While I would love to say how happy I am to be home, I have to be quite honest – over two weeks traveling the Sydney surroundings, exploring the outback and Ayers Rock and sunning and swimming in the Barrier Reef just wasn’t enough!
I’m sure I’ll have a few posts inspired by our travels, but I’ll focus on Sydney today…
Sydney has it all. Stunning beaches of plenty. Charming neighborhoods that make Lincoln Park seem unkempt. Rolling hills that remind my thighs of San Francisco. Lush, verdant greenery to soften every landscape. Harbors and water-views around every corner. Dining and nightlife to give every socialite something to do for a year…Other than the {possibly now understandable?} gasp-worthy price tag of everything – I am starting to think that Sydney is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world.
Upon our arrival in Sydney, we tried to fight the jetlag by getting some fresh air. My dear friend, bridesmaid and host while in Sydney, Charlotte picked up the boys and I for a gorgeous drive up the coast. Char simply pulled off the side of the road for this drop-dead-gorgeous view. These stunning vistas seem to be a dime a dozen to locals…but, oh how we immediately fell in love.
From there, Charlotte took us to the famed Bondi Beach for a walk, hike and a snack.
The boys favorite beach was for sure Manly. Edged with pine trees soaring overhead, this long, wide beach was teeming with people, gorgeous boutiques and charming cafes.
For a more peaceful beachy experience, we visited Balmoral one afternoon. A quaint beach located in the gorgeous neighborhood of Mosman, Balmoral is a hidden gem to recharge and re-inspire.
BUT…enough about daytime activities!
One of our favorite evenings of the trip was a night out, in celebration of Charlotte’s 30th. Charlotte and Rob {her dreamy husband} took us to Ivy. An unreal, multi-level collection of bars, lounges and restaurants housed in one complex. Located on George Street, in the heart of CBD, Ivy is one of the hottest and most exclusive venues for socializing.
The interior design {by renowned design firm Hecker Phelan Guthrie} left me speechless. Forget the bold, striking and familiar! color palette of yellow, black and white – the shapes, the textures, the humor and sophistication were awe-inspiring. While every restaurant, bar and nook was distinctively different in the complex – there was an interesting common thread of color palette, glamour and style that must have made this interior design job a challenging dream. Here are just a few examples of some of the highlights of Ivy:
We started with drinks in one of the private cabanas at Pool Club, the sun was shining and there were plenty of beautiful people padding around the deck, drinks in hand to keep our eyes busy.
So beautiful!
So fun!
On our way to dinner in one of the award-winning eateries, we passed through The Lawn, another bar area for people to relax and even cool off with their over-sized showers suspended above a manicured grassy landing.
For dinner, we were seated at this communal table at Tappanyaki – a modern Japanese restaurant at Ivy. The meal was devoured, drinks were delicious and our night was not disappointing.
Our urban playground led us on a trip down to the first floor where we had {more?!} cocktails comfortably in the open-air courtyard.
The charming Ivy Bar. Ferns. Obsessed.
The adjacent Ivy Lounge. Palms. Love.
The adorable Mad Cow restaurant. {They even have covetable vegetarian options!}
The upscale Italian eatery Uccello overlooks the Pool and delivers mouthwatering southern Italian flavors and an impressive wine list.
If your travels ever lead to you Sydney – with your husband, your girlfriends or even family {like me!} you must make a night {or perhaps seven} out of Ivy – you certainly won’t go board, hungry or thirsty…and the Wearstler-esq interior design will keep you dreaming!
A special thanks to Charlotte and Rob for introducing to us to all that Sydney has to offer. We loved sharing it all with you!
