Travel

Eat, sleep & repeatWe visit The Calile Hotel for a taste of A-list luxury and fine dining to discover an escape to delight the senses

When you arrive at The Calile hotel in Brisbane’s James Street, the first thing you notice is the light. It’s a beautiful, diffused filter, sent straight from the islands of the Mediterranean and guaranteed to not only make you look good, but immediately transport you into holiday mode.

The next thing you notice as you venture into the pink-hued reception, flanked by arched doorways and muslin curtains, is that everyone looks like they’re a celebrity: both the guests and staff. Sunglasses and labels are on show here and for good reason. The likes of George Clooney and Julia Roberts recently enjoyed a long liquid lunch at the hotel’s Apollo Bar, sampling the delights created by chef Andrew Gunn and his wife Amelia. “That was a great experience,” said Food and Beverage manager Warren Lindsay of his afternoon sipping rose with the superstars. Clooney and Co aren’t the only A-listers to sample the delights of The Calile and its myriad of restaurants. (During our stay we spotted some family members from an Australian acting dynasty). The real star of the show is the food. There’s the simple French fare served at the Lobby Bar, with a touch of chef Gunn’s mum’s secret spice recipe added to some of the dishes (don’t go past the omelette for a mouth-watering breakfast). “We’ve brought a new menu to the Lobby Bar that reflects who we are,” said Michelin-trained Gunn. “We’ve created a story here, with the food, people and music all telling their part.” It’s definitely a best-seller, with bookings necessary for meals and Friday cocktails in particular proving popular with the neighbourhood keen to taste the bite-sized offerings alongside the bar’s impressive cocktail list. There’s Hellenika, decamped from its Gold Coast location, the newly-opened Sushi room, the ever-popular Same Same restaurant or a taste of Italy at Bianca’s to choose from. The rooftop gardens provide many of the herbs used in the cooking, and there’s plans for beehives and soon to be installed solar farm, Gunn tells me. There’s another reason The Calile is so popular with the A-list: there’s little need to venture any further from the impressive entryway. Alongside the international menus, the Gunn-curated room service offerings and inviting, green-tiled heated pool with bar service, the hotel boasts a luxurious shopping experience right on the hotel’s doorstep. The stores are stocked with Aussie designers too. “It’s an oasis within an oasis,” said Lindsay. When the sunbathing, swimming, sipping and snacking becomes too much, it’s a short walk to the relaxing surrounds of your impeccably-designed room or for a relaxing treatment in the Kailo Medispa. There’s also a library if work does come calling, or you just want to immerse yourself in the latest, must-read novel. There’s no A-list snobbery here though. The service is down-to-earth and friendly, from the smiling receptionists to the eager-to-please staff at the Apollo Bar. Rooms are minimalist but lavish, in that Mediterranean way: think luxurious linens, soft pinks (which make everyone look like they’ve used an Instagram filter) and rounded balconies for sunset drinks or people-watch those swimming below. You don’t need to be a celebrity to stay at The Calile, but you’ll certainly be treated as one while you’re there. 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley thecalilehotel.com

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