Page 9 – Ovolo Hotels

How to Ease your Dog’s Separation Anxiety Post-Iso

Working from home has become a seriously dog-friendly pastime. The idea that our canine companion’s have been lapping up a serious dose of extra love these past few months is true. With people spending a whole lot of time staying in rather than going out, dog-owners have been fawning over their beloved fur friends at every opportunity. More attention, more treats and more walks.

Our pooches are obviously loving the extra attention, however those lucky enough for their company are really the ones who are coming out on top in this scenario. Iso has been tough. A total life adjustment. While we once saw our pooches as pets, they have become a strong source of much-needed support and unconditional love throughout these trying times.

A few months in and people are wishing for the day when they can return to the office and outside world. For things to return to how they were. But what about our beloved dogs who before now were quite happy with their daily at home routines, who we’ve now turned into needy and incredibly clingy lush pups. The term on every dog owners mind? Separation anxiety.

So, before you jump at the opportunity to return to life before iso, remember to look after the furry fella who got you through it.

V.I.Pooch at Ovolo

Signs of separation anxiety in dogs

The signs of separation anxiety in dogs may not be immediately obvious. Especially when we are there and 100% willing to cater to their every need. So, how do you know if you simply have one spoilt fur baby, or a best friend suffering separation anxiety? Look out for these signs the next time you’re heading out or a household member isn’t around:

Trembling or shaking
Barking or howling
Excessive whining
Licking of lips
Increased drooling or salivation
Pacing, panting and pawing
Decrease in appetite
Scratching or chewing on the door

Do these signs of separation anxiety apply to your pooch?

V.I.Pooch at Ovolo

Ways to ease your dog into life post-iso for when you return to work

While we’ve been readily available to cater to our dogs every whim, its no wonder that they are in danger of suffering separation anxiety. Vets across the world are recommending that while we still have the luxury of working from home with our fur friends by our side, that we do the best we can to ease the impact of our dog’s separation anxiety, preparing them for when we return to work.

Exercise

Over the past few months, dogs around the world have become well accustomed to short spurts of dog-friendly exercise. Whether a quick walk down the road, a few games of fetch a day while their owners stretch their legs, and some other forms of exercise usually reserved for human children such as hide and seek. Its time we change this.

In order for your dog to learn to manage their separation anxiety, exercise needs to return to being more intentional. Try taking your dog for a long walk, allowing them to run around. By the time you get home, they’ll have no interest in pawing for your attention. They’ll just be happy for their own space and even a little nap. If you begin showing signs of separation anxiety during this time, don’t worry. It will pass.

Entertainment

Many hours have been spent during iso of dog-owner entertainment, from playing with toys to having full blown conversations with your pooch. As much as we love these interactions with our dogs, its time to loosen the leash.

Investing in interactive dog toys, such as automatic ball launchers, treat toys and puzzles, and more, is a great way to let them regain their independence.

Establish a routine

Saying no to your dog is not an easy feat, however it is key in any parenting situation, human or pooch. In order to re-create a dog-friendly routine, we need to re-establish their daily routine to reflect how life used to be.

First of all, start walking your dog at hours considered before or after work for your regular work routine while still working from home. During your day, gradually spend less time with them by introducing the entertainment items mentioned above, or by placing them in an area of your home away from where you’re working. To ease your dog’s separation anxiety, start leaving your pet at home for short periods, and gradually increase this time away from your pooch even further. Before you leave though, make sure you’ve set your fur friend us for a dog-friendly day in (e.g. trick and treat toys).

Decrease the anxiety associated with departure

Dog-owner departures have long been a cause for separation anxiety for our pooches, but this level of anxiety has only increased as we’ve spent more time with them. Prepare your pooch for your post-iso departures and decrease their level of separation anxiety by making your departures dog-friendly.

This way of easing your dog’s separation anxiety post-iso when you return to work is an easy method to master. Throughout the day, make it a habit of jingling your keys along with opening and closing the door you leave from regularly to normalise the sound to your pet. Pretty simple right? Quite quickly, these sounds will go from separation anxiety inducing, to meaning absolutely nothing at all to your best fur friend.

Make your time together quality with a V.I.Pooch experience

Spending less time with your pooch, it is important for the both of you that the time spent together is a quality experience. Whether through an adventure, new games and toys, or even new experiences. Our recommendation? Show your fur baby how much you appreciate them and book a dog friendly V.I.Pooch experience at any Ovolo hotel across Australia and Hong Kong.

By booking a V.I.Pooch direct through ovolohotels.com, both you and your pooch will be treated to some incredible perks for a top quality dog-friendly stay. While you will be able to enjoy The Perks of booking direct such as free in-room mini-bar and snacks, free continental breakfast, superspeed wifi and more, your V.I.Pooch will get their own set of goodies. These include a doggy bed, eating and drinking mat and food bowl, a doggy bag with specially designed toys and treats and a welcome letter of pawesome dog-friendly activities for your and pooch to enjoy. All provided by Ovolo’s doggo mad staff who are more than happy to look after you and your pooch.

V.I.Pooch at Ovolo

For more on how to resolve your dogs separation anxiety, check out K9 of Mine’s list of solutions and training plan.

History of The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo

Nestled in the historic heart of Pyrmont, set back from the bustling vantage of Darling Harbour, lies one of the world’s most instagrammable hotels, The Woolstore 1888. Housed within a former wool store built in (you guessed it) 1888, The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo Darling Harbour fuses art and history, blending modern design with rich heritage to bring a truly unique hotel experience to the Sydney CBD.

Tailormade with creatives in mind, The Woolstore 1888 is captivating at each corner of the hotel’s heritage-inspired designer interiors. Setting a picture-perfect moment just waiting to be experienced at every turn. The Woolstore 1888 offers the perfect home base for the modern traveller to experience the best the city has to offer. With the perfect blend of Sydney’s history and modernity just a stone’s throw away.

The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo Darling Harbour lobby

Building History

The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo lives within Sydney’s oldest former wool store with a sawtooth roof, constructed in 1888, the fourth oldest of 21 wool stores surviving in Sydney. Once home to the beginning of Australia’s wealth, the wool industry, The Woolstore 1888 embraces the history of its heritage site, while injecting some serious designer cred into the Sydney hotel game.

The Woolstore 1888 reimagines the original building with Ovolo’s signature twist to create a triumph of restoration and a new genre of hotel, heritage-modern chic. Renowned interior designer Luchetti Krelle has successfully intertwined modern elements with the building’s heritage design base. Punchy quintessentially Australian artworks by Jasper Knight and Oliver Watts, along with vibrant furniture feature throughout, creating a new story of Australian history – the Ovolo story.

Bespoke Jasper Knight modern industrial artwork featured throughout The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour

Exposed brick, concrete, understated and original ironbark beams and pillars, period windows and more, remain to celebrate the building’s biography. Original features such as the old horse cart track keep the iconic Sydney building’s history alive, as does the carriage entrance which now exists as a private double-doored entrance to one of The Woolstore 1888’s two superior suites – Shaken. A split-level space which gives you the freedom to create your own uniquely Ovolo experience. The other, Stirred, features a studio layout with panoramic city views, a sun-drenched rooftop patio and all the luxurious inclusions of the modern high life. Quite far removed from the life once led at The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo Darling Harbour.

Shaken suite, The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, Darling Harbour

History of Pyrmont

Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Eora tribe whose fresh spring water source later acted as the inspiration behind ‘Pyrmont’. In 1795 the 55 acres of land of Pyrmont’s peninsula was granted to a man by the name of Thomas Jones who sold the plot a year later to Obadiah Ikin for 10 pounds. An investment that was then traded for a gallon of rum in 1799, giving ownership to wool pioneer, Captain John Macarthur. And so began Pyrmont’s industrial identity, an export point for the wool industry.

In 1806, John Macarthur, hosted a group of ladies for a picnic on the peninsula, with one of the women claiming the “pure and unadulterated” springs reminded her of similar waters at a spa in Pyrmont, Germany. It was not until 1840 however when John parcelled off the land that industry in the area really began with ironworks and ship building. At the same time, quarrymen were cutting out sandstone from three Pyrmont sites: Paradise, Purgatory or Hell Hole. Named for their level of difficulty, these sites built many of the iconic Pyrmont sandstone building that stand today.

Pyrmont in 1888

Who is Mister Percy?

You may know Mister Percy as Pyrmont’s Neighbourhood Wine Bar, which has been welcoming patrons with warmth and wine since opening its doors in 2018. However, this Mister Percy is not the first of this name to make its mark on the history of The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, Darling Harbour’s heritage site.

Etched on the sandstone windowsill of one of the buildings now 90 guest rooms, is the name of a former wool classer at the original wool-store. Percy Ewart. As history would have it, Percy was a man who enjoyed a tipple or two. In his honour, Mister Percy raises a glass to their namesake serving up a thoughtful collection of palette pleasing pours alongside produce-led, vegetarian Italian fare, from the historic heart or Pyrmont.

Mister Percy sets an intimate lounge-style setting with old worldly charm and contemporary accents. A space where vintage décor and modern sensibilities meld together to create a warm candle-lit space for you to settle into your seat, vino in hand.

Mister Percy

Want to become a part of the history of The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo? Book your stay now, or first, get a taste for the space, with a night under Mister Percy’s candlelight.

Best Secret Beaches of Hong Kong

Forget Repulse and Stanley; once beaches open up again, here’s a whole list of secret beaches you can go to not just for a change of scenery, but to avoid the crowds. Here, you can social distance with a tan, the waves, and a drink (or two) in hand.

1.Middle Bay, Hong Kong Island

Appropriately named, Middle Bay is located between Deep Water and Repulse Bay Beach in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. This low-key beach is a short taxi ride or a 25-minute walk from Repulse Bay — well worth it when you see the astonishing sea views and clear water. The secluded beach has all you need with changing facilities, BBQ pits and snack shops.

2. Stanley Ma Hang Park, Hong Kong Island

So hidden that it doesn’t even have a name, the beach below Stanley Ma Hang Park is the perfect escape. Well-situated (only a 5-minute walk from the Stanley Plaza), cosy and dog-friendly, this Hong Kong beach is ideal for those wanting to feel like they’re on Stanley beach, but with clearer water and fewer people. Making this secluded paradise one of the best beaches in Hong Kong.

3. Turtle Cove Beach, Hong Kong Island

Snap a picture, and people might just believe you’re in Greece. Located on the Southern strand of Hong Kong island, Turtle Cove Beach is a small stretch of beach, only 230-feet wide. This secret Hong Kong beach is perfect for lazy afternoons and dips in the crystal clear waters.

4. Kiu Tsui Beach, Sharp Island

Tai Long Wan, who? Only 2 kilometres away from Hong Kong’s Sai Kung pier, Sharp Island is home to some of the more secluded beaches in Sai Kung. Although you still need a boat to get there, it sure beats the crowded options of Sai Wan, Ham Tin, and Tai Wan. Located on the western side of Sharp Island, Kiu Tsui Beach is one of the best beaches with clear waters and an abundance of fish, making it the perfect place for a swim and snorkel.

5. South Bay Beach, Hong Kong Island

South Bay Beach sits at the southernmost tip of Repulse Bay and is one of the harder to reach Hong Kong beaches. It is certainly worth the 35-minute trek (or short taxi ride) from Repulse Bay beach. This hidden and sandy Hong Kong beach is filled with gentle waves with stunning sea views — the perfect spot for sundowners and an evening BBQ.

6. Lo So Shing Beach, Lamma Island

Walk down the tree-lined stairs and step foot into paradise on idyllic Lo So Shing Beach on the west coast of lush Lamma Island. Known as one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong, Lo So Shing Beach is not only pristine but beautiful, with a white sand beach surrounded by lush vegetation. Lo So Shing Beach is the perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

7. Tsuen Wan Beaches, Hong Kong

For those that live off Hong Kong island and want to find a decent beach closer to home, this is it! Nestled beneath the Tsing Ma bridge, these beaches are a good alternative to travelling 1+ hours to get to the Southern strand. Quiet, peaceful, and overlooking the harbour, you may never want to commute to a beach again.

8. Big Wave Bay Beach, Hong Kong Island

Secretly discover one of the best beaches in Hong Kong, just a short drive from Shek O village on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. Big Wave Bay Beach is a favourite amongst local surfers. Surrounded by lush green hills, the hidden beach is not only beautiful but well-equipped with charming cafes, barbeque pits, showers and surfboard rentals.

Ovolo, Australia’s Most Recognized Hotel Brand By TripAdvisor

Ovolo Hotels is the most featured hotel group in the Australia’s Top 25 of the best hotels in the TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best 2020.

Upholding their reputation for excellence in hospitality and tourism, Ovolo Hotels celebrates another incredible win with the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor. In their annual Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best announcement; Ovolo Hotels is the most featured hotel group in the Top 25 of the best hotels in Australia.

Sydney’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo continues to impress, coming in second place in Australia, accompanied by Ovolo Inchcolm, The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour and Ovolo The Valley, with all 4 hotels placing in the Top 25.

The coveted honour comes from Ovolo’s past and present guests. The Traveller’s Choice winners are based on millions of reviews submitted to the site from travellers, considering the quality and quantity of reviews, opinions and ratings collected from TripAdvisor throughout 2019.

Commenting on the recognition, Ovolo Group Founder and CEO, Girish Jhunjhnuwala, said this recognition cements Ovolo as guest-centric hotels.

“Ovolo Hotels are all about connecting with our customers emotionally through design, art, fashion and great food and drink, ultimately providing the very best in an effortless experience.”

Ovolo Hotels had an exciting start to 2020, introducing the new brand positioning Wonder. Full., and recent times as an opportunity to adapt and innovate. The designer hotel collection is set to continue this momentum as they expand their empire even further with the opening of their first property in Bali with ‘Mamaka by Ovolo’, as well as the opening a new hotel in Melbourne’s South Yarra.

Guest reviews:

Only been here an hour and truly blown away

“We’ve just checked in!!!!! So impressed already – loving our cityvoo suite (515) with stunning views. Can’t wait to go exploring and see all that is here. Service and Reception staff are beyond fabulous.” Date of stay: June 2020

Awesome.

“Couldn’t fault it from check in to check out. Room was huge and comfy. Mentioned it was our anniversary on check in, then within about 5 minutes of getting to our room, had two complimentary cocktails delivered. Excellent breakfast and happy hour was great value too. Excellent restaurants next door and easy walk to Circular Quay.” Date of stay: January 2020

Fabulous hotel with an equally fabulous staff-in a fabulous city

“I have been staying at this hotel for 17 years during which time it has seen many incarnations. This past stay, with the hotel being the Ovolo the last few years, was truly outstanding. First of all, the hotel is in a great location-convenient to everything yet not in the congestion of downtown. Being a former receiving house, it has tremendous charm. The rooms have a great deal of personality-which can be found in every area of the hotel. The view of Sydney from my room was spectacular! The housekeeping department does a great job and there is a free well stocked mini bar in the room. Breakfast is included and is a beautiful complete buffet which certainly has several things for everyone. The restaurant Alibi serves delicious, creative food…” Date of stay: February 2020

Chic Happening Hotel

“You know you have arrived at a very cool, young, hip and happening place when you pull up to the hotel. Before you even enter there is a life size connect four, bicycles and a small area for paddle tennis. We were immediately greeted inside by Kevin who took our luggage. For the entire time we were there he was very helpful and extremely friendly, we always enjoyed chatting with him. Service, service, service at this hotel was excellent. A young staff who were always available and ready willing and able to help and just plain happy. So nice to see…” Date of stay: February 2020

Great place to stay

“Staff were lovely, great location and quirky rooms and service. Loved the free mini bar and they gave us as an added extra for our 25th wedding anniversary some really yummy popcorn and a bottle of Red. Thanks for making it extra special.” Date of stay: March 2020

Our favorite Sydney Hotel

“This is the 6th time we have stayed at the OVOLO Wooloomooloo. You don’t keep coming back unless it is something special! For us this hotel is simply amazing. In our opinion there is nothing like the OVOLO anywhere From the casual yet professional reception, the fab goodie bags the free mini bar, the relaxed happy atmosphere of the place to name but a few. The rooms with their water views are amazing & the beds so comfortable. Perfectly locate just a beautiful 10 minute walk North East through the Botanic Gardens to the Opera House. Also only a few minutes walk away is the Sydney Arts Gallery, Hyde Park & the best shopping Sydney has to offer. We cannot speak highly enough of the OVOLO Wooloomooloo it is: “Simply The Best” Date of stay: February 2020

Ovolo Woolomolloo

“Great hotel, great staff, great location, great soundtrack! The Ovolo never fails to deliver. I always try and stay at the Ovolo when I’m in Sydney. Rooms are great with fantastic views. Rooms are well appointed.” Date of stay: February 2020

For further information and imagery requests, please contact:

Stephen Howard
Group Director of Marketing, Ovolo Group
t: +61 2 9331 9068 m (AUS): +61 435 106 187
e: [email protected]

Chris Lee
Senior Communications Executive, Ovolo Group Australia
t: +61 2 9331 9068 m (AUS): +61 424 300 545
e: [email protected]

Curated Curiosities

Inspired by the eclectic culture and iconic history of the surrounding neighbourhood, Ovolo The Valley draws guests into a whimsical oasis of colour and art. Like all Ovolo’s, you’ll find surprising hints of quirkiness; custom wallpaper, eccentric furniture from the Lobby to ZA ZA TA Bar & Kitchen. With every nook and cranny, find curated curiosities at every turn.

Interested in the stories behind the magic? This one’s for all you design-philes out there.

The Lobby

Leave the heat and bustle of the city behind as you step inside Ovolo The Valley’s tropi-cool Lobby oasis. Wander into an immersive experience Wonderland-style, cocooned by a canopy of towering Monstera leaf sculptures, and the optical, dew-sprinkled leaf artwork derived from hand-painted originals by Kenneth King of Kingdom Home. As you make your way from Reception, be amazed by Valay Gada’s colossal cast-brass Magnolia sculpture, and be greeted by the hotel’s mascot, the silver monkey on his ladder perch. The Lobby renovation pays homage to the lush, subtropical flora of Brisbane’s surrounding rainforests, portrayed in fantastic Ovolo style which promises to take you on an adventure like no other.

Rockstar Suites

Just like their namesake, Ovolo The Valley’s Rockstar Suites are fabulous and are the perfect place to balance a little work and a lot of play time. Whether you’d like to air guitar to in Purple Rain while channelling your inner Prince, or master Bowie in Rebel Rebel.

The space is beautifully curated with original art pieces by Daniel R. Watkins and Gerwyn Davies, and designed to accommodate a sizeable entourage. The Caruso music cabinets by Paalo Capello with embedded hi-def bluetooth speaker. It stands on the edge of irony, a little futuristic, a little nostalgic, managing to combine hi-tech to the living for a multi-sensory décor.

ZA ZA TA Bar & Kitchen, well, the entire experience.

Where cultures collide amongst a sprawling, colonial backdrop, buzzing open kitchen and cocktail bar, ZA ZA TA Bar & Kitchen is inspired by the vibrant Tel Aviv dining scene. Award-winning interior designers, Luchetti Krelle, have created a casual yet refined dining experience inspired by the conservatories of the Victorian era to nooks reminiscent of 1940’s cocktail glamour. Details from traditional Queenslander architecture are layered into the Victorian inspired interiors, giving a strong sense of local identity with an international counterpoint to ensure travellers and locals alike will feel welcomed and truly at home.

The Dining Room and Kitchen Pantry at ZA ZA TA

A shared chef’s table is the heart of this space, flanked by pantry walls containing a curated selection of colourful produce. The atmosphere is one of warmth and family-style dining where food is to be shared and visitors are warmly welcomed. A view to the nostalgic open kitchen with traditional plate racks, copper pans and the hero of the kitchen – the large beech wood fired oven where traditional pita bread is baked daily. What you will not know is that Executive Chef, Roy Ner worked with Sydney Potter, Samantha Robinson to hand make the dishes we’re served. Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. To create a bespoke dinner range for ZA ZA TA is an innovative fusion between culinary and ceramic art.

We eat with our eyes so it makes perfect sense to frame the food creatively, right?

@wearesheppard

Now, what’s your story?

