STAY | HOTEL REALM, Canberra
Photos 1-2 - Hotel Realm. Photos 3 onwards by Natalie Hayllar
A weekend of Buvette Bliss at Hotel Realm Canberra
When you think of Canberra you think of Australian icons like the National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House, and bike rides around Lake Burley Griffin right? But more recently for me it is the fantastic food and dining scene unfolding before my eyes that makes a trip to Canberra so much more exciting. On every visit we discover an entirely new cultural precinct to explore. For this year’s annual visit to Canberra it was time to visit
- a five star property in Canberra’s city centre and a short walk from trendy suburbs of Manaka and Kingston. The multi award winning Realm precinct boats a number of fabulous fine dining restaurants including French chic Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar, a casual lounge bar, wholefoods café, health club, hair salon, day spa, and indoor heated pool.
After ‘freakshaking’ with our friends in Manaka, our early check-in to the Realm Suite allows us to drop our luggage before heading to Corin Forest Snow Play area. (It is an easy 45 minute drive from Canberra central). To our surprise as we drive up the mountain and the temperature drops from 8 degrees to a chilly 1 degrees, we see a rainy Canberra day transform into a magical Winter wonderland before our very eyes. A light dusting of snow turns the snow gums into a beautiful winter’s playground for the kids, and after hours of tobogganing and snow play we can’t wipe the grins from our faces.
After drying off by the toasty fire, we make our way back to Hotel Realm via the scenic Brindabellas, and get into Buvette Bliss mode. Spoilt on arrival with fresh flowers and petite sweets we spend the next few hours enjoying our luxury
with a few Champagnes. While the family enjoys some movie time, I head downstairs to meet a dear friend for a little Parisian wanderlust at
I am thinking to myself, it is going to be hard to top the sight of fresh falling snow. And then the twice-baked cheese soufflé is served! Surrounded by chic French décor we were whisked right back to Paris for a night of French cuisine (you can read all about our
dining experience
on the blog too)
A Sunday morning sleep-in with a coffee and some mags perfected the weekend before we drive back to Sydney. Oh and did I mention the mob of Kangaroos jumping proudly across a dry Lake George on the way home. Australia was completely showing off. Perhaps she knew that we had been overseas for a few months. It reminded us of the amazing country we live in, and that a weekend with friends and food in Canberra is always good for the soul.
Hotel Realm offers a
including overnight accommodation, mini Moet & Chandon on arrival, two-course meal at Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar, with free parking, free wifi and late checkout.
* I was a guest of Hotel Realm and Buvette Bistro.