally led, woodfired, fresh, Sardinian cooking.
Drinks
Grabbing a drink after a day exploring a new city is basically a rite of passage. When the drinks come with a mood-setting theme, you can be sure you’ll find yourself lost in the drinks list. If sunset drinks riverside is your vision, then Bar Miette has the sunny terrace spot for you, and where we found Redgrave being transported to Milano thanks to a “classic take on the delicious Garibaldi”.
If you’re after a drink with a little more atmosphere, then the record-lined, Hong Kong-inspired (and Ferraris’ pick) Stan’s Lounge is where we’ll find you.
What to pack for Brisbane
Ferraris is known for her effortless style, so, of course we had to ask her what her top tips for packing for a Brisbane trip are.
“Pack comfortable clothes that you can happily spend the whole day in. There’s so much to see and do, whether you’re walking, hopping on a scooter or catching the CityCat along the river, comfortable shoes are a must. Swimwear is essential if you’re staying somewhere with a pool, along with a great sarong, a light shirt for warm afternoons, and something a little elevated for cocktails and dinner.”
For both Ferraris and Redgrave, it was Brisbane’s busy-yet-relaxed atmosphere that sparked their curiosity to explore, discovering hidden gems round every corner and inspiring them to explore beyond their usual scene.
The post From James Street Style To Hidden Gems: How To Explore Brisbane Like A Local appeared first on ELLE.