Intended as a design-seeker’s paradise, Ovolo The Valley serves up a frenzy of rich colour, commissioned art pieces, vivid wallpaper and playful furniture that radiates with personality and a whole lot of fabulous – bringing art to the hotel in all forms beyond just the traditional. With every nook and cranny perfect for curating content, create your own work of art, tag @ovolohotels and #ovolohotels so we can show it off on our Instagram.

5 Hong Kong Spots with New Lunch Deals’

Life’s been tough. We know it doesn’t need to be said more than it already has. So let’s just get right into it with our list of 5 spots that now have new lunch deals or menus – for when the restrictions get lifted!

VEDA

We would be amiss to not mention the Ovolo restaurants in this list. Although we’ve always served a killer lunch, we’re now stepping up our lunch game with an all new promotion. You can get a full on 3-course lunch meal to-go with our Tiffin takeaways for only HK$98. Hearty vegetarian at VEDA you can expect a perfectly packaged meal full of flavour, spice, and comfort. If one lunch isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, you can opt for Tiffin-Wala where buying 5 or 10 sets at a time gives you a huge discount.

VEDA

Kinship

Elegance, comfort, and everything nice. There’s no chemical X here though, just great chemistry between two good friends and veteran chefs, Chris Grare and Arron Rhodes, hence the name Kinship. We’re happy to know that Kinship is now serving a new lunch menu. Starting from HK$198, choose from 1, 2, or 3 courses to indulge in during the daytime.

Kinship

The Diplomat

We’ve mentioned The Diplomat once in our previous Silver Egg post and we’re back again to talk about them. Previously never opened for lunch, they’re now becoming The Diplomat Café during the day to serve their classic and iconic dishes. And hey, while you’re at it why not order your favourite tipple (or two).

The Diplomat

Hansik Goo

A bit of a quiet player, Hansik Goo met the unfortunate timing of soft-opening recently. Chef Mingoo Kang of one of Seoul’s best restaurants, Mingles (#13 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants), opened upscale Korean restaurant Hansik Goo back in June. The restaurant keeps its flavours traditional and classic, while reimagining them in a creative and modern way. Now opened for lunch, they will offer 2 tasting menus starting from HK$450.

Hansik Goo

The Pontiac

With its grungy and rockin’ retro vibe, The Pontiac is the place to catch some great tunes – make sure to look out for their jukebox too! Now having turned themselves into the Ponty Café, they’re serving up caffeine, booze, and bites starting 11am. There’s no better option for those who want to take it easy and chill out while enjoying their day-ly drink.

The Pontiac

SYDNEY’S BEST BRUNCH SPOTS

In Sydney, brunch is much more than a mid-morning meal, it is a serious art form. With the return of Alibi’s 100% plant-based High Tea, we have rounded up a list of Sydney’s best brunch spots, perfect for your next friendly catch up or celebration. From loaded croissants and caviar, to high tea and yum cha, your Instagram feed is sure to get a taste of the content it has been craving too! If you are on the hunt for nice brunch places in Sydney, look no further.

Alibi High Tea

Stowed away in Woolloomooloo’s infamous finger wharf is the plant-based beacon Alibi Bar & Kitchen at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Hitting this list of Sydney’s best brunch spots, Alibi’s High Tea gives locally sourced produce an innovative, three-tiered makeover. Brunch starts at $55 per person with a glass of sparkling rose on arrival, enjoy an assortment of guilt-free sweet and savoury treats each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm. Take your Sydney brunch up a boujee notch with free flow options of prosecco ($75per person) or Perrier-Jouët ‘Grand Brut’ NV ($140 per person).

Alibi High Tea

Bills

An icon on the Sydney brunch roster, Bill Granger set the standard for Sydney’s best brunch spots, opening the first location in Darlinghurst in 1993. Still a staple today, the Sydney brunch crew disperse to Bills‘ three Sydney locations each weekend hedging their bets for a taste of the classic Ricotta Hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter, and Sweet Corn Fritters. Book a table for your next Sydney brunch catch up and order a round of Bloody Mary’s to see what all the fuss is about.

Bills Surry Hills

Bodhi

For a Sydney brunch free from the regular egg and bacon combination, ditch the avo smash for a vegan Yum Cha Lunch at Bodhi. Take your pick from a pan-Asian selection of in-house hand-crafted dumplings, and sumptuous sautéed, steamed and sweet vegan creations.

Bodhi Vegan Yum Cha Lunch Menu

Cuckoo Callay

Widely known as one of Sydney’s best brunch spots, Cuckoo Callay brings bruncher’s a collision of fine brunch options each with their own unique name. The Pimp Mi Goreng ($23) and Udon Know Me ($22) are a clear indication of the quirky character that awaits you. Upping the Sydney brunch anti even further, Cuckoo Callay champion the “get some pork on your fork” slogan with a whole menu dedicated to bacon. Featuring on the Bacon Festival menu, the Return Of The Macdaddy sees a toasted buttery croissant filled with triple smoked bacon, bacon mac & cheese, tomato relish, a 63° poached egg and fried shallots.

Cuckoo Callay

Devon Café

With its signature fine dining approach to casual café food, Devon Café’s regular all-day menu is a must-do Sydney brunch venue. However, Devon Café officially earned its place as one of Sydney’s best brunch spots with the launch of their Truffle Menu. One for the gram, this standout brunch menu features insta-worthy truffle treats including the Truffle Egg Sando ($20) and Truffle-Misu ($23.50).

Devon Café Truffle Egg Sando

Joseph Hyde

Known amongst locals as one of Sydney’s best brunch spots, Joseph Hyde, set in a cosy laneway, is perfect for a next-level brunch experience. Focusing on quality, seasonal food, with a serious approach to coffee, you’re guaranteed to walk away having satisfied your nutritional and caffeine needs. For something on the more decadent side, order the What’s Up Doc. A carrot cake waffle drizzled with maple syrup and finished with a dollop of mascarpone cheese. Within a short walk from Sydney CBD and Ovolo Woolloomooloo, complete your self-care day with a luxury staycay!

What’s Up Doc, Joseph Hyde

Mayflower

The latest bright spark to hit the Sydney brunch scene, The Mayflower has earned notoriety as one of Sydney’s best brunch spots with its soft peach-hued interiors and decadent, refined dishes. Located on the outskirts of Sydney’s CBD in Darlinghurst, The Mayflower heroes the finer things in life. Order from a selection of polished breakfast staples, taking advantage of the always available option of truffle and caviar add-ons to treat you and your Sydney brunch crew.

The Mayflower

Quick Brown Fox

This Quick Brown Fox jumped right over the lazy dog and ran straight towards the Breakfast Roll ($19). This ultimate breakfast in sydney is filled with a chilli fried egg, haloumi, Lucas bacon, spiced tomato sauce and pickled red cabbage, this warm milk bun beauty is beyond your wildest bacon and egg roll dreams. With a long list of vodka ‘spiked’ juices, kombuchas and classic cocktails, Quick Brown Fox is a must-visit on our list of Sydney brunch spots. Enjoy a long weekend or Sydney staycay at nearby The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour and head back the next day for round two to sample the Koshihikari Rice Congee ($24). An intriguing Sydney brunch combination of chilli fried egg, enoki mushrooms, grilled cabbage, maple glazed bacon and fermented chilli relish.

Quick Brown Fox, Koshihikari Rice Congee

Reuben Hills

You have not brunched until you’ve dipped your rye into the Soft Baked Eggs ($19.50-$22) at this Surry Hills micro roastery. Reuben Hills is a standout in the crowd of best breakfasts in Sydney, offering an all-day menu inspired by their coffee origin trips. Paying tribute to the hard work it takes suppliers to give caffeine fiends their fix.

Rueben Hills, Soft Poached Eggs

Social Brew Café

Kick off your weekend with friends with a tasty brunch at one of Sydney’s best brunch spots. While Social Brew Café sees fresh and seasonal produce beautifully elevated through classic brunch dishes, it’s the beverage offering of this Sydney brunch pick that has our attention. With options to spike your fresh breakfast juices along with the usual brunch cocktail suspects of Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s, we are waking up and shaking up this Sydney brunch with an XO Espresso Martini.

Social Brew Café, XO Espresso Martini

Three Blue Ducks

Frontrunners in conscious consumption, Three Blue Ducks has remained one of Sydney best brunch spots after opening their first location in Bronte in 2012. If you and your pals share a passion for authentic food, then this long-standing Sydney brunch favourite is for you. To top off the ethical experience, they offer an all-day Sydney breakfast menu where no choice is a bad one.

Three Blue Ducks

Three Williams

If your Instagram feed is starved of colourful content, then Redfern’s Three Williams is the perfect location for your next brunch in Sydney. This sophisticated warehouse inspired brunch spot sits just below street level, providing a cosy escape from the world above. Transporting Sydney bruncher’s with a seasonally inspired menu, their all day dishes make this spot one of the best breakfasts in Sydney.

Three Williams

Experience Wonder. Full Sydney.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo Sydney

Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo offers a unique stay, close to the heart of Sydney CBD but yet in a peaceful wharf location.

Frequently Asked Quarantine Questions

It’s been a tough time for everyone the past few months, but we’re here to (hopefully) help you ease your mind with any quarantine questions you might have. We’ve got a list of frequently asked questions particularly on how it relates to your stay at Ovolo.

Pre-Arrival

What are the current quarantine arrangements for travellers arriving in HK?
Those arriving into Hong Kong via the Hong Kong International Airport will be required to undergo government-mandated procedures regarding the collection of specimen, immigration procedures and baggage claim. Once you have arrived, you will be asked to proceed to the Arrival Halls and board designated transport to go to a Designated Quarantine Hotel for check-in. For more details regarding the length of your quarantine stay, please visit the Government website here.
There are many questions around the duration of hotel stay period. As per government regulations the check-in date for your hotel booking must be the same as the landing date of you/your family as they arrive in Hong Kong.
These steps are part of the Government Compulsory Quarantine and are out of the hotel’s control. Ovolo is here to welcome you once you are released following receiving a negative COVID test. Prior to this is part of government procedure and not a hotel process.
Can underaged guests check in by themselves?
If the guest is under 14 years of age at Southside by Ovolo or 16 years of age at Ovolo Central, we require a parent/legal guardian to stay with them throughout the duration of their quarantine stay. If the guest is between 14-17 years of age at Southside by Ovolo or 16-17 years of age at Ovolo Central, a parent/legal guardian making the booking needs to sign a consent form which allows the guest to check-in themselves on the check-in date. In this situation, the guest can then check-in and quarantine without the company of a parent/legal guardian.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Please refer to your booking confirmation letter, or the hotel website when you make your booking.
Is the larger gym equipment complimentary?
All our suites include walking pads. For other rooms, we have walking pads, stationary bikes and other add on items can be included in your room for a small fee. You can also arrange your own, the hotel team is happy to deliver your item to your room for HKD$500 fee per item. These machines are quite heavy and fragile; therefore we need a bit of manpower to move it in.
Are bookings flexible to align with government restrictions and regulations? In the case of cancellations out of the guest’s control, will the booking be refundable?
In case of flight cancelations by the Airline, complimentary amendment to the booking would be extended by the Hotel, dependent on the room rate and availability. However, you must send Ovolo supporting documents as proof of cancellation within 24 hours of receiving notice.

During Stay

How do I make my way from the airport to the hotel?
Outbound travelers must travel directly to the selected place of quarantine. Fortunately, you have a few options! You could either opt for a free point-to-point bus, self-paid limousine, or taxi services. Just keep in mind that taxis operate from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily and only provide services for inbound persons from Hong Kong International Airport to your Designated Quarantine Hotel. A maximum of three guests are allowed on one taxi and if you surpass a certain luggage load, you may be subjected to take two taxis. For more details regarding transport services to Designated Quarantine Hotels, please visit the Government website here.
What are your sanitation standards for the guest rooms?
We have always been fully committed to providing guests with the highest possible standards of cleanliness. Now, in light of recent events, we are going full OC/DC – Obsessive Commitment to Deep Cleaning. On top of our internal hygiene policies, we also adhere to all sanitation regulations and procedures that are being dictated by the Department of Health. Guests can fully relax knowing that they will be in good (thoroughly washed) hands.
Am I allowed to leave the hotel room for any reason?
Unfortunately no, but that’s why we’re here to help with our Quarantine Concierge! If you leave the room without authorization, you are subject to being sent to a Quarantine Center, based on instruction from the Department of Health.
Is there a working desk and chair in room?
All our deluxe/premium rooms/ suites at Southside by Ovolo have a work desk and chair. All our rooms at Ovolo Central have a desk and a chair.
Do your rooms have a kitchenette?
No, in Southside by Ovolo our One Bedroom or Rockstar Suites have microwaves available in-room. In Ovolo Central our Radio Suite has a microwave. Further, all of our rooms have teas and coffee-making facilities.
Who should I contact if I suddenly feel unwell?
You can call the Department of Health hotline at +852 2125 1122.
Is outside food delivery possible? Is it also possible to deliver post or goods (Decathlon, Amazon etc)?
We’ve partnered with foodpanda to bring you all the essentials that you may have forgotten, are in sudden need of, or just simply want to buy. Link your foodpanda account with ours and get immediate access to exclusive discounts on restaurants, groceries, and shops. We also allow guests to order from other outside food delivery services (guest is responsible for payment), and our reception staff will assist to deliver the items to their doors. Guests’ families and/or friends are also allowed to deliver items for the guests by dropping the items at reception, by which our staff will then deliver to the room.
Is the microwave provided?
All our suites (except Long Loft Suite at Southside by Ovolo) include a microwave. For other room categories, we have limited microwaves available with a small fee.
Can the windows be opened in the room?

Yes! At Southside by Ovolo we enjoy breathing the fresh southside air and we are happy to say, you can to! At Ovolo Central you can open your bathroom window.
Can I meet with my family or friends who are in quarantine?
Unfortunately no, based on the rules from the Department of Health. No one is allowed to leave their room during the duration of their quarantine stay, and members of the general public are not allowed to step foot on the property.

The Inside Look Of A Quarantine Stay

So you’ve gotta hideout? Feels like forever doesn’t it? Ovolo’s QuarantinFQUe Concierge will take your isolation stay to a whole new level. From breakfast to happy hour to night cap, it’s all taken care of and anything you need from the outside world, our concierge will arrange it for you.

Take a look at what you will get during your stay, exactly how you see it.

The most important thing a hotel can provide is a comfortable place to sleep. At Ovolo, our ethos is effortless living. But effortless, takes effort. 7 layers of effort. We’ll change your sheets and towels once a week, with daily rubbish removal.
We’ve partnered with foodpanda to bring you all the essentials that you may have forgotten, are in sudden need of, or just simply want to buy. Link your foodpanda account with ours and get immediate access to exclusive discounts on restaurants, groceries, and shops.
Just cause you’re locked in, doesn’t mean you can’t get your steps in. Come out of quarantine fit with your in-room fitness gear – yoga mat*, gliders* and resistance bands*.

When you’ve exhausted your eyes looking into a screen, we’ve got a mindfulness kit to keep your brain running. The kit includes colouring pages, brain teasers and playing cards.
Social Sessions – Socialize in style (and distance) with weekly sessions with your room neighbours, to welcome in the weekend.
Want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and stay active and mindful at the same time? We’ve got free weekly Zoom Yoga sessions run by Simon from Mindful Studios. Namaste!
Join our daily step challenge – if you succeed, we will treat you.
News – Access over 7,000 newspapers & magazines with PressReader.
Upon your arrival, you will also receive a welcome bag that looks something like the below. It’s on us, and has all the goodies to keep you healthy.

Quarantining with kids? We have all sorts of children’s books for you, courtesy of Oxford University Press, so they can continue exploring the joy of reading.
After the days are done, enjoy a Last Supper meal – indulgent menu choice to feast upon that’s paired with a drink of your choice, plus get a farewell bottle of bubbles on us.

In addition to the quarantine concierge perks, you also get your Ovolo perks for booking direct –

Free unlimited premium Wi-Fi for unlimited devices
Every morning, have breakfast in bed. We will deliver straight to your door.
A welcome minibar with drinks & snacks.*
We’re all about happy hour, so because you can’t make it down to the bar, we’ll bring it to you. Have a tipple or two on us!
OCDC Grade Room Sanitization

*Items not applicable to mini rooms

A Little Bit About Daniel Meek, GM of Ovolo The Valley

We sat down with Dan, the General Manager at Ovolo The Valley to get the inside scoop on what makes Ovolo The Valley our whimsical oasis.

Tell us a little about yourself

I grew up on a farm just outside Blayney, NSW and moved to Ghana, West Africa at the age of 12 where I lived on a remote mining site and studied via distance education. I studied a Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality at Southern Cross University in Lismore and started my first hotel job as a Management Cadet with Rydges in Queenstown, New Zealand. I absolutely fell in love with hospitality and 12 years, 2 countries, 6 cities, 7 hotels and 3 redevelopments later I wouldn’t change a thing!

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

Working with truly amazing and passionate people, no single day is the same and always full of excitement.

Imagine you could step in a teleport for a day and go to any place and time in history. Where and when would you travel to?

Anything in the ancient world, either Egypt or Rome!

Dream vacation?

How long do I have? Touring the world, immersing myself in local cultures, ancient history, and natural landscapes. Staying in some of the world’s best boutique hotels but at the same time just as happy roughing it out in a camper van or sleeping under the stars.

Best hotel you’ve stayed at (besides Ovolo, of course) and why?

Would have to say Equilibria in Seminyak, beautiful small boutique hotel, relaxed yet personalised service and those Bamboo sheets… oh my god it was like sleeping on a cloud.

Art That Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart from the rest? Well, it’s got to be the art on our walls in any of our hotels from Hong Kong to Australia. Whether quirky, rockin’, or just downright awesome, each piece is carefully handpicked to give you the perfect Ovolo experience. We’re going to walk you through a few of our favourite pieces.

Women dressed up & wearing hats for Melbourne Cup, 1963, Victoria, Australia

The artworks situated within our funky rooms have been curated by Hassell Studio, carefully handpicked pieces to play on the Australian lifestyle and culture by using different styles of photography throughout the eras, as well as a number of visual cues.

This piece was taken during the Melbourne Cup in 1963, Victoria, Australia.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

2) 12 Chairs By Enrique Rottenberg

The work of Enrique Rottenberg may be considered as controversial, and therefore the reason for the attraction that it causes, whether it be of allure or tension, laughter or pain, surprise or rejection, beauty and horror. Rottenberg’s photography tries to represent timeless and motionless scenes, stunned characters, and frozen stories, as if each and every one of them were shocked suddenly, while remaining irremediably suspended.

3) The collection of tile works featured around the Mosaic Room at Ovolo Nishi by Artist Gerard Havekes

Dutch immigrant artist Gerard Havekes was born in s’Hertogenbosch, Holland, in 1925. He was immersed in art practice from an early age due to his father’s architectural and etching milieu, which encouraged lively discussion in the home with fellow artists.

In 1950 he travelled to Sydney. At first, Havekes was a factory worker, making car parts and Band-Aids, and he also worked as a cleaner, mail sorter, builder’s labourer and nurse. At night he would paint and sculpt. During this time he had successful exhibitions of his expressionist paintings at the Bissietta Gallery, the Lady Marion Hall Best Gallery and the David Jones Gallery. He also attended the East Sydney Technical College with a view to developing skills in ceramics.

Havekes gleaned some technical knowledge but left to further develop this medium on his own, quickly establishing his own style. Working closely with interior designers and architects such as Peddle Thorpe & Walker, and Kahn & Finch, Havekes integrated his work, for beautification, into the exteriors and interiors of numerous large building projects in major cities and regional towns such as Broken Hill.

Havekes acquired kilns, learnt how to mix glazes and to fire clay and create his own, handmade variety. He was probably the first in Australia to do this on a significant scale.

He continually remodelled and refurbished his Kenthurst home and it was often featured in magazines such as Belle, Vogue and House & Garden, with one calling it ‘’the most photographed house in Australia’’. The house was a fluid, ill-defined mix of work studio and living quarters. His ceramic studio comprised nine electric kilns he built and modified himself.

Moving to a huge warehouse in Leichhardt in the late ‘80s allowed Havekes to be more involved with the city. He continued to work with ceramics and paint, draw and sculpt, and developed the medium of large-scale, three-dimensional tapestry, having them made in Hong Kong, where he travelled to supervise their construction. There are two in the foyer of the United Overseas Bank building in Martin Place. Havekes passed away in 2011.

