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Oceania Holiday Rentals

Experience Sydney’s most iconic suburbs with these top holiday rentals

Words by

Dilvin Yasa

Published

31 May 2024

Experience Sydney’s most iconic suburbs with these top holiday rentals

Your next Sydney getaway begins here…

Royal Suite – 53-59sqm – From INR 550,000 (about AUD$10,300) plus taxes

Why stay here

Known as the Venice of the East, the city of Udaipur, with its elaborate palaces, serene lakes, exotic temples and resplendent gardens, has much to offer, and there is no more luxurious place to stay than Taj Lake Palace. This magnificent hotel is a living testament to the splendour of the Rajput era and boasts a position on Lake Pichola, with the City Palace, ancient temples and bustling markets, that echo age-old trades, just a boat ride away.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Design

The majestic building, originally known as ‘Jag Niwas’, was constructed under the watchful eye of Maharana Jagat Singh II, and was used as a summer retreat by the Mewar Royal family until Maharana Bhagwat Singh, Mewar of Udaipur, converted the palace into a heritage hotel in 1963. Its architecture is influenced by the Mughals (a Muslim dynasty who ruled in the 18th century) and features Mewari techniques throughout. The arched windows and intricate carvings mirror the architectural style prominent during the Rajput reign, while the chandeliers might have seen countless royal gatherings.

The hotel features 65 luxurious rooms and 18 unique and decadent suites, each showcasing crystal artwork and stained glassworks. Every corner of my Royal Suite, named Basant Bahar, conjures up a tale from the past. The silk drapes and marble inlays could have been the choice of a Rajput prince or princess and, waking up to the serene view of the lake and surrounding Aravalli hills, I can imagine the historical processions and celebrations that might have taken place along the ghats.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Dining

The hotel’s magical setting provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisine served at its elegant restaurants – open only to resident guests. Neel Kamal dishes up authentic Rajasthani cuisine and other dishes from India, and dining here was like flipping through the pages of a Rajasthani cookbook written eons ago. Feasting on the traditional thali (a traditional round platter of food) was an exploration of Udaipur’s culinary history, and the wine, both local and international, felt like a tribute to the trade relations the city might have had in yesteryear.  For a more international menu, the seasonal open-air restaurant Bhairo serves contemporary European delicacies.

Each evening, I was treated to a delicious gin cocktail concoction at the rooftop restaurant, and guests can indulge in signature martinis and cocktails, and a grand collection of premium international spirits at the bar, Amrit Sagar.

THE UPGRADE

Take things up a notch with a stay in either a Grand Royal Suite or Grand Presidential Suite, the latter of which spans a whopping 161 square metres and will set you back around AUD$20,500 per night.

Spa & wellness

The Jiva Spa offers a rejuvenating experience that draws inspiration from India’s age-old wellness practices. Its signature Mewar Khas treatment is a must-try, seamlessly blending ancient royal routines with contemporary practices, and the yoga sessions overlooking the placid lake add to the serenity of the spa experience.

Special touches

True to Rajput traditions, every guest at Taj Lake Palace is treated with unparalleled warmth and hospitality. Personalised touches, such as handwritten notes, amplify the experience, making guests feel like a part of the royal lineage.

tajhotels.com

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Your next Sydney getaway begins here…

In partnership with Getawayz NSW

Forget Paris, Sydney with its iconic harbour, spectacular national parks and postcard-perfect beaches, is always a great idea. In the Emerald City’s eastern suburbs, glittering coves and celebrated eateries await, while heading west yields untold wildlife experiences. The northern beaches with its myriad white sand beaches cannot be overlooked, nor can the national parks of the south.

Overwhelmed by choice? Getawayz NSW, a boutique agency specialising in short-term holiday rentals,  invites you to indulge in the luxury of their meticulously curated holiday homes around Sydney, each hand-selected to make the most of the attractions which surround them.

Offering everything from luxurious apartments to spectacular waterfront villas, we present four options for your next Sydney getaway.

ST JAMES HOUSE, POTTS POINT

A beautiful harbourside suburb that has it all: a vibrant cafe and restaurant scene, cutting edge theatres and quirky bars, more Art Deco buildings than a The Great Gatsby cinematic showcase and yet mere moments from some of the most beautiful waterfront parks and pools in the country.

In the heart of a street teeming with celebrated buildings and mere moments from Llankelly Place, one of Sydney’s most atmospheric dining laneways (and home to the unmissable Pina and Room 10), St James House combines Art Deco elegance with contemporary living at its finest. Light, bright and airy, the two-bedroom apartment not only has all the mod-cons you could require, but is located less than a minutes’ walk to the supermarket and 300 metres to Kings Cross Station (and of course, its nightlife).

A tipple at Dulcie’s, shopping the boutiques of Macleay Street and a stroll around nearby Rushcutters Bay Park are all considered must-dos during your stay.

St James House - Potts Point - Bedroom

St James House - Potts Point

St James House – Potts Point

LATITUDE, KIRRIBILLI

Nestled among the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Kirribilli packs quite a punch for both its size and village atmosphere. Kirribilli House, the much-loved Kirribilli Markets, Dr Mary Booth Reserve Foreshore Walkway and yes, those Insta-famous Jacaranda-filled streets are all here, while Luna Park is mere moments away.

Our Prime Minister and the Governor General might enjoy Kirribilli water views, but with Latitude,  a spectacular apartment on the water’s edge with direct views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can too. The two-bedroom apartment is located only steps to Kirribilli Wharf and a five-minute walk to Milsons Point train station, enabling not only front row access to the cafes and restaurant of the suburb (don’t miss the Japanese breakfast dishes at Cool Mac Cafe, nor grabbing a flat white to go at Celsius Coffee down on the wharf), but quick access to Sydney’s CBD.

The Enmore - Enmore

The Enmore - Enmore - Dining Room

The Enmore

THE ENMORE, ENMORE

Sandwiched between Newtown and Marrickville, Enmore – jam-packed with restaurants, bars, boutiques and live music venues – is one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs and bustling with life, no matter the time of day.. Located minutes from Newtown station (making it a quick commute to and from the city), highlights of Enmore include a meal at Colombo Social, a social enterprise kitchen; a martini at the quirky Bar Planet, browsing the thrift stores of nearby King Street, and checking out the gig guide at Enmore Theatre (and hopefully catching a gig).

Despite being moments from King Street, The Enmore offers a pocket of calm, serving up two thoughtfully designed bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining room, plus a courtyard for those who want the best of both worlds. The cherry on top? The property also has a coffee machine and a washing machine for those who can face the sunlight.

Always Friday - Bondi Beach

Always Friday – Bondi Beach

ALWAYS FRIDAY, BONDI BEACH

Australian beaches don’t come any more iconic than this sweeping white sand crescent in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Although celebrated for its laidback lifestyle and surf culture, there’s just as much to enjoy away from the waves as there is in the water. On top of the list? A swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool, a morning yoga class minutes from the sandy shore, shopping Bondi Farmers Markets on a Saturday, as well as the Bondi Markets on a Sunday, and tackling the six-kilometre  Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Adding colour to your Bondi Beach stay is Always Friday a beachside, bohemian apartment which has all the mod-cons to enjoy the suburban. Featuring an undercover car spot, getting in and around the city is a breeze, while you’re still within walking distance to the likes of Icebergs Dining Room and Sean’s Panorama.

Indulge in the luxury of Getawayz NSW

Exclusive to Luxury Travel subscribers, enjoy a 5% discount for stays of 7 days or more, 10% off for stays lasting 14 days or longer, or a generous 15% off for stays of 21 days or more. Offer excludes Public Holidays..


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