Enjoy a warm welcome at Sydney's Exclusive Bayside Retreat

Nestled within the heart of Double Bay, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a world of refined luxury and culinary excellence.

The award-winning, luxury InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is located in the leafy Eastern Suburbs village of Double Bay.

Retreat to this boutique hotel and relax in one of its 140 light-filled spacious guestrooms and suites, with private balconies and courtyard garden views overlooking the bay or village.

Relax with a drink at The Upper Bar, a stylish and iconic pooside bar with breathtaking harbour views. Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, or an expertly-mixed cocktails in the evening, before indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at The Dining Room. Experience true luxury with range of facilities, including a fully equipped 24-hour gym, while surrounded by high-end fashion boutiques, laneway cafes and harbour beaches. And with Sydney's CBD just five kilometres away by ferry or car, you're never far from everything this exciting city has to offer.

Drawing inspiration from the great hotel bars of London, Rome, Paris, and New York, this esteemed establishment has brought back the glamour and sophistication that Sydneysiders have long yearned for. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance of The Bar transports you to a bygone era of timeless elegance. The combination of lush surroundings, with its thick carpet and dusty-pink high-backed velvet chairs, and the white-jacketed waitstatt exudes an air of sophistication, setting the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.

The menu at The Bar is a celebration of local produce, with a focus of European dishes.

Every plate that leaves the kitchen is a testament to the culinary expertise and artistry of the talented team of chefs. Diners can expect a symphony of flavours as they savour dishes that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation.

The Bar at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience in Sydney.

It is a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and palates are delighted.

FIT COLLECTIVE DOUBLE BAY

Fit Collective is a hotel gym located on the ground level promenade of the hotel, is a fully equipped fitness facility with dedicated cardiovascular equipment, resistance equipment and tree weights.

The Technogym equipment provides you with a totally immersive workout experience and benefit from connected ecosystem to stay on track with your wellness lifestyle, anywhere and anytime. Gym facilities are complimentary for guests staying at the hotel and memberships are available for members of the public.

Fit Collective is open 24/7 and the minimum age for entry is 18-years-old.

Gym membership offers:

• Unlimited access to exciting range of scheduled classes such as Cross Training, Yoga, Boot Camp, Weights Curcuit and HIIT 30.

• Showers with luxurious Byredo amenities, towels, hair dryers.

• 10% food and beverage discount.

INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

DOUBLE BAY

33 CROSS STREET, DOUBLE BAY www. doublebay.intercontinental.com

Whale Spotting While You Walk

With World Ocean Day on soon –June 8 – it’s the perfect time to walk the South Head coastal path to see if you can see a migrating whale. Woollahra Council is running its popular Whale Watching Walks on June 4, July 2 and July 19 from 9am to 11am.

“These events are a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, connect with other people and hopefully spot some whales!” a Woollahra Council spokesperson told Eastern Suburbs Life. As tickets always sell out fast, it’s best to book a spot ASAP! And do bring binoculars if you can.

The whale watching walk and talk teaches attendees about the history of whaling in Australia as well as the natural and cultural heritage of the Vaucluse area.

Walks start at Macquarie Lighthouse –Australia’s first lighthouse, built in 1818 and designed by convict architect Francis Greenway for Lachlan Macquarie, then Governor of NSW.

The walks fi nis h at Gap Park, Watsons Bay which showcases panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the ocean as well as colonial history with early fortifications, shipwreck relics, and disused gun placements from past wars. While there, stroll the two-metre wide accessible pathway along the historic tramway route which takes visitors past bushland rock escarpment and through a lush rainforest gully – a very different experience to the exposed coastal walk hugging the cliff tops above.

A raised ti mber boardwalk has been constructed over prominent fig tree roots to protect them, and seating has been installed along the route for resting and taking in magnificent views of the Harbour Bridge and the tranquil surrounds. www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/events/events_ list/whale-watching-walk

Whale Of A Time

Entertaining for kids – and another fun way to learn about the east coast whale migration – is the immersive audio walking experience ‘South Head Whale Tale’ – which can be easily accessed online, anytime. Written by actor/writer Vashti Hughes, who is the voice of the lead female whale, she describes how whales feed in the bountiful Antarctic waters to enhance blubber reserves for the long journey north towards the Great Barrier Reef. Abundant marine life plus whale rituals and habits are delightfully detailed as well as hazards they can encounter.

This story te lling project was inspired by Peter C. Stone’s award-winning illustrated book, Waltzes with Giants, with impressive creative contributions by the talented Friends of South Head collective – which includes actor Drew Fairley, comedian/journalist Wil Anderson and composer/musician Ross Johnston. southheadwhale.org/story

Whale watching season coincides with the recent publication of the charmingly illustrated book Gurawul The Whale – An ancient story for our time, the original and enthralling Dreamtime story of the migration by late Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, whose people have a local connection.

Paula Towers