Hotel interior designer Don Cameron discovered Havekes’ ceramic work through Mid Century collector Ken Neale, instantly appreciating it’s raw, textured aesthetic and niaive brutality. The chromatic pallette and metallic glazes are rarefied.

Cameron engaged a 2 year negotiation with Haveke’s family about the sourcing of the remainders, overages, and unrealized ceramic works of Gerard’s proposing they be used in a monumental relief for Hotel Hotel atrium. Daughter of Gerard, Anna-Maryke has guided family discussions relating to Havekes’ legacy and has assisted Cameron in the assemblage and design of the final work.

Mosaic Room, Ovolo Nishi

4) Murals by artist Jasper Knight

The 90 rooms and suites have exposed brick walls, contemporary furnishings and vibrant red, yellow and blue murals by local artist Jasper Knight. Jasper Knight collaborated with The Woolstore 1888 Hotel Pyrmont to create vibrant spaces in each room of the hotel.

The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour

5) Einsten By Mr. Brainwash

The work of Mr. Brainwash is rooted in pop art. As Warhol looked to icons of consumer culture and celebrity, Mr. Brainwash looks to art and entertainment as the subjects of his work. Mr. Brainwash uses pop art that is departed from art’s tradition in favour of images of popular culture. Mr. Brainwash includes artistic tradition and even prior pop art as the subject of his work.

Mr. Brainwash (MBW) is the pseudonym for the graffiti street artist Thierry Guetta. Mr. Brainwash was born in France in 1966. Rising to prominence due to a heavily hyped exhibition and a Banksy directed documentary entitled, “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” the French artist Mr. Brainwash was once a clothing store owner named Thierry Guetta. He came to the United States with his family years before he would become one of contemporary art’s largest and most confusing personalities.

Situated at the basement at Ovolo South Yarra

Is SoHo The New LKF?

We get it, LKF is nostalgic. The good ol’ days where you and your friends could drink until the early mornings, care-free. But just as COVID-19 has given many people a fresh new perspective on life, we’ve also got a fresh new life on where and how drinks should be enjoyed. Gone are the days of crowded sweaty bars where you stand shoulder to shoulder with the stranger next to you. Instead, it’s time to look forward to the future of classy speakeasies and just good old fashioned bars, where you can have a great drink and a great time.

Bites & Tipples

It’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, and what better place to fill it up than at The Diplomat. Since opening in February this year, they’ve braved this difficult time and managed to keep the hype up and keep the drinks going with many return customers – and for a good reason! Helmed by John Nugent, formerly of Lily and Bloom, explore their easy to navigate drinks menu with his innovative twists on classic cocktails. Don’t think this means their food menu will be slacking! With both small and large plates like The Diplomat Burger, the Truffled Mac & Cheese, and the Cubano sandwich, you can be sure you won’t be needing dinner after this.

Beer With Us

Those who have been know that 65 Peel has a great selection of local beers on tap as well as bottled. Feel free to grab any of their knowledgeable staff to give you a run down of their beers so you can select your favourite. Better yet, although travelling is out of the picture you can still fly by ordering their beer flight instead and get a taste of 4! You can expect to have quality beers here as their name in Chinese suggests: it’s so f***ing good (何蘭正).

Sake All Day

For the uninitiated, there is no better place than Sake Central to learn more about the history and nuances of sake. Simply calling it a restaurant or a bar would be doing it injustice, as it serves as much more than that. It’s a retail space of ceramics, sakes, glass wear, an educational space, and a dining space. Make sure to order their house sake on tap – one of the few places in HK that offers this!

Cosy Cocktails

Hidden away in a dark alleyway, this unassuming bar is far from what you could expect. Despite being only open for 2 years, The Wise King has already hit spot no. 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Exuding the best of old school vibes, be seated in their plush velvet seats while enjoying a carefully crafted cocktail from their humble menu and snacking on a platter of cold cuts and cheeses. This is the perfect spot for an intimate date or catching up with a friend.

Slurp & Sip Your Way Around Sydney

When you think about cult-classics, films such as Pulp Fiction and The Rocky Horror Picture Show come to mind. The revolutionary, timeless, and we just can’t get enough. But we don’t need to deep-dive into having more screen time. Restaurants and bars are beginning to open, and we’re ready to support local with these cult classic-Sydney eats.

10 William Street

What was meant to accompany the extensive wine list, is now a must-have. Before we reveal the goods, let set the scene. 10 William Street is a well-loved wine bar tucked away from Paddington’s main strip has the warmth of a million hugs from Nonna – with a modern Australian twist. You know, the type of place with an ever-evolving, expertly curated wine selection scrawled on a chalkboard and the type of service you don’t need a menu for.

You don’t need to see the menu or ask the staff to know the Pretzel with a side of whipped bottarga is a non-negotiable.

Dip, schmear, drag your perfectly doughy pretzel protected by a crisp outer shell with light and airy roe with shaved bottarga and chef kisses all around. You’ll be making your next booking as your crumbles, clean plate is clear away.

@grabyourfork

Bills Australia

Australian institution, Bills is now global. Wherever you are in the world, London, Honolulu, Sydney’s Bondi, Surry Hills or Darlinghurst just get the Ricotta Hotcakes. Courtesy of Bill Granger, local chef of Sydney and Tamarama, has brought this fluffy, cheesecake-esque, dessert for breakfast dish to the world. A Sydney classic and brunch favourite, is topped with honeycomb butter and banana, is worth the wait and weekend traffic.

@feeev

Continental Deli

This isn’t a dish in the traditional sense.. But that’s really a matter of perspective. It comes in a can, garnished with olives and you can always have more – sounds like a meal to us? Presenting, the Mar-Tinny, Continental Deli’s signature cocktail to be enjoyed in the hip suburb of Newtown or CBD. Go for the ‘Gram, stay for the sexy bar, keep coming back for the Mar-Tinny.

P.S Martini not the cocktail muse of your choice? How about a Amer’Can’O, Can-Hattan or most recently, dessert Flan-In-A-Can.

@craig_greville_photo

Fratelli Paradiso

It’s all in the name, and this name is on the lips of every Sydney-sider when it comes to Italian fare. The Paradiso trio, behind Fratelli Paradiso (‘fratelli’ translates to brothers) have elevated the humble Tiramisu into this inner city restaurant’s signature. It’s the quality mascarpone which make this dessert the best you’ll ever have (don’t tell Nonna). Rich, creamy, everything you want from your last meal until tomorrow. There’s really no excuse. You can order the dessert after dinner by the dish or by the spoonful – guaranteed you’ll want to take it home, which of course you can when you order a family tub. If you’re still on the Iso-baking buzz, try making it at home.

Totti’s

Search 283 Bondi Road and you’ll find it’s the home address of Bondi institution, Totti’s. Search Totti’s on Instagram and you’ll find a grid of gorgeous groups, pasta porn and Totti’s iconic wood-fired bread. It arrives at your table puffed up to about 12 centimetres, hence the adventurous nickname of ‘puffy bread’, straight from heat, ready for you to… Stab. Watch your new favourite carb, with the right amount of char and salt we should add, deflate. Chewy as hell for such a light, delicate bread, is so enjoyable on it’s own or loaded up with antipasto of your choosing.

@jasmineaiello

Alibi Bar & Kitchen

Australia’s first cocktail bar and kitchen offering a 100 per cent plant-based dining menu, hidden in Ovolo Woolloomooloo is somewhere you may be familiar with, Alibi bar & Kitchen. For those after a cleaner side to plant-based dining, we worked with US celebrity chef, restaurateur and plant-based pioneer, Matthew Kenney to bring you, Kimchi Dumplings. Not your typical dumpling you would get with KBBQ, we’re serving raw, vegan, with fluorescent green skin dumplings filled with a mix of pureed kimchi, cashew, tamari and raw tahini.

The wrappers are fashioned from compressed and dehydrated young coconut flesh and coriander, they take three days to make, with the kimchi taking two weeks to ferment. Patience is a virtue and patience is also damn delicious.

A Neighbourhood Guide to Southside

We’ve been cooped up in our homes for far too long so it’s only right we treat ourselves to a weekend getaway. Often, escaping the city is just the remedy we need. We’re here to give you the ultimate guide for Southside – hole in the wall art galleries, secret trails you can take on and the best places to satisfy any cravings.

The Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhoods are home to a burgeoning art scene, with a number of galleries all opening up. Here are a few worth checking out:

Blindspot Annex: Whether you’re a diehard photography fan of an amateur armed with an iPhone, Blindspot Gallery will be of interest. The gallery features pieces by up-and-coming photographers all over the world.

Gallery Exit: Specialising in works that cross boundaries, Gallery Exit shows pieces in various medium.

Art Statements: Art Statements is renowned for its exhibitions of internationally acclaimed artists across the world.

The Cat Street Gallery Annex: The original branch of the Cat Street Gallery is located in Sheung Wan, and its Annex in Wong Chuk Hang boasts a sprawling space with contemporary and modern pieces from both up-and-coming names and acclaimed artists. Viewing is by appointment only.

Pekin Fine Arts Hong Kong: If you enjoy Chinese art, make time for Pekin Fine Arts’ Hong Kong outpost. The Beijing-based contemporary art gallery represents international names with a particular focus on artists in the region, and is also a champion for promoting Asian artists.

Plum Blossoms Gallery: Art gallery Plum Blossoms was established in the 1980s and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the local art scene. Expect to find cutting-edge pieces by young Chinese artists alongside an a collection of antiques.

It may surprise those who only know Hong Kong to have towering skyscrapers, but Hong Kong is surrounded by green. Green hills, green mountains, green parks, and more. Some smack dab in the city, and others a little bit off-track… Here’s a list of our 5 favourite hidden trails, for when you feel like forgetting where you are.

Man On Shan’s Waterfall –

In this heat, it’s nice (if not, ideal) to be able to cool down as a reward from your hike. Head on over to Ma On Shan’s Country Park with some water, a bathing suit, and don’t forget appropriate shoes. The trail can get quite tricky!

Let’s get high

High peaks, but only moderate exertion – sounds like a dream. High Junk Peak in New Territories is one of Hong Kong’s sharpest peaks, and once you’re up there you get a full view of everything. And by everything, we mean everything – ocean, mountains, and skyscrapers.

The road less travelled

When you hear Lamma Island, you usually think of that family trail that connects the two sides of the island, ending on an overcrowded beach. Little do people know that there’s an off-beaten track, Mount Stenhouse (Shan Tei Tong), that includes getting down on your hands and knees, following coloured ties as guides, and an incredible view.

Let’s get down to business

When going for hikes, people usually opt north: New Territories and Kowloon is where people believe the good, worth-it hikes are. But if you head down south to the southmost island in Hong Kong, there’s some beautiful scenery there too. The Po Toi Country Trail can get quite challenging so you might want to bring a couple friends, but we promise it’s worth it!

The ancient one

Lamma and Cheung Chau are some popular islands to visit if you ever want to feel like you’ve left Hong Kong for the day, but they can get quite repetitive. Look a little further, and head to Tai O to walk along the Tung O Ancient Trail. Not only will the distance make you feel like you’ve left the city, but the iconic stilt houses will transport you to another time.

Tung O Ancient Trail

while hip cafes and restaurants keep opening up in cool warehouse spaces. Best of all, you’ll find Southside by Ovolo here, with an awesome rooftop bar, Above, to boot. Don’t say we never help you with anything!

If you’re getting bored of the usual go-to restaurants in Central, head to Southside and try out underrated cafes and restaurants that will want you begging for more.

Dim Sum Restaurant

Overrated: Maxim’s Palace City Hall
Underrated: Saam Hui Yaat

Iconic dim sum restaurant Maxim’s Palace City Hall offers piping hot dim sum on trolleys, the old-school way. The huge crowds, loud decor, and long lines, however, are just a little bit too much for some. For a low-key dim sum experience, head to Saam Hui Yaat. An unassuming spot located on the edge of Pok Fu Lam, this eatery is still decked out with features from the 1980s: think a no-frills decor complete with tiled flooring, and menus where prices are indicated with a traditional Chinese writing system of numbers. Here you’ll find all the crowd favourites from a good dim sum meal: har gow, siu mai, and thousand-layer cake. Everything is in Chinese, so bring a Canto-speaking friend.

Kea’s Kitchen

Looking for something a little different than your standard meal on dry land? Located on a 63-foot yacht, Kea’s Kitchen offers a truly unique dining experience. Run by affable owner Kea, the floating private kitchen is docked at the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, offering Thai-inspired cuisine against a picturesque setting for two nights a week. Two set menus are on offer: for HK$598 or HK$798, you’ll have the chance to try a range of Thai dishes, many of which use fresh seafood ingredients.

3/3rds

Any health nuts in the house? Nestled in an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang, the original Southside branch of 3/3rds is a sun-drenched, welcoming space, providing healthy foods using fresh, top-quality ingredients. There are salads and sandwiches aplenty, with a menu that changes regularly.

The Butchers Club

While meat-lover heaven The Butchers Club now boasts a number of outlets around town, its very first branch is a private kitchen nestled in the Tin Wan neighbourhood in Aberdeen, which boasts a dry-ageing room. The space accommodates up to 16 people and serves a signature “Big Beef Experience” menu, while also hosting regular sausage-making and nose-to-tail butchery classes.

Noodle Mi

Vietnamese restaurant Noodle Mi runs a small Sheung Wan outlet – but there’s also a more spacious branch in an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang. What’s special about the place is that everything on the menu caters those who are gluten-intolerant, with a selection of hot, piping pho, delicious salads and Vietnamese classic banh mi.

ABOVE

ABOVE, the rooftop bar at Southside by Ovolo, has gorgeous views of the rolling hills of island south, plus the beach and the ocean beyond. It’s a sprawling, laid-back space to kick back with a classic cocktail or a refreshing glass of prosecco. What’s not to love? If you get bored of the view (hardly likely), come for a spot of people-watching – there’s always a glamorous crowd gathered here.

To cover all of this, there’s nothing better than a staycation at Southside by Ovolo.

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A Little Bit About Sonesh Mool, Area GM – Central

As part of our “Get to Know Your General Manager” series, we sat down with Sonesh Mool next, the Area General Manager of Central. Keep reading below to see what makes our flagship property the most special one.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I’ve been with the Ovolo Group for 3+ years in various roles, but prior to this I owned my own men’s apparel and accessories company. Why? Probably because I enjoy dressing up. There’s nothing like a clean, well-fitted suit to start the day off, am I right?

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

The PEOPLE. I love working with my teams; I believe they are my first priority. Apart from the Ovolo team, being able to meet all our guests who walk through our doors is a privilege. Everyone has a story, and it’s great to be able to connect.

Imagine you could step in a teleport for a day and go to any place and time in history. Where and when would you travel to?

July 13, 1985 – the JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, USA. How cool would it be to be standing front row at LIVE AID! Can you tell I love the 80’s smash hits… do check out Radio Ovolo on Spotify to listen to all these classics ;)

What is your favourite hide out spot in the hotel?

It may not be the most obvious “hide out” spot given that it’s front and centre on the doorstep, but right next to “Stainless Steel Stan”. But sometimes the least obvious choices are the best ones!

“How would you describe the color green to a blind and deaf person?”

Have them smell, touch, and feel blades of fresh cut grass, leaves of a plant, and an ice cold Heineken bottle as they each represent LIFE ;)

5 Secret Trails in Hong Kong

Chasing waterfalls –

Ma On Shan’s Country Park

2. Let’s get high –

3. The road less travelled –

High Junk Peak

4. Let’s get down to business –

5. The ancient one –

Tung O Ancient Trail

Listen up! (To something that isn’t COVID-19 related)

Daily news briefings, the complaints (and prayers) to get a hold of an ice-cold schooner – we can’t escape the Covid-19 chatter. So, when you’re not jamming out to Radio Ovolo, here are some new and noteworthy podcasts to keep your ears, mind and soul occupied while escaping in the world around us.

Double Impact

When the vibe is… Woke check.

Calling all 90’s kids – let’s go! No, stay right where you are. Sit your butt back down in the spot which has perfectly formed and sculpted into your behind and watch some cult classic film from when you were growing up.

Take a journey revisiting 80’s and 90’s “classic” films which were memorable, eye opening, mirror shattering to hosts of Double Impact, Tristan and Greg.

Cosy up with hour-long doses of nostalgia, and see how the laughs of Cool Runnings, Rush Hour and Jerry Maguire have stood the test of time.

Join on the conversation to see how your favourites stack up in the modern era AKA, are they woke enough to survive in 2020?

I Weigh

When the vibe is… Self-love baby!

An Instagram account, which started a movement, now a global community.

I Weigh challenges society’s definition of worth through weight and the search for self-love and one’s value. Founder Jameela Jamil (AKA Tahani Al- Jamil on NBC’s The Good Place) amplifies the messages of radical inclusivity, by letting us in on refreshingly honest conversations with thought-leaders, people of influence, and famous friends.

Drawing from and recounting her own experiences with self-love, join Jameela and her guests on an emotional roller coaster of laughter, tears and self-reflection with the likes of icons like Billy Porter and Demi Lovato to Former General Surgeon of the United States, Vivek Murthy.

Join in conversations which are better late than never, because being a fly on the wall has never been so thought-provoking and empowering.

Casefile

When the vibe is… Seeking closure (for the most part)

From an anonymous host to an 80:20 ratio of solved and cold cases, Casefile takes a deep dive into well-known murder and criminal cases from around the world. Go as deep the criminal trials for convicted cases or theorise on potential endings for those yet to be solved.

Each story is, well, devasting. In addition to the terrifying realisation that fact is scarier than fiction, is the eeriness in how calmly the story is told with a deep male voice and thick Australian accent.

One reviewer puts it perfectly, “the stories are unfolded slowly and methodically by the anonymous host, with just enough editorializing to make it feel like a friend or a witness is relaying the tale.”

Listen to this one with the lights on.

Stuff You Should Know

When the vibe is… Being a know it all.

This one’s a goodie – and an award-winner!

Don’t take our word for it, numbers don’t lie. Stuff You Should Know has ranked in Top 10 on iTunes since its debut in 2008, downloaded in the millions monthly, not a surprise this is one of the world’s most popular podcasts.

It is definitely because Josh Clark and Charles W “Chuck” Bryant do the hard work. The charismatic duo bounces off each other making their way through every topic from the fields of science, history, urban legends to pop culture.

Listeners are left with a basic understanding of everything to peanut butter came to be an everyday pantry staple, the history of Monopoly, how cult deprogramming works to how Mary Had A Little Lamb became popularised.

The topics are timeless, the banter is scriptless and Josh and Chuck’s natural chemistry paired with their sense of wonder is infectious.

Josh has said they are on a “never ending quest to explain absolutely everything there is on planet earth and beyond.”

Get cracking, you have some catching up to do.

The Daily Talk Show

When the vibe is.. Banter with the boys, and a hidden agenda.

The hidden agenda?

The Daily Talk Show’s mission to make self-development and important conversations accessible and fun. Unpretentious and unpredictable, hosts Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen, these cheeky larrikins are honest, and entertaining.

With Producer Mr 97 and Editor Georgie Boy joining the chat, listening is like having your favourite people over for dinner where the red wine is endless, and goodbyes are only said after midnight once there’s no more whiskey to enjoy as the third nightcap. One of those nights you don’t want to end because the chat is just THAT good. Of course, it helps that Ash Williams, Jules Lund, Gemma Watts to Seth Goden at the dinner table.

The only way to understand the ups and down, trails and tribulations of life is through great conversations.

As the only seven day a week talk show in Australia, lucky for us Gronks (what fans of the podcast call themselves), the boys are bringing you joy with a new podcast to download daily.

All of the ear candy above are available on Apple Podcasts.

A Little Bit About David Sude, GM of Ovolo Woolloomooloo

We sat down with the General Manager at Ovolo Woolloomooloo to get to know him a little bit better and learn about his journey. Find out more about what makes Ovolo Woolloomooloo Australia’s #1 hotel.

Tell us a little bit about your journey:

I guess you can say I began my hospitality journey in Europe. After leaving the island, I moved back to France for a year before moving to London to study. It’s where I started working in hotels. I loved it so much that even after getting my law degree, I decided to stick to hotels as a career. I have been lucky enough to work and live on 5 continents ever since and ended up in beautiful Sydney.

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

Definitely being with my team every day. They are the best bunch of people anyone can wish for and make my work so much easier. It is more like a family environment than a work environment. Also, working in the coolest hotel in the world (Ovolo Woolloomooloo).

