Bliss at Balmain Wharf!

Last weekend I was lucky enough to escape the daily grind and spend some much needed 'time out' at Balmain Wharf Apartments. Upon arrival at the beautiful and historic apartments, not only was a fresh fruit welcome basket, flowers and chilled wine waiting for us, but we had the most amazing full moon lighting up the harbour to greet us. Instant bliss!

The view from the Apartment was spectacular both day and night. Sitting on the balcony of The Bastion, Apartment # 2, overlooking the Harbour Bridge and city skyline bathed in the full moon, was breathtaking. Not to mention waking up to one of the best Sydney Winter sunrises on record. The sun drenched wrap-around balcony was the perfect place to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee overlooking what has to be one of THE best views in Sydney!

Balmain Wharf Apartment could very well be the perfect ‘home away from home’ for the regular Sydney business traveller, with a preference for a quieter, private place to stay. The fully equipped gourmet kitchen (packed with plenty of cook book inspiration from Bannister's Chef Rick Stein) as well as the built-in laundry facilities, platinum foxtel, internet & wifi, and in-room safe, means that after a busy work day, you can keep on top of your daily routine without leaving the comfort of the apartment.

It’s the little things that count. If you are in need of luxury, or some weekend R&R, the Balmain Wharf Apartments has all the creature comforts of a 5 star hotel but with a more intimate, relaxed feel.  Fresh fluffy white robes, heated towel rack to warm your towels, and crisp white linen are all on hand to make your stay very comfortable, and the stylishly furnished apartment with its bright blue harbour backdrop is sure to inspire. The thick sandstone walls meant that the apartment itself was surprisingly quiet and very warm and cosy, perfect for these cold winter nights.

Tucked away at the very end of Balmains bustling Darling Street, the location is hard to beat. From the front door you can literally walk across the road to catch the Ferry into the city, or take a leisurely stroll up Darling Street to the nearby cafes, pubs and spa facilities that Balmain has to offer.  

The thick sandstone walls of this 200 year old building date back to the 1800’s. It has remained relatively unchanged since then. Originally known as the Shipwright’s Arms it was one of the first licenced establishments in the area and a favourite place for tired and thirsty water-men. Now, with all the charm of the original sandstone building, you can walk inside to a warm and contemporary place to base yourself while in Sydney.

I’ve got the Balmain Bug! Balmain is one of those buzzing places in Sydney where old meets the new, and Darling Street is dotted with fabulous eateries and gorgeous boutiques and interior stores. Popped in to Little Marionette for coffee, then a croissant and coffee #2 at Poppys

The Balmain Flower Man has THE most gorgeous rose selection.

Dee Molineaux, which I have posted before, tucked away behind Balmain Markets, has a lovely selection of vintage and French style eclectic pieces for the home.

A little further along Darling Street you will find one of Eat Read Love's partners. The gorgeous Quintessential DuckeggBLUE is a favourite store of mine, with the most beautiful selection of antique and collectible furniture and unique items for the home. Here is a few pics of some of the special things you can find in store...

EAT: An easy stroll to relaxed dining at Capello Pizza, fine dining at Balmain Bug or local pub grub at the London Hotel. Kick start your day with a fresh coffee from The Little Marionette to go with your delicious Macaron from Adriano Zumbo. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the delicious and fresh, South East Asian flavours from behind the big bronze doors at Blue Ginger (one of my long time favs!), or jump in the car for a quick trip to the Three Weeds in Rozelle

READ: The apartment is well stocked with a selection of fabulous coffee table books including 'Downtown Chic' by Rob & Courtney Novogratz (9bydesign crew), and array of Rick Steins cook books

LOVE: the view, the view and the view, as well as the stylish interiors, the fluffy white robes and lovely little comforts.

I cant wait to return, but next time I will allow more time to really soak in the view and the surrounding culinary and retail delights that beautiful Balmain has to offer. BWA is the perfect stay for your next trip to Sydney, weekend away with the girls, or just some special time with the family.

With its stylish interiors and fine selection of wine, coffee, fresh fruit, lovely books, creature comforts, and the MOST amazing view, Balmain Wharf Apartments really is the perfect place to Eat, Read, & Love

All photos by Natalie Hayllar @ Eat Read Love (except hat lamp, that is from Dee M)

For rates, and bookings go to http://www.balmainwharf.com.au/