CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The pool at the
171-room Metropolitan by Como, a calming
retreat in the heart of the city. Tour the back
streets by bike with Grasshopper Adventures.
Singaporean designer Kathryn Kng devised the
serene and understated interior scheme at the
Metropolitan. Coconut and turmeric salad of
blue swimmer crab with calamansi limes is just
one of the must-try dishes at Nahm.Photograph from Getty Images (back street). Lisa flew courtesy of Qantas.
Rediscover your city
T
he doors to my room on the
40th floor of Hilton Sydney
swing open and I look down at
the bustling concrete jungle below.
Just 10 minutes ago I was down there,
part of the rat race, but up here, with
aernoon sun streaming through
the windows, I feel removed from the
frantic activity below. It looks and feels
dierent to the Sydney CBD I work
in five days a week.
I’m here to enjoy a mini-break and
experience elements of the city that
my everyday life overlooks, thanks
to the Hilton’s Be A Weekender
campaign, which encourages city
workers to make the most of their
weekends, and cut down on travel
time, by embracing short stays in
their own backyard.
I head to the Alysium day spa for a
massage before dinner at the hotel’s
stylish Luke Mangan Glass brasserie.
Aerwards, my companion and I have
tickets for the Sydney Theatre
Company. The drive down Hickson
Road is one I’ve done many times but
I view the architecture of the wharf
buildings and the area’s historical
appeal with fresh eyes. I’ve lived in
Sydney for 26 years, yet it’s my first
visit to the Wharf Theatre. The play we
see is thought-provoking and by the
time the last act is over, I’m tired.
Next morning, a sleep-in is just
what the doctor ordered. Aer a long
bath, I head down to breakfast,
then to White Rabbit art gallery in
Chippendale. Displaying works mainly
from China, it’s a new discovery for
me. We are introduced to stunning
works in various mediums. I’d love to
stay longer but lunch beckons.
Last stop is the new Cho Cho San
in Potts Point, which serves delicious
Japanese food on handmade ceramic
dishes. Between bites, I reflect on just
how much fun you can have playing
tourist in your own town. #
http://www.hiltonweekends.com.au.
Ashley Pratt