Imagine you could step in a teleport for a day and go to any place and time in history. Where and when would you travel to?

I would go back to the start of the 1900’s in Paris. The Moulin Rouge era. Hang out with Lautrec and Hemingway.

What is your favourite hide out spot in the hotel?

For sure Girish, our Founder & CEO’s wine room at Woolloomooloo. It’s a little hidden room in the hotel with some amazing wines, some comfy chairs and a really nice mood lighting. I LOVE that room!

How would you describe the color green to a blind and deaf person?

I would make them touch, feel and smell grass. To me it is the definition of green.

A Mother’s Day Movie Marathon

Get cosy, make some popcorn and watch a movie (or two) together. Here’s our round-up of movies that will guarantee hysterical laughing, unstoppable tears and the mushiest cuddles with your mum. Even you’re not under the same roof, you can watch together with Netflix Party! (https://www.netflixparty.com/)

A classic mother daughter love story with lots of ABBA – Mamma Mia!
A mother-daughter duo magically swap lives for a few days facing lots of challenges – Freaky Friday
The story of 3 moms as they as they do their best to destress for Christmas when their moms show up – A Bad Moms Christmas
A terminally-ill woman must deal with her ex-husband’s new lover, who will be their children’s stepmother – Stepmom
A family with a dozen children and with his wife on a book tour, a father must handle all – Cheaper By The Dozen
They may constantly fight but their bond remains unbreakable. Get your box of issues ready – Tears of Endearment
The unfolding of a pure, realistic and beautiful mother-daughter relationship. Both actresses were nominated for Oscars – Lady Bird
If you both are in the mood for suspense & horror, follow the journey of a family struggling for survival in a world where most humans have been killed by blind but noise-sensitive creatures – A Quiet Place
A three sister singing group tries to find stardom while dealing with their strict, religious mother – Sparkle
A heartwarming movie of a mother-daughter duo and grandmother-granddaughter duo – The Princess Diaries

How to Set the Perfect Table

Dinner parties are pretty much the best, that is why going all out seems more than appropriate, starting with how to set the perfect table. We asked Ovolo’s Interior Designer to give us some top tips on how to set the perfect scene for your party!

Here are some of our tips:

There is nothing like a table that matches! Pick your centre piece then match your tableware to match, vice versa if you are working with what you have in the house.
Pastels and lighter tones can go a long way in terms of elegance.
Flowers win every time – whether they are delivered to the door or picked fresh when you are out for a walk. A fresh flower can really bring a table to life and put a smile on your guests face.
The more the merrier – if there is a bigger group sitting down to eat, why not use old pictures of everyone as place cards
Garden lovers – To accompany a flower or to replace a fresh flower, you can also bring the outdoors inside for your dinner party with natural textures of plants, foliage etc. This will bring a beautiful rustic tones to the table, especially if you have some mason jars around the house.
Handwritten menu’s – Do we need to say anymore? Make your guests feel that extra bit special with a handwritten menu to let them know you have thought long and hard about their meal. Even if you are just copying straight out of a recipe book!

How To Do Your Own Gel Nails

Whether your nails are overgrown or as stubby as a 13 year old boy’s, we can all agree on one thing: it’s getting out of hand (pun intended). In times like these, you can count on no one but yourself, so scroll on through to learn how to do impressive gel nails yourself.

Gather your things and go – you’ll need cuticle oil, a nail buff, top/base coat, your gel polish, and a UV lamp (duh)
Shape of you – cut, file, and repeat. Until you get your desired shape.
Slidin’ on that oil – lather it on. The side, on top, and all over your nail beds. Just make sure to clean up before you gel.
Buff baby – buff your entire nail from side to side. If you don’t, your oils will build up. And we don’t want that.
It’s all about that base – put on a layer of base coat, and stick it under the UV light for 30 seconds.
Paint your pretty picture – pick a color, and paint! Between each coat, give it some UV light and repeat until you get the result you want.
Room at the top – finish off with some top coat and one last round under the light.

The Ultimate Plant-based Pancake Recipe This Mother’s Day

It’s time to put on your aprons and whip up the most delicious plant-based pancakes for your mum. Fancy it up with chocolate chip pancakes, lemon and poppy seed pancakes or blue berry pancakes – we got you. Follow the recipe below from Alibi Sydney’s head chef, Jordan Brogan.

Ingredients:

1 cup plant based milk, I prefer oat milk or almond milk
1 over ripe banana, mashed
1 cup all-purpose flour – sub with buckwheat flour if you would like gluten free
1 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla bean paste
½ tsp cinnamon powder
Small pinch of salt

Method:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, mashed banana, vanilla, and maple syrup then whisk well.
In a separate bowl mix together all the dry ingredients
Make a well in the centre of the milk and banana mix, place your dry mix inside and fold together and then mix until smooth.
Get a non-stick frying pan and bring to a medium heat, cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Serve with fresh berries and coconut yoghurt

Fancy it up?

Add ½ a cup dark chocolate chips for a chocolate chip pancake
Add 30ml fresh lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon with poppy seeds for lemon and poppy seed pancakes
Add ½ cup frozen blue berries for blue berry pancakes

One for One, and One for You.

This past year has been one of the most tumultuous that Hong Kong has ever seen. The word “unprecedented” has no doubt been thrown around to the extent that it’s become a joke, but with good reason. Unemployment rate is at a record high, people are getting more and more dissatisfied with governance and unafraid to show it, and oh, the global pandemic.

Amidst all of the darkness, it is so important for those who can to shine a light, however they can. To play our part and thank the city that has been so generous to us in the past, we have launched a “One for One” initiative.

For every a la carte dish purchased at VEDA, we will donate a meal to an essential health worker from health institutions which Ovolo has associations with.

Given that, there is every reason to get out and practise safe social distancing while ordering a meal to reward not only yourself, but also some of those working hard to keep our community safe.

Want To Take Us Home? Now You Can.

Tiffin-Wala

VEDA , Hong Kong

Ovolo is introducing their signature flavours to the renown tiffin boxes, to be available for takeaway at VEDA . Ovolo’s vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong, VEDA offers the ultimate vegeterian lunch or dinner box. Gourmet, hearty dishes with fantastic homemade flavours. The tiffin boxes will be available in prepaid packs of 1, 5 and 10. Take away the stress of deciding what to eat and indulge in a hearty meal.

Download the BistroChat app to get your tiffin deal! Or come straight to us and we will take care of you.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Alt | CTRL | EAT by Alibi

Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney

Alt Ctrl Eat by Alibi is 100% powered by plants. Alt Ctrl Eat is fast food, with real values to reset the soul.

Your choice of housemade patties by the Alibi team or high protein patties by The Alternative Meat Co., with all the good stuff included. And for on the side or to enjoy on their own, Cauliflower Bites, Mac n Cheese Balls and Loaded Fries. Something clean? No problem. Plant Bowls, Kelp Noodles or Spicy Udon – will help you stop, refresh, revive and reset.

ORDER NOW

DELI By Monster

Ovolo Nishi, Canberra

Founded on sustainability, Monster’s ethos of showcasing ingredients from local and smallholder farmers has never been more prevalent than with DELI by Monster.

DELI is 50% plant-based, while also offering traditional deli items for carnivores; expect a unique mixture of cold cuts, nut cheeses and fine wine. Sandwiches, salads, mains and sides, with many of Monsters signature dishes will be available. For home assembly or ready-made, play chef at home with Market boxes.

ORDER NOW

Thank God For Netflix

Turning on Netflix is like being a kid in a candy store. And boy has Netflix has upped their game, with a treat for everyone, having every craving and every mood. Grab the snacks (we know you’ve stocked up), park yourself on the couch (right into that imprint you’ve created over the last week) and settle in because here are our top Netflix recommendations for your lock-in needs.

New and Noteworthy

Tiger King
Self iso? No problem. Netflix docu-series, Tiger King, has taken over the human kingdom – social media – providing an escape from reality. We meet Joe Exotic, a likeable misfit and owner of a roadside zoo in Oklahoma. Gun enthusiast, a mullet to boot, and two husbands, Joe is surrounded by others who share a love of big cats; they happen to be drug kingpins, conmen, and cult members. The arrival of animal activist, Carole Baskin, rattles the cages as she threatens the future of Joe’s business, resulting in an arrest – and a murder-for-hire case. It’s as wild as it is bingeworthy. And boy is it wild!

Netflix

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first female self-made millionaire and this series won’t have you forgetting that anytime soon. Inspired by the book, On Her Own Ground written by Walker’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, on how her ancestor built an African American haircare empire. Taking place from 1910, this series tackles topics of racial and gender biases, business rivalries, personal hardships and the fight for social justice. Need a pep in your step? Thinking of tapping into your entrepreneurial side? Be inspired by Life of Madam C.J. Walker.

Netflix

Adrenaline Junkies
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Season 2)
Welcome to the fastest sport in the world. If cars aren’t for you, no worries. This incredibly shot series has the power to captivate and convert everyday John Smith and Jane Doe into F1 fans. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is back for season 2, so if you haven’t seen season 1, buckle up and catch up because you’re in for a ride! Netflix received insider access to all 10 teams, seeing the blood, sweat and tears it takes to risk it all for victory. Fast cars, big money, adrenaline fuelled action – live it all, from the couch.

Netflix

Easy watching
Kath & Kim
Turning on Netflix and returning on to the fictional town of Fountain Lakes in Melbourne, Victoria feels like home. For Aussies, it’s one of those show you can start with any episode of any season and your transported back to the 2000’s.

Follows the misadventures of Kath and Kim; Kath loving life as an empty nester when her lazy, self-involved daughter Kim moves back home after having marital problems.

Home to classic phrases will recognise, such as “Look at moy” (look at me) and “It’s noice, different and unusual” as an expression approval or agreement, get a dose of Aussie comedy with this cult sitcom. All 4 seasons are online for your binging pleasure.

Oldie but a goodie
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The modern romance we never knew we needed has finally arrived on Netflix Australia. It goes a bit like this: Meet Cal. Good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart is no so perfect as it seems. Cal finds himself newly single and no sense of direction in the dating department. Introducing Jacob. The perfectly proper player. Taking pity on Cal, Jacob helps get his life back on track, the only way he knows how: flirting with women, ordering a proper drink and finding a suit that fits. As their lives become more alike, they’ve yet to discover they have one common interest, Cal’s daughter. A few hearts are broken and mended along the way, resulting in a must-watch for your upcoming Netflix party with the girls. And also the scene when Jacob (Ryan Gosling) takes his shirt off and does the lift from Dirty Dancing after getting caught in rain?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W83iZJbVH0A

Warner Brothers

Reality Binge
Love is Blind
Welcome back to television, 90’s heartthrob Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey who host this social experiment to give MAFS a run for its money. Single men meet single women, date and get married. No not in the traditional, face-to-face kind of way, we are talking reality tv peeps. Beautiful singletons who are looking for love, do date and they get engaged, just all before meeting in person. Clear your plans for the day when you decide press play on episode one because binge worthy is an understatement.

A Soundtrack inspired by Radio Ovolo

The Breakfast Club
An 80’s cult classic divulging in teenage angst, soul-searching and stereotypes, all in one Saturday detention. A disparate group of five high school students spend detention under a power-hungry principal with an iron fist. The Breakfast Club movie which celebrates it’s 35^th anniversary this year is an engaging and raw portrayal of capturing teenage struggles so keep the tissues close. The rebel, the princess, an outcast, the brain and the jock each tell their story, with the group leaving school realising they’re not so different after all. Hold out for the closing scene which is iconic. A triumphant fist pump to what became one of the most recognizable soundtrack hits of the ’80s.

Available on Netflix Australia from today, you’ll be hooked on old school cool.

Universal Pictures

If you want a change a pace from the trusty couch, bunker in with our 7 Day Recharge to 14 Day Lock In, long-stay packages all rooms are complete with a Smart TV with Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime for all your binging needs.

WFH Like A Pro

If you used the abbreviation WFH a little a while ago, guaranteed there would have been a few eyebrows trying to decipher those three letters. Work For Hotels? Wow Free Ham?

Today, where self-isolation and social distancing is the new normal, Working From Home (or Hotel for some lucky peeps), is a reality for most. We have tips on getting through your 9-5, keeping your eyes on the prize, making that 5 o’clock wine THAT much more deserving.

Find your flow and set up a workspace.
Those without the luxury of a home office, make do with the end of the dining table, or a makeshift desk. Settle in with your laptop, monitor, keyboard and recreate your office environment with the addition of a set of cheeky succulents to brighten up your workspace. When working from home, clearly establish this space as your office to yourself and communicate this to your lingering housemate, mother in law, and the neighbour’s cat who pays the occasional visit.

No noise or some noise?
Depending on your workstyle, noise cancelling headphones may be your saving grace or your worst nightmare. If your office had a decent amount of hustle and bustle, and the noisy office was a pet peeve, stressing you out and eating away at your concentration… Put on your headphones, welcome to home sweet home (office) and hello to productivity. If you miss the buzz and you’re not quite getting the same comforts while WFH, flick on the radio as background tunes or your favourite playlist. We can recommend listening to Radio Ovolo on Spotify, which you’ve heard it at our hotels, now take these tunes through your workday. Time won’t go faster, but it’ll be a lot more fun.
Go about your day.
Snooze the alarm, get dressed, grab brekkie and if you normally catch up on a podcast on your morning walk to work, take some time and walk around the neighbourhood to get your poddy fix. 8am, 10am and 11am coffee drinker? Keep on keeping on, stock up on instant, invest in a Nespresso machine or get friendly with the café next door to keep your routine. However, things might not always go as planned. Your inner domestic goddess may keep calling, urging you to get to the load of washing you’d rather get to? Keep it to your mid-morning, afternoon or lunch break.

Keep active.
Without the walks from the office to the meeting room, or ducking out for lunch in the area, you’ll likely be getting in fewer steps than usual when working from home. Try the 5-55 rule and spend five minutes out of every hour standing up, stretching your legs and moving. It’ll reset your body, mind and you won’t need oiling like the Tin Can from The Wizard of OZ.
Social distance but stay connected.
With the unplanned collaboration and communication takes place in a workplace, so you might feel a bit lonely or disconnected from time to time. Don’t let that stop from your experience of working from home and stay connected. Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, your work wife, is a keyboard, phone or video call away.
Sign off and unplug.
Start and more importantly finish to mimic your regular workday. You’ve gotten dressed, had your three AM coffees to kick off your morning routine so keep to your evening rituals as your wrap up for the day. When you step away from your workspace for the day, you’re leaving the office and you time begins. Pour the Pinot, grab a girlfriend or start cooking your Michelin start dinner, the night is yours.

Avoid distractions such as the fridge, TikTok, Netflix (but if you need some help when you got you), the pantry and the neighbour’s cat.

Now go forth, WFH like pro, we don’t know how long this will stay our reality.

Dining in with Ovolo: Za’atar Roasted Autumn Salad

Since opening in 2018 Alibi Bar & Kitchen has fast solidified its position as a plant-based powerhouse, leading the Sydney vegan pack as Australia’s first 100% plant-based hotel bar and restaurant brought to you by Ovolo.

Alibi Kitchen Tasting Menu

Offering a curiously clean and contemporary take on plant-based dining within the walls of Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, plant-based Alibi Kitchen showcases a 100% vegan dining menu spearheaded by head chef, Jordan Brogan and Ovolo’s Creative Culinary Partner, Matthew Kenney.

Alibi Bar & Kitchen Head Chef Jordan Brogan

While we’d much prefer to wine and dine you at our dining table, it’s tough out there. Lending a helping hand, we’ve looked to our plant-based recipe bank at Alibi Kitchen to inspire your dining in criteria by fulfilling your vegetable needs and equip you with additional culinary skills, while making your neighbours green with envy. You can now add 12-hour king oyster bacon to your kitchen repertoire, and you are very welcome.

Alibi Kitchen ‘Envy’ plant wall

Simultaneously, this flavour-bomb unintentionally but very successfully debunks the idea that shopping for a vegan home cooked meal is an ongoing bank breaking supermarket showdown.

Put down the food delivery service app and dust off the old spice rack because here’s one plant-based umami-packed recipe to rock your home-cooked dining in palette. Fresh from Alibi Kitchen’s newly launched seasonal 2020 spring menu, the Za’atar Roasted Autumn Salad.

Za’atar Roasted Autumn Salad

ZA’ATAR ROASTED AUTUMN SALAD (serves 4)

Roast vegetables

Ingredients:

200g cauliflower
200g turnip
200g parsnip
200g swede
1 Medium leek
100g golden beetroot
100g red beetroot
50g za’atar
75ml grapeseed oil
Salt to taste

Method:

Wash all vegetables and chop in to medium sized irregular pieces, laying each vegetable on their own tray as they will cook at different times. Evenly spread za’atar, oil and salt over the vegetables, toss in the trays to make sure they’re all covered and place in the over at 190C, checking regularly until cooked.

King oyster bacon

Ingredients:

2 each king oyster mushrooms
75ml tamari
5ml liquid smoke
30ml maple syrup
Large pinch smoked paprika

Method:

Slice oyster mushrooms to approximately 1.5cm thick. Combine all other ingredients in a large mixing bowl, adding in the sliced mushrooms to marinate overnight. The next day strain off marinade (you can keep this for the next batch if you plan on making again within 1 week) and lay flat on a tray. Set your oven to 80 degrees and place the tray of mushroom inside, leaving to dehydrate for 12 hours. Leave to cool at room temperature and store in an airtight container.

Assembly

Ingredients:

Walnuts, toasted
Baby spinach
Picked parsley
Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

Heat a couple of pieces of each vegetable so it’s just warm, not hot, Toss your choice of vegetables in a in a bowl with a handful of baby spinach, some fresh parsley and a handful of toasted walnuts. Add a little extra virgin olive oil and salt if needed and top with king oyster bacon.

Accommodating the Modern Traveller

Who is the ‘modern traveller’?

Before we delve into what it takes to accommodate the mysterious ‘modern traveller’, let us first introduce them. The modern-day traveller is a seeker of experience-based travel, searching for a home-away-from-home featuring all the creature comforts they require and desire.

As an independent, bold, innovative, design and technology driven lifestyle hotel brand, Ovolo has made a serious impression on the modern traveller through a carefully curated approach to design features, technology features and experience-based offerings. The result? An effortless and effervescent guest experience to be enjoyed across all property’s showcasing their very own unique style and individual personality.

@kennedynz, The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour

What design features is the ‘modern traveller’ seeking?

Ovolo’s design-led properties have been carefully styled and fitted out with design features to offer the modern traveller a unique point of difference. Creation a connection to locale and a sense of place through hints and inspirations from the history and personality of each property’s history, local surrounds and community.

Beyond the more visually appealing design features to be enjoyed by the modern traveller, unique Australian and International artworks displayed across each property. Part of our Founder and CEOs’ private collection, their presence adds an additional layer of personability to be enjoyed by the modern traveller, complimented by historically suggestive design features and furnishings.

@m.murrayyy, Ovolo Woolloomooloo

What technology features is the ‘modern traveller’ seeking?

Ovolo provides business and leisure guests with all the comforts of intelligent, effortless living including free WiFi available across all properties. A key part of Ovolo’s effortless living ethos, the technology present across each property has been tested and tried with only those offering a true customer benefit making the cut.

The latest developments in technology have found their home at Ovolo with each room coming kitted out with an Apple TV and iPads as well as Amazon’s Alexa. With up to date local area and hotel information just a screen touch away and the inclusion of conveniently located charging plugs on either side of the bed, guests are guaranteed to take on the following day 100% charged to capture the essence of local life.

The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour

What is the experience-based features is the ‘modern traveller’ seeking?

While the modern-traveller has a keen eye for the latest and greatest when it comes to design features and technology features, they ultimately seek experience-based offerings when it comes to their accommodation.

At Ovolo, unique brand key touchpoints have been introduced to the guest experience to reach the hearts and fulfill the needs and wants of the modern traveller. By booking direct through ovolohotels.com, guests enjoy access to free WiFi, in-room mini-bar and loot bag (refilled daily), social hour, 24-hour gym access and more. Lolly stations, fruit infused water and plastic-free ‘to go’ tote bags, and even yoga mats (available in higher category rooms) are strategically available throughout each Ovolo property for the modern traveller to enjoy.

