Justine Tyerman
editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Perhaps it was the bubbles in my glass or the spa, but I found myself saying odious things like: before chef-to-the-stars Clancy cooked lunch for us “at home”, he looked after Gerard Butler’s culinary needs for three weeks as his live-in chef, and after we left, Ronan Keating and his girlfriend moved in and threw an extravagant party on “our” balcony.
I confess I enjoyed the look of wonder on the faces of my friends who suddenly took an animated interest in the alluring mansions on the Luxe Houses website, making helpful suggestions about where WE all might like to go next on OUR travels.
Personally, I would go back to La Corniche. The panorama from the 14 room-establishment with its wrap-around balconies was astonishing, encompassing a broad arc from Luna Park, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House to the skyscrapers of the downtown CBD. In fact, when we arrived by private lift at the impressive circular marble entranceway to the 300sq.m whole-floor apartment, the impact of the view through the huge curved picture windows of the living space rendered us speechless and motionless.
The flagship of Luxe Houses’ portfolio of prestigious private rental properties in Australia, New Zealand and now Thailand, our magnificent three-bedroom, four-bathroom abode came with a concierge and a mind-boggling list of services, including having chef Clancy cook for us “at home” for our wedding anniversary.
The days slipped by in a haze of self-indulgence starting with breakfast on the balcony with that mesmerising view, a workout at the gym or some laps in the heated pool at the fitness centre a few steps downstairs from our apartment, followed by a stroll around the boardwalk to Luna Park or a quick ferry ride from the McMahon Point wharf below us to Darling Harbour or Circular Quay for lunch or shopping.
One day we strolled through Hyde Park past lovely fountains, gardens and the beautiful Anzac Memorial, through the scenic botanical gardens and jumped on the famous Manly ferry, perfectly timed to watch a stunning sunset behind the Harbour Bridge. Sydney at its best.
My food-obsessed husband and daughter spent hours at play in the huge kitchen with its impressive line-up of German Gaggenau appliances, marble bench and Nespresso machine.
The bedrooms were gorgeous – the spacious master bedroom with an adjoining dressing room had a super-king bed, plush, deep carpet soft enough to sleep on, a balcony with a Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city lights view and a spacious tiled ensuite with a glass-walled hydrotherapy shower and spa bath large enough for six. The second bedroom had a king bed, balcony with a fabulous harbour view and an ensuite with a spa bath, while the third bedroom had an ensuite – and a piano.
Air New Zealand flies direct to Sydney from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Rotorua with flight options also available on alliance partner Virgin Australia. www.airnz.co.nz
* Justine Tyerman stayed at Luxe Houses’ La Corniche.
www.luxehouses.com.au/holiday-house/la-corniche/
Visit www.luxehouses.com.au to view 200 spectacular rental properties in Australia, New Zealand and now Thailand.
Kata Rocks, Phuket, Thailand:www.luxehouses.com.au/holiday-house/kata-rocks/