For when the only creature comfort the modern traveller requires is to have their favourite fur friend by their side, Ovolo’s VIPooch package allows guests to stay with up to two of their pawesome pets. Treat your very best good girl or boy to the hotel high life with a ‘doggy bag’ brimming with treats and toys, along with a bed, food and water bowl and more including our shiny happy Ovolo peeps to fawn over them.

@brookemcauley, Laneways By Ovolo

Savour the Final Sips of Rare, Vintage Wines at Mister Percy’s Uncorked

Wine enthusiasts rejoice! Whether your trained, sommelier taste buds are seeking out brilliant wines or you’re new to the wine game, eager to learn more about unique and unusual grapes, Mister Percy will soon be answering your prayers.

This month, Pyrmont’s favourite wine bar is unveiling Uncorked Wednesdays, a fortnightly wine tasting experience offering up two glasses of rare, unusual, vintage and boutique wines from the depths of Mister Percy’s private collection. Chef Luca Guiotto will be serving up six perfectly paired aperitivi alongside these special wines, crafting a heightened food and wine matching experience.

Unwind after a long, dreary midweek workday with remarkable wines paired with heartwarming Italian fare. You can settle into Mister Percy’s plush couches and softly lit ambiance with a few glasses of vino, ultimately raising the bar on afterwork drinks with a modern interpretation of aperitivo, aka Italian happy hour.

Cin cin with Mister Percy and their remarkable collection of rare, vintage wines!

Nestled in the historic heart of Pyrmont, you’ll find the friendly neighbourhood wine bar Mister Percy, set a stone’s throw away from Darling Harbour. Housed within a historic wool store, Mister Percy offers an escapist, ever-pouring refuge from Sydney’s bustling streets. They proudly serve a thoughtful collection of boutique and local wines, handpicked from Australia and the far reaches of the Mediterranean. Lucky for us, their new biweekly tasting experience offers an even more intimate opportunity to crack open rare bottles from their cellar and explore undiscovered flavours by the glass.

We’ve heard through the grapevine that Mister Percy is launching Uncorked with a handful of remarkable vintage wines that are quite literally the last of their kind. The wine-loving team behind Mister Percy’s vino collection managed to acquire a few bottles of 2014 Torbreck ‘The Celts’, a hard-to-find vintage red magnum that can only be purchased in Barossa Valley at the vineyard’s cellar. Additionally, winemaking duo behind ‘The Celts’ swore to never make wine again after this harvest was processed. A visit to Mister Percy during Uncorked may be your only chance to ever taste this renowned full-bodied red wine as stocks are dwindling to a point of no return. In fact, 2014 was the last year this wine was ever produced!

While a typical Italian aperitivo experience entails a glass of wine or aperol spritz served alongside some light nibbles, like seasoned olives or bruschetta, Mister Percy wanted to create a slightly more refined, unique afterwork drinking. Alongside exceptional, unusual wines, Head Chef Luca Guiotto will serve six different aperitivi bites that are designed to enhance the wine-tasting experience. At this Sydney aperitivio hour, no two food and wine pairing menus will be alike!

A sampling of a few seasonal apperitivi featured at Mister Percy’s Uncorked.

Inspired by the Mediterranean region’s fiery passion for profound quality and character, Chef Luca Guiotto pairs all of Mister Percy’s fine wines and spirited twists on cocktail classics with an ever-changing array of seasonally-inspired Italian fare. Remarkable local cheeses, rich handmade pastas and a generations-old tiramisu recipe are some of many highlights from Mister Percy’s dining experience; however, you’ll swoon over Chef Luca’s ever-changing array of small plate aperitivi, which shine with Uncorked’s food and wine matching.

From melt-in-your-mouth Arancini Pizzaiola and Watermelon paired with heirloom tomato and black garlic to Moreton Bay Bugs served on a stick with a rich, Salmoriglio sauce, and Blue Swimmer Crab Salad served on crisped brioche with Togarashi pepper and finger lime, these contemporary aperitivi bites feature fresh regional produce transformed with Mediterranean flavours. Of course, the Mister Percy staff are always happy to offer additional wine pairing wisdom if you choose to design your dining experience around a particular dish on the menu.

Mister Percy’s delectable Blue Swimmer Crab Salad on Brioche paired with a quartino of light, fruity rosé.

Eager to attend Mister Percy’s Uncorked Wednesdays? You can find more information, experience details and dates on the Mister Percy Website. You’re more than welcome to book a reservation in advance or simply stop by at 6pm on a designated Wednesday. Check out the rest of the Mister Percy menu here.

Best 80s Anthems To Sing Along To On A Road Trip

It was the decade of extreme. Hair, make up, fashion and attitude. A new wave of punk rock, funk (evolved from 70’s disco) and preppy rebellion. It was loud. Infectious. It had something to say. 40 years ago, these anthems reigned supreme, with the sounds of pop’s golden era blasting through your Walkman, boombox or car stereo. Keeping the decade alive, we continue to revel in rocking out to these 80s anthems.

What better time to reach your full Rockstar potential then when en route on your next road trip. Strap in for hours of 80s anthem glory, with Radio Ovolo pumping out the 80s anthems of our dreams. Personally, and carefully curated by Ovolo’s Founder and CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Radio Ovolo guarantees the perfect soundtrack to match your mischief at Ovolo.

Radio Ovolo

Queens of the 80s anthem to sing along to on a road trip

Blondie – Call Me
Cyndi Lauper – Girl’s Just Wanna Have Fun
Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine
Madonna – Like a Virgin
Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance

80s anthem pop songs to sing along to on a road trip

Billy Joel – Uptown Girl
David Bowie – Rebel Rebel
George Michael – Freedom! ’90
INXS – New Sensation
Men at Work – Down Under
Prince – Purple Rain

David Bowie

80s rock anthem songs to sing along to on a road trip

AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
E.M. – Shiny Happy People
The Cure – Friday I’m in Love
The Rolling Stones – Start Me Up
Tear for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me

AC/DC

Where to stay like a Rockstar?

You may have lived your Rockstar dreams out on road, belting out 80s anthems, but just because every road trip has a destination it doesn’t mean you have to give up the gig. Keep the momentum going at Ovolo where we share your healthy obsession with classic 80s anthems. Even our team ethos of ‘Shiny, Happy People’ follows in the alternate 80s anthem Rockstar footsteps of R.E.M.

As the saying goes ‘treat others as you want to be treated’, so we’ve created the spaces for you to live out your Rockstar dreams. Strategically located throughout Australia and Hong Kong, our Rockstar suites named after 80s anthem icons are fit for a (you guessed it) Rockstar.

Major Tom and Purple Rain are throned atop Brisbane’s Ovolo The Valley, complete with cocktail bar, lush velvet couches, marble and gold finishing’s galore, a Caruso speaker cabinet and so much more.

Giving a nod to Aussie legend 80s anthems, Ovolo Woolloomooloo is home to INXS and AC/DC. Two extremely spacious loft suites with cracking city views fit for a Rockstar, complete with a round cocktail bar, ‘reading’ nook hammock, seating for 20 plus and many other fine details, split across two levels.

Check out how you could live out your Rockstar dreams at ovolohotels.com/

Ovolo The Valley Rockstar Suites

MAMAKA By Ovolo

Introducing Mamaka by Ovolo

The design hotel collection will welcome Bali’s urban resort in Kuta late 2020.

The expansion of contemporary hotel collection Ovolo Group is showing no signs of slowing down with the design-savvy company welcoming its first property in Indonesia. The first hotel outside of its Australian and Hong Kong offerings, the latest addition is Mamaka by Ovolo on the beachfront of Bali’s bustling and rejuvenated Kuta.

Having purchased the Citadines Kuta Beach Bali late last year, Ovolo Group will transform the existing structure into an urban resort. The existing property will close early March and is expected to open late 2020 with 191 designer rooms and suites, innovative food and drink concepts, and unique experiences – the vibrant new addition to the burgeoning global brand has been designed in unison with ara design International and will play an integral role in the revitalisation of the Kuta precinct.

The project also marks a new design direction for the brand – Ovolo recently unveiled its new brand architecture alongside the Wonder. Full. branding, the By Ovolo Collective – each hotel unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they’ll find. Mamaka Kuta Beach joins this distinctive collection of hotels which includes Nishi Apartments Canberra Australia, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong and soon to launch The Sheung Wan Central Hong Kong, expected in April 2020.

The playful aesthetic of the Ovolo Group will again be prominent throughout the new development, though this time with an Indonesian twist. Mamaka by Ovolo was envisioned by the Ovolo team and realised by ara design International, the brand behind many international hotel and resort projects.

Heavily inspired by its island home, Mamaka by Ovolo has merged the global brand ethos of Ovolo – that of vibrant, dynamic spaces – with ancient Balinese culture. In fact, that’s exactly what the name refers to –

In ancient Pali language ‘mamaka’ refers to one who shows affection not only for oneʼs self. In ode to Bali, the hotel’s design has embraced vibrant colours and traditional Balinese textiles like kebaya baju, alongside natural materials, ample weaving, bold patterns, and lantern effect lighting. Karlyn Cerdeña is apt in her description of the new Kuta haunt; “Vibrant. Dynamic. Playful Bali. Be. Here. Now.”

In true Ovolo style, the food and drink experience will be innovative and bring a new culinary dynamic to the Kuta precinct. The first of its kind on the island is the highest rooftop pool club with 270-degree views of the Bali’s western beaches from Jimbaran to Canggu and beyond. A dining destination in its own right, Mamaka by Ovolo’s edible offerings will remain in line with Ovolo’s existing focus on outstanding food and drink – expect the announcement of a Creative Culinary Partner to direct the Cocktail Bar and the Rooftop concept imminently.

In terms of amenities, the urban resort isn’t lacking. Alongside the convenience of all-day bar and dining venues, utilising its position on Kuta’s beachfront, home to the island’s best surf break for beginners and recreational surfers, there will also be an in-house surf school. A fresh take on a wellness centre adds to the Mamaka experience boasting a horizontal climbing wall, circuit training mechanical surfboard for core strength among other features. Those after a more leisurely experience can enjoy the innovative take on the unisex salon – think bubbles and blow, negroni and nails or barber and bourbon.

No rule book existed and adding to the continued rejuvenation of Kuta precinct is what drove Ovolo in the creation Mamaka explains Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Founder & CEO of Ovolo Group. “Convention was not considered, this is our take on a resort. It will be a playground for travellers through food and drink with attitude, wellness and activities, a surf school and shop, and a little self-indulgence – they won’t want to leave!” he comments. “This urban resort will bring a killer experience to Kuta adding to its already and growing vibe.”

As part of the Mamaka development, furnishings and kitchen items from 10 existing rooms have been donated to the local Bali non -profit charitable foundation Yayasan Solemen Indonesia (‘Solemen’) which provides direct support and funding for the disadvantaged. Solemen have received anything from sofas to cutlery and microwaves to mini bar fridges and much more which will be given directly to people in need or sold to assist the charity continue its important work in the community.

Mamaka by Ovolo will open its doors late 2020.

Mamaka by Ovolo Bali
Jalan Pantai Kuta, Legian, Kuta

www.ovolohotels.com

More imagery of Mamaka by Ovolo Bali can be found here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8brxpwmba87sbfv/AAA0U-bDmVYi_vqfdqC685USa?dl=0

About Ovolo Group

Ovolo Group was founded by entrepreneur Girish Jhunjhnuwala in 2010 and has quickly become one of Hong Kong’s largest and most dynamic independent owner and operator of hospitality firms. The Group provides both business and leisure guests with the best in effortless living across numerous hotels and F&B outlets internationally.

A collection of contemporary hotels that keep you connected to the little luxuries you love, all effortlessly included. The company prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services like the mini bar, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and more, and cutting-edge technology – all done in signature Ovolo style. At the 2019 HM Awards, Ovolo Hotels were acknowledged for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, receiving the accolade “Hotel Brand of the Year”.

A proud Hong Kong brand, Ovolo Group remains a family-owned and privately-operated business operating four two and four restaurants in Hong Kong, and six hotels and five restaurants across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Ovolo is also developing two new hotels in Melbourne, Australia (South Yarra and South Melbourne).

Ovolo also has the By Ovolo Collective within its portfolio of hotels, a distinctive collection of four hotels each one unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they’ll find. These include Nishi Apartments in Canberra Australia, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong, The Sheung Wan Hong Kong launching April 2020 and Mamaka Kuta Beach Bali Indonesia launching late 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Natalie Middleton

Managing Director, Media

Portfolio Indonesia by MM&Co

Tel: +62 819 1649 8821 | +61 (0)407 159 975

E-mail: [email protected]

Hevie Ursulla

General Manager, Media

Portfolio Indonesia by MM&Co

Tel: +628 1190 7537

E-mail: [email protected]

5 Tips On Staying Healthy This Season

If you ever needed a push to begin your lifestyle, now’s the time. And by that we don’t just mean face masks and hand sanitiser. We’re here to give you 5 tips on how to stay healthy that will last, all while having fun.

Time to Hit Do Not Disturb. It’s ‘Me’ Time

The best way to stay healthy and prevent infection is actually, ironically, to get out of the house. Not to say that you should all start frequenting the most populated areas of the city, but go out in nature, get some vitamin D, and start up that immune system! By holing up at home, not getting the necessary steps or getting your heart rate up, you’re actually putting yourself at an even greater long term risk. Taking this as the perfect excuse, shut your phone off, grab a cab to the nearest trail, and get your hike on.

Greens Are Our Best Friends

A common trend growing up is our mothers forcing us to eat our greens and fruits. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, beans… the list goes on. Well, ironic enough, we’re now relying on these food items to stay healthy. Getting all the nutrients we can is key for our immune systems. The best way to intake Vitamin C is in its natural form. Citrus fruits are always a go to – oranges, kiwis, grapefruits, guavas. If you’re not a fan of the greens, have a green juice with a few of your favourite veggies and get in all the vitamin C. To get enough zinc, poultry, beans, nuts, oysters are all recommended.

Good Food, Great Hygiene

If you’re getting frustrated with being cooped up at home, don’t worry. Step outside for a few minutes and take in some fresh air. That said, simply be aware of your surroundings and make sure to grab a hand sanitiser on your way out.

Say Sayonara to Fear & Anxiety

When you’re in a state of fear or anxiety, your body is in a stressful state and that can only lead to panic. The best is to acknowledge the anxiety to be able to see the situation clearly. During this time, breathing through your nose instead of mouth is highly recommended. When you breathe through your nose, it is filtered before it enters the lungs. To ease your fear & anxiety, try the boxing method. Inhale through your nose for five seconds, hold your breath for five, exhale through the nose for 5, and then hold your breath once again for 5 – it works!

Work Hard, Play Hard

For your overall mental and physical health, always remember to have a work life balance. Once you’re off work, turn off your phone for a while and concentrate on you. Live in the moment. It may be hard to do, but with your phone buzzing with constant notifications, it may feel like your work day hasn’t ended. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a mental day off. Let your body rest and rejuvenate. Two very important things to maintain the work life balance is 1) prioritise your day and 2) learn to say no. When you get in, have your to-do list ready to go, even if that includes your Pilates class at the end of the day. We have unlimited opportunities and will often say yes to things we don’t want to do. Learn to say no because it will only take a toll on you. Most importantly, remember to always have fun no matter what you are doing. At work and after, enjoy your best self.

Ovolo turn it on for Mardi Gras 2020, launching Gay-libi

Ovolo have gone balls to the wall transforming Alibi Bar at Ovolo Woolloomooloo to bring you Gay-libi, for one spicy night only. Pull up to this pre-Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade party on Friday 28 February and strut your way down the rainbow runway in support of fabulous individuality.

Enter a fiercely icy creation of all that glitters and is gold as a pair of Queens greet you as you enter to anthems from the greatest queens of all – Mariah, Tina, Liza, Madonna – picking up a virgin beverage as you step up in the Gay-libi party, with a live DJ and bubble machine to guide your way.

Our third and final victorious Queen awaits at the bar to make the final touch to your tame tipple, making it not so innocent compliments of Bacardi Limited. Let’s Have a Kiki mocktail, a fruity and flamboyant mix of dragon fruit syrup, yuzu juice reaches a whole new level with a greeting of Grey Goose to keep the party started.

With the usual amount of sass and ‘came here to slay’ cattitude cut straight to the point and Sashay Away with a shimmery concoction of Bombay Saphire, lemon, meringue foam, secret syrup, gold dust and edible paint.

All of this and much more hype before you reach full fabulousness at Gay-libi’s Glitter Bar.

MEET YOUR QUEENS

No race was required for this rounds up team of queens, your Untamed Entertainment dames. Hosts of Ovolo’s launch of Gay-libi in celebration of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020.

Coco Jumbo

A member of the Sydney Queen royal family, Coco Jumbo was voted Sydney’s favourite drag queen and entertainer of the year 2017 at the DIVA awards. More than just a rising star, Coco Jumbo’s big, brass and bold presence will have you screaming YASS kween complete with a signature tongue pop and sharp wit.

Coco Jumbo, Untamed Entertainment

Maxi Shield

Once, twice, three times a lady – even on a heavy day – Maxi “Shield” is Sydney’s Drag de jour! Perched above perfectly quaffed hair and beat contour, expect Maxi’s myriad of hats to make an appearance. Performer extraordinaire, Maxi has hit the stage at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, hosted Madonna on her Australian Rebel Heart Tour. She’s got a high kick and a shimmy you just can’t miss.

Maxi Shield, Untamed Entertainment

Vybe

Don’t kill this bitch’s Vybe! As camp as they come, complete with fully loaded sass, you may know her as a staring performer of Sydney’s iconic Columbian Hotel. This gal is full off good time and a roster of party tricks like you’ve never seen.

Vybe, Untamed Entertainment

SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 2020

Check out all the details of this years Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with the festival running from 14 February until 1 March. Set to be a raucous affair, book a room with Ovolo if you think you might wake a little worse for wear.

Can’t Do Tomorrow, Melbourne’s New Urban Art Festival

Inspired by the creative CBD confines of the countries culture capital, we at Ovolo chose to call Melbourne our first Australian home with Laneways By Ovolo. Bringing to light a sensory designer hotel experience through a dramatically smart style reception, dimly lit corridors accentuated by brightly coloured doors and illuminated custom artwork, it’s about time we gave back to our urban art muse.

Born from street art influences found within the surrounding hidden laneways and iconic street art, Ovolo Laneway’s, is a modern design den reimagining the urban canvas of Melbourne from its primo position atop Little Bourke Street. After seven years overlooking the CBD, it’s time we get our hands a little dirty down on street level.

Joining forces with more than 100 legendary and emerging artists and creatives from around the globe, Ovolo has come to the come to the party at Melbourne’s new urban art festival – Can’t Do Tomorrow – for its epic inaugural year to celebrate urban art and contemporary culture.

Kicking on at Kensington’s iconic underground urban art Eden, The Facility, covered in murals by some of the city’s most prolific artists and a maze network within, 20-29 February, Laneways By Ovolo are offering a restorative after hours home base to Can’t Do Tomorrow artists and attendees. But before you book your ticket, and bag a stay at Ovolo to extend your urban art experience, read on to navigate your way through Can’t Do Tomorrow’s ode to Australia’s urban underground.

Can’t Do Tomorrow, presented by Urban List

UNLEASH

Get ready to flash your cash as more than 40 emerging and legendary uartists of the street scene upon up the urban art world to you, showcasing and selling their works. The conditions are simple; you like it, you buy it. Pick your art passion poison from a range of disciplines including painting, writing, video, sculpture, installation, prints and stencil design.

UNLIMITED

Open from 20 till 29 February, you have plenty of time to crawl your way out of The Factory’s immersive urban art rabbit hole of Can’t Do Tomorrow, curated by Director of Just Another Agency, Toby Benador. Encounter dark dreamscapes and experience whimsical wonderlands as you explore a series of fantastic environments, installations and unique murals.

Curator, Tony Benador

WHAT TO DO

TALKS

Feed your brain with TALKS sharing insights into nuanced urban art practices of plastics recycling and stencil workshop. A series of WORKSHOPS programs will see industry leaders and legends and game changing newcomers give their take on the urban art world.

Urban Culture icon, Aaron Rose.

One legend with a story greater than his industry reputation is Aaron Rose. Starting out as a basically homeless young adult in New York, Aaron took a shot when an abandoned storefront came up for rent on Ludlow Street (the most dangerous heroin street in the city). Leasing it at $400 a month for 2,000 square feet, Aaron and two of his fellow struggling artist friends didn’t realise the impact this move would make on their futures.

All it took was the hanging of a discarded supermarket sign above the space by street savvy Aaron, who’d scrawled ‘Alleged Gallery’ over the top and one of America’s most iconic urban culture hubs was born.

Becoming an urban art legend saw Aaron be privy to the many stages across the urban art evolution. The moments that stand out to him “when it changed from tagging to “street art” which I most certainly had a hand in. When it was just vandalism there was something magic and unhinged about the whole experience and the culture. While I still love the art, it’s all pretty safe now.” When asked where he saw the industry moving from here, Aaron shared that his “…hope would be that the aesthetic could move away from design-based images into something more conceptual/political. We’ll see.”

LISTEN

Further on the urban art agenda is a long list of sensory interactive art pieces and LISTEN live sets from key local players who contribute to the urban art scene through their music medium, setting the Can’t Do Tomorrow tune.

EAT + DRINK

Feed yourself because after all the above, you’re going to have to refuel if you want to keep on working your way through the epic urban art scene offering at Can’t Do Tomorrow. With coffee covered at every turn for the caffeine fiends, urban art enthusiasts can fuel up on all kinds of dietary needs below in Tallow’s, pizza glorious pizza by the Best Pizzeria of 2018 – 400 Gradi food truck. Greenhouse Bar, brought to you by The Innocent Bystander will be ready to wet your whistle on Level 1, while Purnell’s Loft Bar awaits with a Four Pillars gin takeover above.

BUY

Finally, feed others growth with Homie Upcycled as the urban art festival’s official charity partner HoMie who will for the first time be displaying and selling its unique Upcycled collection. 100% of HoMie’s profits will go directly towards achieving its mission of supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship through social impact programs.

Check out the festival’s program for all the stuff you can do at this inaugural urban art festival.

ARTISTS

See the full list of exhibiting artists here.

STAY

If you’re feeling lucky, take a chance on Ovolo and look out on @urbanlistmelb and enter the competition to win a night’s stay at Laneways By Ovolo.

However, if you’re ready to go steady with Ovolo, click the links below to access our friendly promo code for your next stay at any Ovolo across Australia:

Brisbane

Canberra

Melbourne

Laneways By Ovolo

Sydney

Black out dates apply.

Food and Wine Pairing Essentials for Beginners

Are you getting ready to host a big dinner party and are struggling to find just the right wine? We’re here to help you tackle the great mystery of wine pairing, a delicate art and science that has made a serious historical impact on how we experience food.

We’ve chatted with Patrick Barnes, the wine-loving venue manager behind Mister Percy, a charming wine bar tucked away in Pyymont that touts a pretty incredible menu of Mediterranean-inspired eats alongside an extensive wine list. Filled with both Australian and Italian varietals, Mister Percy is committed to sharing fine wines and good times for all those that venture through its doors. Barnes has picked up quite a few great wine pairing tips after working in the hospitality business for many years all over the world.

What Makes a Good Food and Wine Pairing?

We’re going back to the basics here to explain fundamentally what makes a wine and food pairing taste good. While many may insist the perfect match depends on finding an amazing wine, Barnes explains that a good food and wine matching is so much more than that. “A good pairing is just like a good marriage and how together, each person makes the other person better. And vice versa.”

The relationship between food and wine needs to be complimentary, bringing out the best in each other. Barnes explains, “when you eat food, it may already taste fantastic. But the moment you take a sip of wine, the food should taste even more incredible. That experience needs to flow both ways so that a bite of food will also bring out all the incredible flavours of your wine.”

At the end of the day, you both elements of your dining experience to enhance each other and ultimately elevate the entire meal. It truly is a magical match!

Can you Find a Great Wine Pairings for Every Type of Cuisine?

Have no fear because fortunately there is absolutely a wine pairing for every dish in every cuisine! Although truth be told, some of these pairings may not be as intuitive as others. “There are certain cuisines, like French, Italian and any other Mediterranean foods, that seem to pair more easily with wines,” explains Barnes. “But this is simply because of cultural connotations.”

If you consult an sommelier, they can absolutely find not only an excellent wine, but even a great gin or whisky, that compliments the flavour profiles of your food. From Chinese and Korean to Peruvian and Mexican, you can alwaysdiscover a great alcohol that proliferates the eating experience of your meal. Even a quick google search will unveil clever wine pairings for whatever dish you’re cooking.

There are plenty of wines, gins, and other spirits that you can pair food with!

What is the Most Fundamental Food and Wine Matching Rule?
For Barnes, his number one most important rule for food and wine pairings is to never have your wine flavour profile mimic the exact flavours of your food. Additionally, you do want to match the weight and body of a dish.

For example, a light lemony chicken dish will not pair well with a heavy, full-bodied wine with lemon and citrus undertones. Barnes elaborates, “It’s just like cooking. If you’re main dish is drenched in lemon juice, you’re not going to cook up a bunch of side dishes covered in lemon juice as well.” Instead, you want to perhaps find a more creamy or buttery vino, like a light Chardonnay, to support the citrus flavours of the main and not overpower the food.

Another example of this wine pairing faux pas is trying to support a heavy, rich peppery steak with a heavy, peppery wine. Yes, you need to find a full-bodied wine that won’t be overpowered by the richness of the red meat; however, explore a red wine with berry or fruity flavour profiles.

Can you Give us Food and Wine Pairing Menu Examples?

We worked with Barnes to craft a plain, simple set of pairings that you can reference as a baseline for putting together your own dinner party. We also reflect on some of the recommend pairings at Mister Percy, to get your gears spinning about great Italian food pairings.

Light Dishes:
“In general, if you’re serving light dishes, such as chicken, fish, salad or simple vegetables, find a light, white, crisp and clean wine.” Barnes further specified a Sauvignon Blanc, which can be quite herbaceous, or Pinot Grigio, which is more on the zesty side.

Heavy Dishes:

For those who enjoy more rich, red-meat driven dishes, like steak, burgers or lamb, Barnes encourages you to find a bigger bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Shiraz. The same idea works for heavy, flavourful dishes like in Asian curries! To ensure you don’t overpower the food, make sure you find a full-bodied wine with opposing flavour profiles to your meal.

Mister Percy Examples:

For pastas that are slow cooked and incredibly rich in flavour, like Mister Percy’s beloved Fresh Pappardelle and Lamb Ragu, Barnes recommends a wine that is full-bodied and can stand up against the pasta’s bold taste but doesn’t share the exact same flavour notes. A Shiraz, for example, might mask all the subtleties of the pasta sauce; however, a Pinot Noir is still full-bodied but has opposing undertones that accent the herbs in the Ragu. “The Save Our Souls Wines Pinot Noir is also a really great pair with our Mezze Maniche Pasta served with heirloom tomatoes and Buffalo mozzarella.”

“At Mister Percy, we also serve a lot of small aperitivi bites that are light and simple. For our Arancini, which are fried rice balls made with saffron and peas, I’d pair them with our Cullen Wines Dancing in the Sun Sauvignon Blanc, because it’s crisp, clean and won’t overtake the delicate flavour of the saffron.”

The rich Mezze Maniche Pasta pairs perfectly with a full-bodied, spicy and fruity pinot noir.

Where Can you Learn More About Wine Matching?

In the modern world of tech, we have plenty of wine wisdom at our fingertips. While the internet may not have exact answer for your every pairing needs, you can do your best to compile a few key pieces of information about a wine to decide if it is the right match for your meal. We recommend downloading the Vivino app, a great food and wine pairing app which can scan a wine label and tell you more about it’s body, undertones and overall rank in global and regional wines.

Asking your server, sommelier or chef at a restaurant for a recommended wine pairing is another great way to get the ball rolling. You can always admit that you’d like to learn more about how they chose that wine pairing, because staff should always willing to sharing!

In fact, if you’re in Pyrmont, you’re always welcome to stop by Mister Percy and chat with Barnes and the team about wine pairings. They’d be happy to discuss great wine and cheese pairings, sample wine pairing menus, and how to plan a wine pairing dinner.

At Mister Percy, there are plenty of fine wines and good times to be had.

Stories from a ‘Home away from home’ at Ovolo

Whether it be Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane or Hong Kong, Ovolo is your home away from home. You might think that holiday house rentals, vacation homes or Airbnb’s are the way to go for that ‘home away from home’ vibe, but we beg to differ and here’s why.

Every minute at Ovolo has been carefully designed to ensure you always experience an effortless and effervescent stay.

Our in-room perks available to each guest who books direct through the website. We’re talking a mini bar that’s replenished daily, breakfast, social hour, self-service laundry, loot bags full of snacks, and plastic-free ‘to go’ tote bags;, even yoga mats for those in higher category rooms – ‘namastay’ alright.

Our approach is all about experience;, reflecting Ovolo’s effortless living ethos while delivering on the desires of the modern tech-savvy traveller – yeah we’re talking about you, you lucky thing. Amazon’s Alexa welcomes you into your room which also features an Apple TV, iPad mini with power points, USB ports and light and curtain controls readily available at your bedside.

If you can pry yourself away from your room, our property’s shared facilities awaits – indoor pool, spa and gym – along with 24/7 concierge service with the option for Tesla transfers. You can even stay with your furry family members with our VIPooch offer.

Can’t say the other the home away from homes have that right?

But what makes a house a home? The people. We have some pretty darn good ones at that and here are some heart-warming tales to prove it.

Returned toiletries with an extra kick.
A couple of months ago, somebody misplaced their toiletry bag. They rang us to tell us they had left it behind at the hotel but we couldn’t locate it. They were adamant they had left it behind. We used one of the Ovolo toiletry bags and filled it with all the items they were missing. Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, etc… along with a few items such as a bottled Negroni and some bath products that we sent back to them.”

Australia one minute, back to America the next.

For Halloween last year, we had guests from the states and the father daughter tradition was to go trick or treating. They enquired at the desk if they could do it in the neighbourhood but were told it doesn’t really happen in Oz. We decided to get housekeeping involved and dress the little girl as a mummy using ‘Who Gives A Crap’ TP. We had 8 staff located in different rooms for the little girl to knock on the door and get her treats. We were able to keep their tradition going.

A 5th birthday for grandpa and your heart strings.

In January, we had a gentleman staying at the hotel to have some medical tests done over a couple of days, during which we told us fell. His granddaughter’s 5th birthday, which he told the front desk he was devastated to miss. We rang his family and asked them to come and stay at the hotel on us, but they were unable to do so. We then decided to setup his room the same way their dining room is at home and cooked the exact same meal in our kitchen as they were having that night to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday. We setup Skype on his TV so he could be part of the celebration that night. I have to this day, never met a guest as thankful as him.

So looking for a home away from home? Between Australia and Hong Kong think of us as your holiday accommodation, house rental, Airbnb, vacation, more. Ovolo has you covered.

Where to Sip Brisbane’s Best Cocktails in 2020

New Year, new you right? Fortunately, we are still early into 2020 and have plenty of time to live our best lives, cut out toxicity and try new things! Why not add an extra splash of fun into your life while you tackle all three new year resolutions by exploring Brisbane’s vibrant cocktail scene.

This past year, we’ve seen plenty of incredible new bars and new restaurants popping up across Brisbane and are ready to dive right into the exceptional cocktail offerings being served by some of the city’s best. We’ve created the ultimate hit list for 2020, identifying not bars with a great atmosphere but also with a noteworthy cocktail list. So prepare yourself for the best cocktails in Brisbane!

Brisbane’s Most Exotic Cocktails:

ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen is a place where worlds collide and cultures fuse together into a beautiful, soulful blend of flavour. They launched their summer cocktail menu with a bang, featuring some pretty exotic concoctions like the Za Meets Adom. This adventurous cocktail, made with feta-washed mezcal, beetroot juice, citric acid, honey walnut syrup, black walnut bitter and edible flowers, is absolutely a flavour combination you’ve never experienced before! Rumour on the street is that they’re whipping up some exotic, spice-filled aphrodisiacs for Valentine’s Day! This is by far one of the best cocktail bars in Fortitude Valley.

ZA ZA TA’s latest exotic concoction, the Za Meets Adom, is made with feta-washed mezcal!

Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Cocktails:

Eleven Rooftop Bar has made quite a name for itself in Brisbane for serving up shared plates and playful cocktails with a gorgeous, open-air view of Fortitude Valley and Brisbane’s sprawling cityscape. Nothing says summer like sipping a few refreshingly fruity drinks on a rooftop, which is why Eleven has expanded their already-impressive cocktail list to include DIY Negroni, Martini and Old Fashioned menus where you can craft every last detail of your stiff drink. We’re still swooning over Eve’s Disgrace, a Beefeater 24 Gin cocktail made with blood orange Cointreau, lemon, grapefruit and cranberry. You’ll definitely want to savour the last sips of summer at one of the best bars in Brisbane.

Heighten your cocktail experience at Eleven Rooftop Bar!

The Best Pub in Brisbane:

The Gresham offers a truly charming historical experience, serving up an award-winning drinking experience and a plethora of whiskies in Queensland’s only heritage-listed pub. But have no fear that the Gresham is technically a pub, we promise their cocktail menu will wet your whistle! They’re known for their enormous array of American whiskies, so don’t shy away from any of their whisky-based cocktails! If you’re feeling bold, check out their Spinning Wheel, a Gresham favourite, which is made with Rittenhouse rye whisky, Martel VSOP cognac, toffee syrup, bitters and smoke. The Gresham is truly known for having some of the best cocktails in Brisbane because of their immense spirit collection.

The Gresham takes pub cocktails to a whole new level!

Brisbane’s Best Secret Bar:

Bean is one of Brisbane’s best kept cocktail secrets. Nestled down an graffiti-filled alleyway right in the middle of the city centre, Bean awaits those looking for a bustling, art-filled bar with craft brews, small batch wine and a great cocktail list! The Bean team is immensely passionate about their craft, carefully training their baristas and bartenders to celebrate artisanal ingredients! Not sure where to start? Enjoy the best of both worlds with their brilliant Espresso Martini. They’re switching up their cocktails and the art exhibitions frequently, so be sure to pop by a few times! They are small yet mighty, offering up some of the best cheap cocktails in Brisbane!

Bean is always stirring up unique cocktails for fun holidays and occasions. This “Persephone’s Poison” was created just for Halloween, featuring Fireball, Pama Pomegranate and white chocolate liquor.

The Best Group Drinks in Brisbane

Mr and Mrs G Riverside is another Brisbane tapas and cocktail bar that cannot be missed. Created by the well-established Marcia and Andy Georges, who have founded many iconic restaurants across the city, this Eagle Street Pier bar is filled with colourful, Mediterranean décor, gorgeous waterfront views and a drinks list that will transport you and your tastebuds to a dreamy Spanish beach! We love this spot for their shared cocktails, offering up the perfect Sangrias to help you celebrate summer with your friends. Next time you visit, try the Red Sangria, which is stirred with red wine, Pimms, apricot brandy, Cointreau, oranges, lemons and limes! There’s a clear reason why Mr and Mrs G Riverside regularly makes the list for best bars in Brisbane.

Sip on refreshing summer cocktails with your friends with a great view of the river!

Whether it be exploring a hidden, underground café bar or taste-testing an exotic Arabian-inspired cocktail that you’ve never experienced before, Brisbane is filled with some of the best bars in Australia. Why not make it a quest to explore them all- we promise there are enough incredible cocktails in Brisbane to keep you busy for years!

Staycation Brisbane: Best Things to do this Summer

In recent years, Brisbane has climbed the ranks of top global destinations to visit each year. So, what is it that makes this hip Australian sunshine state stand up against curious Icelandic locations and hidden untouched wonders of south east Asia?

Having long held the entertainment and nightlife title of ‘Brisvegas’, Brisbane is still an essential destination for some of the most popular clubs, bars and restaurants, while also now being a hub of carefully curated modern culture. There is simply something for everyone in Brisbane, whatever mood you’re in, and whether you’re travelling from the inner city or further afield, it’s well worth exploring.

So, with the sunshine state in full swing across summer when we all have a little more time to spare, read on for a cracking line up of the best things to do in Brisbane this summer. From the riverside Howard Smith Wharves to Fortitude Valley, South Bank Parklands and crossing Story Bridge, there are many trendy areas and hotspots to discover.

Brisbane CBD

Best bars to visit in Brisbane this summer

If one thing is certain for those in Brisbane this summer, it is going to be hot, people are going to be parched and thirsts will be quenched. Over the past year, Brisbane’s bar scene has continued to boom at such a rate that we almost weren’t able to keep up.

Hiding out in the tropi-cool Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley is the Tel Aviv inspired ZA ZA TA, bringing a uniquely modern twist to centuries-old Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Showcasing local seasonal produce, ZA ZA TA’s summer cocktail menu is the perfect way to cool down and turn up in Brisbane this summer. All night long.

And while you’re there, be sure to explore Fortitude Valley. With cool brunch cafes to upmarket cocktail lounges, trendy dive bars and popular clubs, there is a whole lot on offer. Escape inner city work-life and relax in style

ZA ZA TA

For European beach club experience, the riverfront Mr Percival’s is our pick for an afternoon pitstop pick me up. If you’re looking for your beer goggles, you’ll find them at BrewDog’s Brisbane brewery just in time to sing your summer anthem at Cloud 8 karaoke bar.

Up for an adventure in Brisbane this summer? If you’re setting your beverage bar beyond the Brisbane skyline, check out the five best outback, Irish, beach, mountain pubs or more, check out this helicopter pub crawl.

Feeling hungry? For an eclectic choice of dining experiences you should check out the full selection at Howard Smith Wharves. With its choice of quaint eateries, it’s a great place to hang out, meet friends and dine with amazing river and city views, plus there’s always something new to try. If you visit in the evening, be sure to take your camera for some incredible pictures of the river and city skyline. Check out South Bank Parklands too, just a short journey away.

Best entertainment in Brisbane this summer

Cirque du Soleil is back in Brisbane this summer with their most acclaimed touring show Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities. Transporting the audience inside a fantasy world, the show will challenge your perception of reality.

If you’re after a cool down by the water, the beach and river aren’t your only option in Brisbane this summer. ‘Water’ is open this summer at GOMA, sets to spark conversation on the challenges facing this precious resource with immersive experiences and small art forms.

‘Water’ at GOMA

There is one place in Brisbane this summer where drink driving is legal. Hit over 150 tracks and burn the rubber of over 450 cars at Cannon Hill bar VR motorsports.

Best activities in Brisbane this summer

Hit the slopes in Brisbane this summer at St Lucia Golf Link’s mini golf course, with nine holes, the course is complete with a full license meaning you can bring a refreshing beverage to accompany you along the way.

St Lucia Golf Links mini golf course

If the idea of fun in the sun brings you to sweat, then gliding your way up Brisbane’s iconic river, passing sensational city views reflected on the water with a night kayak tour might be your answer to getting out in Brisbane during your staycation this summer.

Fancy some retail therapy? Visit Brisbane CBD, the central business district, packed with popular fashion stores and quality luxe brands along the busy Queen Street. And while you’re here, you don’t want to miss the Queen Street Mall, boasting more than 700 retailers. Definitely worth a look.

So, no matter what takes your mood, there is so much to do in Brisbane. With activities for couples, families and even solo exploration, there are countless opportunities to go out, enjoy this vast city and meet new people.

Your Guide To A Hot City Summer Staycation

2019 saw Brisbane rise in the global ranks of the top destinations to visit in 2020. So, what is it that makes this Australian sunshine state stand out up against curious Icelandic locations and hidden untouched wonders of south east Asia?

Having long held the entertainment and nightlife title of Brisvegas’, an offering that has been slowly making taking its focus off the dance floor and into bars, restaurants and other crafted hospitality offerings turning Brisbane into a hub of carefully curated modern culture.

With the sunshine state in full swing across summer when we all have a little more time to spare, head to our guide for a cracking line up of the best things to do in Brisbane this summer for a weekend getaway or staycation.

BRISBANE GUIDE

Home to iconic and well known Australian locations such as Parliament House and Questacon, Canberra is much more than the nation’s capital. Make your way through the list of the best things to do in Canberra this summer to discover the Australian capital’s cultural side.

CANBERRA GUIDE
If there is one thing Sydneysiders do better, it’s being a tourist in their own city. This skill is never truer, than throughout the months of summer, when the festive season is over but the party never stopped.

Check out this stellar lineup of activities to enjoy in Sydney this summer and start ticking your way through the list, things move fast in the big city!

If you’re after some top-quality R&R with an all access pool and gym to recharge your holiday bod, check out a Sydney staycation at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. If you’re one for a summer season of cosy and artful surrounds to inspire your new year new you ambition, check out The Woolstore 1888 by The Woolstore 1888.

SYDNEY GUIDE
While some will opt to chase the sun north, and others heading east to soak up some Aussie summer rays by the sand and sea breeze, we are staying right here in the heart of Melbourne this summer.

Why you ask? With the stellar line-up of summer activities lined up in Australia’s culture capital of Melbourne this summer, our answer is ‘What reason is there to leave?’.

The season has barely started, but it’s no secret; you already know what we did in Melbourne this summer. Read on and check out the hot picks that are topping our list of the best things to do in Melbourne this summer.

MELBOURNE GUIDE

Best Things To Do In Sydney This Summer

If there is one thing Sydneysiders do better, it’s being a tourist in their own city. This skill is never truer, than throughout the months of summer, when the festive season is over but the party never stopped.

Check out this stellar lineup of activities to enjoy in Sydney this summer and start ticking your way through the list, things move fast in the big city!

Best art exhibitions in Sydney this summer

With Sydney Festival now in full swing, the domino effect of the summer art exhibitions hitting Sydney this summer is well underway! Leading the art pack is Japan Supernatural courtesy of Art Gallery of NSW exhibiting over 200 epic artworks from Japanese artists both past and present and UK contemporary art star Cornelia Parker’s works call the Museum of Contemporary Art home in Sydney this summer. All the while Rebecca Baumann is painting your Sydney art staple Carriageworks a whole other shade of Radiant Flux this summer.

Takashi Murakami, Japan Supernatural

Best places to eat in Sydney this summer

Throughout the summer months, we tend to find ourselves with a lot more time on our hands and a little more money in the pocket. What to do with your extra summer booty? Treat yourself and eat at these hot spot restaurants in Sydney this summer.

Hot weather doesn’t always equate to a desire to sit down to a traditional dinner. Rather, try a bit of everything with apertivi from Mister Percy, or take the green path toward Australia’s first 100% plant based hotel restaurant and bar, Alibi Bar & Kitchen in harbourside Woolloomooloo. In the kitchen you’ll find a clean side to plant-based dining, while the bar reveals its darkside with a ‘Dirty Greens’ bar menu featuring burgers, bao buns, mac ‘n’ cheese balls and more. Running rampant around Sydney this summer is one word. Totti’s. Whether CBD or Bondi based, it doesn’t matter which, so long as there is wood-fired bread!

Alibi Bar & Kitchen

Best places to drink in Sydney this summer

In Sydney this summer, there is one guaranteed reprieve from the heat. A thirst quenching cold beverage to cool you down. In a city with a new bar popping up every week, it can be uncomfortable to move away from your normal go-to local watering hole. So, we’ve done the ground work for you and mapped out the best places to drink in Sydney this summer.

Perched atop the Museum of Contemporary Art, overlooking Circular Quay, you’ll find a Patron Pop-up party full of tacos and tequila with a good dose of summer sun fun on this iconic rooftop location. Work your way through the artisanal cocktail list at Maybe Sammy amongst a Tropi-cool setting. Or, follow Mister Percy, Pyrmont’s neighbourhood wine bar, to the Mediterranean, or head to Woolloomooloo’s Vizio, Sydney first specialty grappa bar. Saluti!

Mister Percy

Dog-friendly activities in Sydney this summer

While Sydney is a hub of dog-friendly venues, we’ve tested and tried to decide on the best foodie dog days out to be enjoyed at these Sydney’s Dog Friendly Restaurants, Cafes and Bars. Our recommended home base? An Ovolo VIPooch staycation with your very best fur friend.

Porch and Parlour, North Bondi
Rose Royale, Potts Point
Storehouse on the Park, Rushcutters’s Bay
The Bucket List, Bondi
The Commons, Darlinghurst
The London Hotel, Paddington
The Winery, Surry Hills
Wildflower Brewing, Marrickville
Yulli’s Brews, Alexandria

Doga
Take some time-out with your pooch at Dog-Yoga is run by Rancan Sisters Fitness in Mosman (North Sydney).

Cool Down
Sirius Cove in Mosman is a beautiful, protected beach with plenty of shade for you and your pooch to spend the day on the beach, soaking summer rays.

Picnic Spot
Set up a picnic for two at Barangaroo Reserve for a day outdoors by Sydney’s iconic Harbour.

Water Activities
Head to Watsons Bay’s Gibson’s Beach or Rose Bay to try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding with your best fur friend.

Yulli’s Brews

Valentine’s Day

Alibi Bar and Kitchen: Valentine’s Day Set Menu Dinner

Spread a little plant-based love this Feb 14^th at Alibi Bar and Kitchen. They’ll be serving up an eight-course degustation menu with a romantic, playful flair. Begin the evening with a glass of bubbles on arrival, enjoy an eight-course degustation menu and conclude dinner with a romantic V-day dessert. All couples will also receive a surprise sexy gift – of vegan body chocolate to use later!

ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen: Pre-Valentine’s Day Party

Stars will alight this February 13^th, as you join us for a night of finding love at ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen, just before Valentine’s Day! Kick off the night with a glass of bubbles on arrival and prepare yourself for an exotic evening of drinking, dancing and finding your match made in heaven. We’ll be serving up our special ZA ZA TA love potions, an exclusive set of cocktails featuring age-old aphrodisiacs from the Arabian spice trade!

ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen: Valentine’s Day Set Menu Dinner

Prepare yourself for the ultimate romantic dinner for two at ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen this Valentine’s Day. With two exotic feasting menus to choose from, you can delight your partner with a truly decadent nine-course experience, with bubbles on arrival. Fall in love all over again with a soulful blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies!

Mister Percy: Valentine’s Day Dinner

Reserve your seats this February 14^th for a romantic, wine-filled evening featuring Mister Percy’s latest seasonal specials and a few exclusive Valentine’s Day delights. Chef Luca Guiotto is preparing a rich, remarkable main and delectable dessert that have never before appeared on the menu. Enjoy a little taste of Italian romance served with a few glasses of fine wines and you’ll find true amore.

Monster Kitchen and Bar: “Love is a Battlefield, Love is a Monster”

This February 14^th don’t stop to smell the red roses nor swipe the night away. Instead, join us for a cheeky night of V-day mockery, as we drink to the poster child of hilariously horrible digital romance: cheesy 80’s dating videos. All are welcome to join us for a boozy bash filled with Monster canapes, oyster and martini carts, our latest seasonal cocktails, a giant chocolate fondue fountain, a photo booth and plenty of entertainment!

Monster Kitchen and Bar: Valentine’s Day Dinner

Already loved up? Turn up the romance on Valentine’s Day with a vibrant, playful dinner for two at Monster Kitchen and Bar. An Oyster Cart will also be making the rounds to deliver a special start to the night. Enjoy exciting new tastes from our latest seasonally inspired menu and sip a few aphrodisiac specials from the bar.

Salon De Co – “King and Queen’s Valentine’s Day”

Take pleasure this Valentine’s Day in a sensory, four-course romantic dinner for two that is fit for royalty. Chef Andy Ashby brings together some of Queensland’s best produce into two unique menu experiences, the Ace of Spades and Queen of Hearts. Begin the evening with a Native Strawberry Gum Spritz on arrival, followed by the chance to shuffle the deck and choose a card that will determine your decadent dinner! If you play your cards right, you join us for a delightfully romantic dinner for two.

8. VEDA: “A Passionate Affair at VEDA”

This Valentine’s Day, VEDA makes vegetarian sexy. Using plant-based aphrodisiacs as key ingredients, VEDA puts together a bespoke irresistible 4-course Valentine’s day dinner with a love-potion pairing of curated wines and cocktails.

How to Date a Vegan: A Meat-Eaters Guide To Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Sydney

Love is blind, meaning you’ll never know if you’ll end up falling head over heals for a passionate carnivore, life-long vegetarian or dedicated vegan. But have no fear if you, a meat-eater, are wondering where to take a vegan on a date! Dating a vegan is no longer a huge challenge in Sydney, thanks to the impressive amount of vegetarian-friendly and vegan-friendly restaurants across the city. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of veg hot spots that even you will enjoy, to ultimately prepare you for going on a date with a vegan.

Sydney’s Vegan Pizza:

Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing pizza experience, because Gigi Pizzeria has become famous amongst the vegan community in Sydney for a reason. With a die-hard, cult-like they’re celebrated for making not only some of the best vegan pizza in the city, but some of the best PIZZA in Sydney period. Their wide array of wood-fired plant-based pizzas offer plenty of tasty date night options. You’ll feel in-the-know, enjoy hearty comfort food and guarantee a sure win for your date night location!

Pro tip: Know that they don’t take reservations, so you should show up early and prepare for a worthwhile wait. Enjoy the line, chat it up with your date and prepare yourself for a revolutionary pizza experience at Gigi’s.

Peace. Love. Plants. At Gigi Pizzeria. Photo by @GigiPizzeria

The Best Vegan Burgers:

Trying to plan a date with a vegan but also craving a big, juicy burger?! Let Mary’s be your saving grace! While you may be familiar with their down and dirty burgers served all over Sydney, Mary’s is now offering remarkable vegan burger menu that mirror their regular menu at two of their locations in the CBD: Mary’s CQ and Mary’s Pitt Street. Maybe you can try one of their vegan burgers too and do a taste test to see how it compares to the regular burger and spice up your date.

Pro tip: Mary’s CQ has plenty of seating, but if you’re planning a more casual vegan date night, pop grab-n-go and picnic in the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens.

Juicy, greasy love at Mary’s. Photo by @tomwilkinson__

Sydney’s Only Vegan Bar and Kitchen:

Official Sydney’s first-ever bar and kitchen that is fully plant-based, Alibi has become a beloved hot spot over the past two years for both after-work drinks and phenomenal vegan dinners. We highly recommend planning a date night at the bar, which offers their “Dirty Greens” menu alongside fun, creative cocktails. Feast on Burgers, Hot Dogs, Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese Balls, Tacos and Pizza galore that are 100% plant-based. Your vegan date will be happy and so will you, because their Beyond Meat Burger tastes just like the real deal!

Pro Tip- Are you looking for a booze-free date night? Alibi Bar also has a brilliant mocktail list! Order a Beyond Burger and enjoy a Cucumber Nojito or two, which are made with Silver Princess Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirit.

Glorious bar food at Alibi Bar and Kitchen. Photo by @elyssa.hung

Vegan-Friendly Sushi in Sydney:

So you’re feeling a little fishy and are struggling to find a fantastic Japanese spot that offers more than just a cucumber roll for your date. Lucky for you, Sokyo is known for having an entirely separate vegetarian menu offering brilliant plant-based sushi, sashimi and other traditional Japanese dishes. Nestled in Pyrmont, this elegant restaurant is the perfect place for a very fancy meal when you’re eager to impress your vegan date.

Pro-Tip: This is quite a famed Sydney restaurant, so be sure to make a reservation in advance!

Sokyo has a colourful array of vegan, vegetarian and carnivore eats! Photo by @SpooningAust

Best Vegan Brunch Spot in Sydney:

If you’ve done a quick google search of vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Sydney, the odds are that you’ve come across Bodhi. This vegan classic is family-owned by three generations of pan-Asian experts and is beloved by non-veg folks too! Bodhi’s dumplings, buns and house-made faux meat have helped it establish quite a leading reputation across the dining scene in Sydney.

Pro-Tip: If you’re planning a fun daytime date, we recommend reserving a spot for their iconic Saturday Yum Cha brunch. You won’t have to worry about being intimidated by the menu and can instead delight after an incredible sampling of dumplings and buns are brought to you.

Cute buns for you and your date at Bodhi! Photo by @sienapalmer

Unique Hen Party Ideas

As you and the bridal party prepare for the big day, a proper hen party is one of the most precious bonding moments for the soon-to-be newlywed to connect with her lifelong friends and family. Planning a memorable hen party with the perfect blend of laughter, surprises and mother-in-law friendly activities can be utterly stressful. To spice things up, we’ve compiled a list of unique hen party ideas that offer a creatives alternative to your standard hen night bar crawl.

Whether you’re the bride-to-be, hoping to discover an off-the-beaten-track bachelorette activity; the mother of the bride, searching for fun party idea that nan can also enjoy; or the maid of honour, planning the ultimate bridal bash that will go down in history, our comprehensive list of unique hen party ideas will be your bridal bible.

Pasta Making Hens Workshop:

Grab the girls, thrown on a festive apron and tie your hair back as you prepare to get down and dirty for a tasty hens party workshop! An afternoon pasta making class is the perfect activity to kick off bridal party festivities, especially when wine tasting is also involved.

Not only will you learn the age-old craft of pasta making, passed down from generations of Italian women, but you’ll also have the perfect opportunity to chat, giggle and snap photos with your gals. We promise your nan and mother-in-law will both enjoy getting their hands dirty too!

We love the new offering at Mister Percy, a charming neighbourhood wine bar in Sydney, for “Rose and Ravioli” classes, where you can master the craft of stuffed pasta while sipping on a wide array of renowned roses. It’s the perfect pre-party activity before a night out on the town!

Vegan High Tea Hens Party:

Searching for afternoon tea with a twist? Invite your bridal party to a magical high tea get-together that feels truly one-of-a-kind. While traditional high tea is offered across the nation at renowned dining establishments, why not delight your group with a bold offering: vegan high tea.

Don’t worry, there’s no need to be vegan to enjoy this plant-based spin. Savour the free-flowing bubbly, coffee and tea while you and the bridal party embark on a tastebud journey, experimenting with bold twists on teatime classics.

Not only will you enjoy the leisure time for bonding and recounting old stories, but you all will also share the opportunity of a new culinary experience. Explore the tantalizing sweet and savoury bites offered at Alibi Bar and Kitchen, which additionally offers up highly-instagramable décor for your hens party!

Cheers to a tasty vegan high tea hens party at Alibi Bar & Kitchen! Photo by @samibloom

Costume Party Lunch:

Who doesn’t love to play dress up? Whether it be a murder mystery party, a roarin’ twenties feast, or Marie Antoinette high tea, rent out a private room in an exotic restaurant and invite your gals to don festive attire!

Throw in photo props and plenty of hens night party games to your amazing themed meal, and you’ll find it easy to break the ice and get everyone involved in the hen party. You can discover plenty of non-traditional hen party games, like murder mystery or a DIY escape room challenge, that can help you choose the theme of your costume get-together.

Or you can work in reverse by finding a unique restaurant and creating a concept around their fun, frisky décor. Looking for inspiration? Check out the Brisbane’s exotic ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen, which offers up five different themed rooms for private parties!

The Library room at ZA ZA TA Bar and Kitchen is the perfect space for a themed murder mystery party!

Cocktail-Making Class for Hens:

For many, drinking during a hens party is a no brainer. But we nonetheless invite you to think a little outside the box beyond a hens pub crawl. Instead of crawling from pub to club, why touch base with the bride’s all-time-favourite bar and request a private cocktail-making class?!

We recommend requesting the class on a Saturday afternoon before the bar gets too busy, so that you’ll have plenty of one-on-one time mastering the cocktail shaking craft while chit-chatting with the entire bridal party. Oftentimes, the establishment is even willing to whip up a custom signature cocktail named after the bride-to-be! You can also add a few funky mocktails to appeal to those in the bridal party that aren’t imbibing.

Get ready to get shaken and stirred up with a private cocktail making class for your hens night! Photo by Pandora Photography.

Salsa Dancing Hens Class

Are you ready for the ultimate hens night dinner and show? After a delightful dinner, get your girls moving and grooving with arguably the most classy hens night idea, a festive dance class in the evening. Throw on your most dramatic dancing dress and watch it swirl and twirl as you learn the rhythms of salsa dancing. Organize 1940’s makeovers and then strut your stuff into a swing dancing class. Whatever steps you choose, know that the main goal of a hens party dance class is to laugh, have fun and get moving- no expertise is required!

Signing up for a formal dance class is a fabulous alternative for those wanting to avoid a traditional clubbing environment. Lean into twists and turns of learning new move, throw in a fun costume theme, and prepare yourself to a memorable hens night! Plus you can plan it perfectly around.

Spice up the night with a zesty dance class to get your hens moving and shaking! Photo by Confetti

As you continue planning the ultimate hens party celebration, we encourage you to settle for nothing less than a wild, creative and colourful experience that gets the whole bridal party involved! Learn a new skill, like making pasta or swing dancing; share a new gastronomical experience, like vegan high tea; or dress up for your very own murder mystery meal.

What To Do In Hong Kong Over Chinese New Year

For those of us that aren’t still exhausted and in recovery mode from welcoming the new decade, Chinese New Year is just around the corner and is a holiday to celebrate and remember. Known to be a family-oriented affair, this is the perfect time of year to get together and wish luck, fortune, and health upon your loved ones.

Far from family? No worries – we’ve got you covered. Chinese New Year isn’t just about family; it’s about honouring culture, spreading love and luck, and preparing for new times ahead. What better way to do all of the above than to visit the Lam Tsuen Well Wishing Tree and make some wishes for yourself, your loved ones, or really, anything! To test your luck, you can also head over to the Sha Tin Racecourse and bet on your favourites to win the annual Chinese New Year Cup.

Chinese New Year isn’t complete without a trip to the infamous Hong Kong flower market, where you can buy a whole lot more than just flowers. Snacks, lucky foods, and traditional Chinese décor are all available at the market, where you can experience Chinese New Year the local way. Further, in true Hong Kong fashion, Chinese New Year is also an excuse to watch a spectacular fireworks show over the luminous Victoria Harbour.

As amazing as these events all are, Chinese New Year also represents much more than celebrations and loud crowds. What happens behind the scenes, within the comfort of home, is a lot of preparation and superstition that may shock some that are unfamiliar. It is commonly believed that one should not wash their hair on the first day of the New Year, in fear of washing away the good luck and fortune. Parents also often give their children red packets the night before, in which they have to place under their pillow as they rest.

No matter what you choose to do this New Year, just be sure to give your thanks and wishes to your loved ones. That, is how you truly celebrate Chinese New Year.

Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk

You’d be hard pressed to choose which of Sydney’s epic coastal vantagepoints to visit. Open between two of this harbour city’s most iconic coastal counterparts, is an 80 kilometre stretch now known as the Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk.

Boasting endless epic coastal scenic highlights, the Bondi to Manly Coastal walk, trailing the east coast and harbour foreshore, explores Sydney’s iconic landmarks and must-see scenery.

Winding from Bondi through to Watson’s Bay, Rose Bay, Darling Point, past Ovolo Woolloomooloo and over to Kirribilli, passing Taronga Zoo and the Spit Bridge, the Bondi to Manly Coastal walk sees already-popular trails come together to offer one epic way to see Sydney. Trials which, if you’re up for the challenge, you can tackle in the full 80 kilometres, or take it a step (trail) at a time and complete each trail overtime.

Bondi Beach

About the Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk

The brainchild of three levels of government, the Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk comes as the Sydney attraction we already had but never knew we needed. Thanks to the collaboration of many minds, our unknown prayers have been answered.

The walk champions Australia’s rich history, natural beauty and iconic landmarks, guided by your choice of the Bondi to Manly app to keep you on the path to Manly, or follow the black and yellow branded whales, identifying your next step.

Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Highlights of the Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk

Bondi Beach

As its namesake suggests, the Bondi to Manly Coastal walk kicks off at Australia’s most famous surf beach, home to the world’s first lifesaving club Bondi Beach, which receives over a million travellers each year.

Camp Cove and South Head

A popular harbour beach, Camp Cove marks the spot where Captain Arthur Phillips first landed in Port Jackson in 1788, offering incredible harbour views, old harbour fortifications and lighthouse keeper’s cottages and more.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

A bench carved into sandstone by convicts in 1810 known as Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is, as the story goes, where the governor’s wife would await incoming ships from England.

Farm Cove

Australia’s oldest botanic garden nestled on the harbour front, The Royal Botanic Garden is home to world leading plant science and stunning horticultural displays.

Sydney Opera House

The white sails of the Sydney Opera House offer a modern view along the Bondi to Manly Walk, set against the harbour city as an iconic landmark.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

An engineering marvel and architectural wonder, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a symbol of the nation. Having opened in 1932 the landmark is central to shaping the City of Sydney.

Significant sites in Aboriginal culture

An indigenous midden exists between Fisher Bay and Sandy Bay, while Aboriginal engravings can be found at Grotto Point, and an ancestral burial site and rock art at Reef Beach.

Manly Beach

Famous for its ocean drive and ferry service from Circular Quay, Manly Beach sets an iconic scene for the end of the Bondi to Manly Coastal Walk.

Manly

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

If you’re looking for a way to explore Sydney’s east coast on foot that requires a little less commitment, then you cannot look past the Bondi to Coogee walk. Extending for 6 kilometres in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, this cliff top coastal walk features incredible views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools to stop off at along the way.

Have a rest, take a swim or grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous waterfront cafes, hotels and restaurants along the way. A 12-kilometre return walk, you’ll be delighted to find that at the end of the line, a public bus stop awaits to return you to your starting point in Bondi.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Best Things To Do In Canberra This Summer

Home to iconic and well known Australian locations such as Parliament House and Questacon, Canberra is much more than the nation’s capital. Make your way through the below list of the best things to do in Canberra this summer to discover the Australian capital’s cultural side.

Free things to do in Canberra this summer

As Australia’s artistic hub, increase your ‘cultured’ level in Canberra this summer and check out some of the nation’s most acclaimed exhibitions, free of charge at the National Gallery of Australia or the National Portrait Gallery.

Looking to stay the night? Check out Ovolo Nishi’s ‘Artistic Intentions’ offer inclusive of ticket’s to the Matisse & Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.

Matisse & Picasso, National Portrait Gallery

Escape the heat in Canberra this summer

As Australia’s only completely land-locked capital city, it’s important to know where to go to escape the heat in Canberra this summer. Canberrians across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have found some creative ways to get active indoors including the Salti Floating Fitness Yoga (see the below image for an explanation better than words of what this activity entails).

Salti Floating Fitness Yoga

Head out on the water in Canberra this summer

While Canberra may be land-locked, it is home to Lake Burley Griffin which exists as a pivotal point to enjoy Canberra this summer. From the Kingston foreshore, head out for a day on the lake with Go Boat Canberra. To up your boat game in Canberra this summer, BYO food and your best four legged friend aboard. See here for more dog-friendly activities for you and your pooch to enjoy in Canberra this summer.

Go Boat Canberra

Best places to eat and drink in Canberra this summer

2019 saw a number of new restaurants and bars open their doors making our list of the best places to eat and drink in Canberra this summer including Amici Wine Bar & Deli, Fenway Public House and, from the team at Canberra’s local favourite Espresso House, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café.

Ticking Canberra’s hospitality newcommer’s off the list in Canberra this summer can feel like risky business, so be sure to take a break in between to visit the Canberra classic local favourites for a bite to eat and a cheeky tipple or a few at Monster Kitchen and Bar and Bar Rochford.

Hiramasa Kingfish, Monster Kitchen & Bar

Habla Español? 7 Words You Should Know to order Mexican Food!

Who doesn’t love MEXICAN FOOD? But sometimes, ordering at an authentic Mexican restaurant can be challenging without knowing a bit of Spanish. If you never took Spanish 101 in grade school… and your Spanish arsenal stops at “Taco” and “Guacamole”, read on to learn 7 essential words and phrases to save some embarrassment next time you’re at an authentic Mexican restaurant.

Queso – Cheese; If you like anything and everything with cheese, this is word is a must-remember. Queso Fundido is a popular Mexican dish of hot melted cheese. Served with tortilla chips, it’s the perfect starter or a party snack!
Tostada – Same same, but different. Many people get tacos and tostadas confused due to their similar appearance. Tostadas are made with fried or toasted flat tortilla, whilst most traditional tacos are made with soft shell tortillas. Pictured above is Octopus ‘in love’ tostada, garnished with seasonal veggies, charred onion powder, avocado, and chipotle mayo.

Chipotle – No, we’re NOT talking America’s favourite fast-food chain. But we’re quite sure their name was inspired by the original Mexican word – Chipotle – meaning “smoked, dried chili”. The chili serves as a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine throughout many salsas and sauces. If you’re into spicy food, “chipotle” might be the word you’re looking for in a Mexican menu!

Carne Asada – Carne Asada directly translates to “Meat Roasted,” but 99% of the time refers to a specific Mexican dish of thinly sliced grilled skirt steak. The iconic carnivore dish is transformed into a taco. The Wagyu beef on the tortilla is generously topped with pico de gallo, zingy Macha sauce, and chestnut puree.

Al Pastor (tacos al pastor) – Al Pastor, directly translated to “Shepherd style”, refers to the traditional taco made with shawarma or spit-grilled pork. The iconic taco exhibits the Middle Eastern influence in Mexican cuisine in the early 20^th century – a time when a wave of Lebanese immigrants entered Mexico.

Carnitas – in Spanish means, “little meats” and often refers to a classic taco made with Mexican-style pulled pork. The meat is slow-cooked until tender to make sure the meat is served soft and juicy.

Cervaza – You can’t go eating all this food without a beer! Look for the “cervaza” section to find the perfect thirst quencher. Some of our favourite Mexican beers include Pacifico and Modelo Negra.

Staycation Melbourne: Best Things to do this Summer

While some will opt to chase the sun north, and others heading east to soak up some Aussie summer rays by the sand and sea breeze, we are staying right here in the heart of Melbourne this summer. With so much you haven’t seen just around the corner, let’s explore.

Why, you ask? With the stellar line-up of summer activities planned in Australia’s culture capital of Melbourne this summer, our answer is simply ‘What reason is there to leave?’. A Melbourne staycation in our beloved city is definitely worth-trying and, with so much to do, it will be very hard to say no.

The season has barely started, but it’s no secret; you already know what we plan to do in Melbourne this summer. Read on to check out the hot picks topping our list of the best things to do for a Melbourne staycation this summer, and we encourage you to try some of these plans for yourself. With so much on offer, there’s truly something for everyone.

With transport links from Flinders Street station and beyond serving the entire metropolitan rail network, everything is accessible and much closer than you think.

Escape the heat in Melbourne this summer

With the desire to be anywhere else so long as it’s not a sweltering summer, we’re sure you’re familiar with escaping the summer sun with a day at the cinemas accompanied by some industrial strength air conditioning. Movies, cool air and ice cream, what could be better?

But we bet you haven’t entered a virtual reality from a swivel chair with 11 other cinema goers donning a VR headset and headphones? If the heat really isn’t your thing, we suggest you head to Collingwood’s Virtual Reality Cinema to transport you to cooler climates in Melbourne this summer.

Best G&T’s in Melbourne this summer

For all you parched patrons out there, what’s more thirst quenching on a hot summer’s day and than an old faithful G&T? Absolutely nothing. It’s also a must-have part to complete your perfect and enjoyable staycation in the city of Melbourne.

Popping up at The Boatbuilders Yard this summer from 15-16 February, Juniperlooza is returning to Melbourne this summer with a line-up of 23 independent Australian and international gin producers showcasing both a classic G&T and signature cocktail.

Juniperlooza 2020

Have your pick of private pools in Melbourne this summer

If there’s one app you need to download in Melbourne this summer, it is Swimply. Ever dreamt about basking in the luxury of your own private pool? How about someone else’s?

Coming to Melbourne this summer, Swimply is a first-ever marketplace for pool sharing or in more relatable terms, its Airbnb for epic pools. Download the app, search the area, select a time, date and share how many plus ones you’ll be bringing to your very own private pool party. They even list rooftop pools, and a variety of other cool designs and variations.

Swimply

Rainfall in Melbourne this summer

Captivating over half a million patrons worldwide, Random International’s monumental artwork, Rain Room, is extending its St Kilda tenure until 31 January 2020, in response to popular demand.

While you may not be able to feel the rain on your face, the 100-square metre room of continuous rainfall simulation in St Kilda will make you forget you ever felt the scorch of 40 plus degrees in Melbourne this summer.

Rain Room

Be eco-friendly in Melbourne this summer

If your summer sweat stirs your consumer conscience, serving as a reminder that the heat is more than just a seasonal regularity, here’s what you need to know about the new eco-friendly shopping centre hitting Melbourne this summer.

What once was an industrial site is now home to shops and entertainment under one green, urban rooftop farm form which the centre’s eco-conscious restaurant will source it’s produce. Burwood Brickworks has been dubbed the ‘world’s most sustainable shopping centre’, powered naturally with renewable energies, organic waste to be collected and repurposed as compost, and all grey and black water to be captured, treated and recycled on site.

And, of course, if you fancy returning to nature and enjoying some peace and quiet, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria provides a stunning day out for the whole family, and the relaxing environment we all crave.

Burwood Brickworks

The best art exhibition in Melbourne this summer

From now until April 2020, what better way to experience art in Melbourne this summer then from within the hallowed halls of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as they come alive with the spirit of New York’s 1980s underground art scene.

Inspired by the gallery’s summer blockbuster exhibition celebrating the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Friday Night at the NGV will see the space transformed with ‘80s music from disco to post-punk, mixed in with drag performances, NYC street food, classic cocktails from the Bombay Sapphire Gin Mini Bar, and a dance floor in the NGV Garden.

NGV Friday Nights, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines

Australian Coffee Culture 101: How to Order Like a Local

In a nation famed for its worldly gastronomies and vibrant multiculturalism, there is one beverage in particular that unites the entire nation: coffee. In fact, no trip to the land down under is complete without tasting not one, but many different Australian coffees.

From espresso to long black coffees, these caffeinated concoctions are the lifeblood of modern Australians. They power business people through their meetings, united millennials for socializing every weekend, and make a prominent splash in the bar scene!

Have no fear, we are here to guide you through the ins and outs of Australian coffee culture so that you can order like a local and have a true Aussie experience.

@raykheir enjoying a stylish coffee at Alibi Bar + Kitchen in Sydney, Australia

Where is Australian Coffee Culture More Dominant?

No matter where you wander around country, coffee culture is vibrant and hard-to-miss; however, you’ll notice a few key differences from city to city. One of the largest rivalries to claim the title of Australia’s coffee capital is between Sydney and Melbourne.

Statistically speaking, the residents of Sydney buy more coffee per kilo than any other national city. According to a 2017 study done by Lavazza Australia, on average, Sydneysiders order 4.41 cups of coffee from cafes each week. Whereas, residents of Melbourne only drink 3.91 cups of barista-made coffee. Nonetheless, the Victoria capital ultimately touts a higher percentage of locals that order their brew from the city’s plethora of cafes rather than making it at home.

All across the country, you’ll find thousands of cafes that serve phenomenal coffee and hundreds of thousands of locals lining up to enjoy it. Are you ready for a sip?

The Most Popular Coffee in Australia

There are three main coffee drinks that dominate across Australia- the Flat White, Cappuccino and Latte. While each beverage involves a single shot of espresso and steamed milk, they offer a distinctively different drinking experience that Australians adore.

While you’re guaranteed to find this holy trinity of coffee on every single café menu, each drink’s popularity varies ever-so-slightly from state to state. While the latte is officially the best-seller across the country, folks in Melbourne and the surrounding state of Victoria prefer cappuccinos. Across Western Australia and Queensland, the flat white reigns supreme. What is the least-popular coffee drink in the nation? The piccolo, a 100ml glass filled with a ristretto shot and topped with warm, silky milk.

Learning Australian Coffee Names

What’s the difference between a flat white, cappuccino and late? What is a long black coffee? Do two ristrettos make one espresso?

While most of these caffeinated beverages involve a single shot of espresso and steamed milk, they each offer a distinctively different drinking experience and therefore have particular names. Don’t worry, here is a breakdown of key Australian coffee names so that you will know exactly what’s on the menu.

Latte: Australia’s most popular coffee drink is always served in a glass and prepared with espresso, mostly steamed milk and a small dollop of froth on top.
Flat White: While some argue that this is exactly the same as a latte, others will distinguish that flat whites are made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk that is an equal blend of liquid milk and micro-froth. An Australian Flat White is a must-try!
Cappuccino: This Italian classic is made with one shot of espresso and steamed milk that has a much thicker layer of froth. Oftentimes, it is served in a cup and sprinkled with chocolate dust.
Long Macchiato: Traditionally, a macchiato is just a single shot of espresso with a dollop of steamed milk served in a small glass; however, a “long mac” includes two shots of espresso instead.
Long Black: Similar to an “Americano” this Australian classic is made with a double shot of espresso that is topped up with hot water.
Short Black: This is essentially a long black without the water, so simply a double shot of espresso.
Ristretto: Often mistaken as simply one half of an espresso, a ristretto is actually a short shot of espresso made with the same amount of ground coffee but half the amount of water. The final result is a more concentrated shot of coffee.

Notice something is missing on this brief list? That’s right, filter coffee is largely uncommon across the land down under. You’ll rarely find drip or filter coffee at cafes, and if you do the locals won’t be ordering it.

How to Order Iced Coffee in Australia

Especially in the summertime, it’s perfectly sensible in most countries to drink an iced version of your usual coffee; however, the cold coffee movement has only been adopted more recently in Australia and is not nearly as common. All year round, Australians like their coffee hot! Nonetheless, you can find artisanal cold brews at a few special special spots, like Monster Kitchen + Bar in Canberra, which miraculously serves filter coffee too! Additionally, you can also request your long black to be iced, but do not expect to find “iced coffee” on a menu.

Soy, Almond or Coconut Milks

All over the world, non-dairy milks are spicing up our coffee orders. Whether it be for health reasons, environmentalism or simply taste, new types of dairy-free milks are on the rise, offering an entirely new coffee experience. Since Australians tend to prefer milky coffees, most cafes now offer a few additional milk alternatives, with soy being the national favourite.

Don’t worry, locals love their nut milks too as well as coconut milk. Whether it be an almond milk flat white, macadamia milk macchiato, or coconut milk latte, the possibilities are endless for you to explore Australia’s coffee culture.

A bartender at Salon De Coin Brisbane, adding the final touches to an Espresso Martini

Espresso Martinis

Eager to get a bit more playful with your coffee? Espresso Martinis are all the rage across the nation, with just about every bar offering their own twist on the classic.

We love the latest caffeinated cocktail concoction at Mister Percy, a darling wine bar in Sydney with a Mediterranean flair. They shake their new Espresso Martini with Tried & True Vodka, Nola Coffee Liquor by Street George, one shot of freshly brewed espresso, sugar syrup and a pinch of salt. Stop by during the day for a classic coffee and stay for social hour, where you can continue to taste a new boozy brew!

Impressive Cocktails You Can Make at Home

Are you desperately searching for a last-minute cocktail recipe that will blow your dinner party guests away? We spent the afternoon chatting with Alibi Bar’s beloved cocktail creative, Dom Polito, whose been stirrin’ and shackin’ up some of Sydney’s best concoctions since 2009. Famed for his creative cocktails, stunning presentation and playful recipes, Dom is the perfect man to teach us how to make the perfect cocktail at home and bring us back to the basics with iconic stiff drinks. We’ve asked him for the secrets to making simple cocktails to impress at home that you can whip up in no time.

Easy Cocktail Recipes:

Let’s begin with cocktail making 101 and a few twists on basic cocktail recipes that are easy, simple and perfect for your next dinner party or pre drinks get-together. When we asked Dom for his number one easy cocktail recipe, he narrowed it down to two of his favourite summer drinks. Have no fear, because these seemingly complex cocktails can are 100% do-able at home and only require a few key ingredients.

Negroni

According to Dom, Sydney is going through a powerful Negroni phase in 2020, so why not use the occasion to master this surprisingly simple tipple. It is truly one of those simple strong cocktails that anyone can prepare. “It’s super easy to make a big batch of Negroni, you just need three equal parts of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth,” declares Dom. “Plus it looks gorgeous with an orange twist and a big block of ice and doesn’t require a cocktail shaker- just stir this one!” This stiff drink is an all-time classic that you can easily prepare and serve at home.

Alibi Bar serves up a unique twist on the classic Negroni- a Negroni Spritz, made with Prosecco and house-made rosemary syrup on their latest summer bar menu, which also features melt-in-your-mouth Mac and Cheese Bites! Photo by Head Chef, Jordan Brogan.

Rose Sangria

Summertime in Sydney calls for plenty of rose! To stir up a quick, refreshing and summery punch, Dom recommends a simple Watermelon Sangria recipe. First, start with a nice big punch bowl or water jug, then “throw in a bottle of dry rose. We use Le Fou, the Madman Rose and it’s honestly perfect for this sangria recipe. Then toss in half a watermelon, cut up however you’d like it, along with two sliced lemons and about 200ml of Triple Sec.” Add as much ice as you’d like and voila- the perfect summer punch!

The Most Sophisticated Cocktails

Are you looking to spice up the evening with a more sophisticated classic? Dom recommends tinkering with an Old Fashioned, because “it’s like learning to play chess. The rules are simple to learn but it can take a lifetime to master!” We recommend this stiff drink because it’s stirred up with just three simple ingredients: bourbon, sugar and bitters. No two recipes are the same though because you can tweak the ratios to suit your personal preference, which means you can prepare one at home and rely on your tastebuds to make sure it tastes remarkable!

How to Make Cocktails Look Good:

Ensuring your homemade cocktail is Instagram-ready is absolutely part of the hosting process. These days, many of us taste with our eyes before the first sip, so an elaborate presentation can really wow your guests! If you’re having a cocktail party, take some time in advance to find some local fauna and flowers that you can garnish your drinks with.

The Cast Away signature cocktail at Alibi is served with radiant orchids and flower petals, which really wows guests.

But what is his number one secret to make cocktails look good? “It’s all about the ice!” Fortunately, our cocktail master has the perfect DIY hack for those mixing up drinks at home: “freeze ice in a general Tupperware the night before. The next day you can cut it into big, beautiful chunks with a sharp kitchen knife!” We additionally recommend placing your knife in hot water to help ease the process of carving your artisanal ice!

Lastly, here are a few easy garnishes that you likely already have at home or can pick up at a nearby grocery store. “Basil, mint and rosemary make amazing cocktail toppers because they really bring out a lot of botanical flavours, especially in gin drinks.”

The Best Date Night Cocktails:

Here’s another important occasion to really impress someone with your at-home mixology: date night! There’s no need to worry, because we’ve confirmed the perfect date night cocktail with our renowned bartender: Margaritas! Tequila is more of a stimulant than any other alcohol, which are typically depressants. Dom recommends a margarita or tequila-based cocktail to kick off your date and give you and your partner a little extra pep. To really turn up the romance, sprinkle a few crushed rose petals or even a fresh one to set the mood.

The Bloody Marvellous signature drink at Alibi Bar is a great tequila drink for inspiration. Made with Beetroot-infused tequila, you achieve a beautiful, romantic-coloured drink that is well-complimented by coconut syrup, fresh lemon and ginger for a luscious and flavourful experience.

The Bloody Marvellous served at Alibi Bar

Fancy Martinis Made Easy:

Spicing up a martini, which is a cocktail classic, is the perfect way to land a big impression on your guests. “A basic martini is just super cold gin or vodka with very nice olives,” begins Dom. He details that the olives and brine are a serious gamechanger on this stiff drink, and ultimately alter the texture and mouthfeel of a martini. “We use Simon Johnson Gordal Olives which have a really marvellous brine that is thick and fills out the drink.” He recommends taste testing a few different types of olives to discover one that best suites your flavour palate.

The Vespa Martini

What is his favourite impressive martini recipe? It just so happens to be 007’s signature cocktail: the Vespa Martini. Made with 45 ml of vodka, 15 ml of gin, 15ml Lillet, which is “a common French vermouth that you can find at just about any Dan Murphys in your neighbourhood,” the Vespa pMartini and easily one of the best martini recipes. To prepare it at home, pour all the ingredients mentioned about in a glass with ice, stir it and then strain it directly into a chilled martini glass. “Be sure to add a twist of lemon to really serve it up like James Bond!”

If you’re looking for further cocktail inspiration, stop by Alibi Bar on the weekend, ask for Dom and let him know you read the article! He’d be more than happy to answer and of your mixology questions and give you a sweet sample of his latest concoction. Plus, he can guide you through Alibi’s latest bar menu for some creative tips on your next homemade cocktail.

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