CAPELLA SYDNEY - Dream A Little Dream Comes True

Arrive in style, relax, unwind and indulge, breathe and soak in as much as possible from the amazing transformation of the already century old building where modernity meets contemporary interior design, the epitome of Capella Sydney sets the benchmark for a new luxury statement in a Sydney footprint of a five star staycation above all others. mylifestylenews writes.
 

Centrally located in a beguiling landmark and a hallmark building that occupies an entire block off Farrer Place, this latest luxury addition is situated on Bridge Street, just a short walk from the harbour and forms part of the historic sandstone precinct buildings clustered around the Circular Quay waterfront. This may not be what you’d expect to find in bustling Sydney, even if, being familiar with the Capella hotel group portfolio, you’ve prepared yourself for something different - exuberant, austere or something in between, but above all modern - chances are Capella Sydney will give you a bit of a jolt.
 

The former heritage listed 1912 Edwardian style Department of Education building on Bridge Street is now the luxury accommodation of Capella Sydney which is probably a once-in-a-generation project that has revived the story of an important local historical figure. Capella Sydney has gone through a painstaking transformation after an extensive multi-million dollar renovation over 7 years. As a new pillar of the Sydney heritage hotel scene, Capella Sydney is the latest to add to the city’s luxurious accommodation, transforming a historic building into an urban oasis. Yes, they are multiple types of marble and pillars, and is unquestionably an Australian hostelry with a distinct POV of its own that’s expressed in myriad ways, but is firmly entrenched in the city’s sandstone precinct that has its roots in historical Sydney.

 

If the walls could talk, they would tell a tale of notoriety and prestige. The opulent Capella Sydney continues to welcome the domestic and international elites since its opening in March 2023. To celebrate the noble beauty that has been refined with a modern touch, the arrival experience takes your breath away and what lies within has a new story to tell in tandem with keeping so many historical flourishes that have been lovingly restored because they should be given a new lease of life and enjoyed by a new generation of culturally curious guests.
 

While at the same time creating one of the most beautifully renovated buildings in Sydney as of 2023 - the facade is Unesco protected no less! In the mesh of traditional and current aesthetic elements, style collaborates with design to give a fresh new look. The meticulous restoration and re-imagining has been done in partnership with Make Architects and they have created light and airy interiors that dispose of that old-fashioned fussiness to create a youthful vibe, cast in a warm palette and suffused with natural light. There is a genuine warmth to this sensitive renovation and comfort and style with great design dominates the interior of Capella Sydney that is exactly what the brand has in spades.

 

When you can choose the best, let the experience take you to the unknown and at least that’s what we have done by stepping out from our comfort zone and taken in the unexpected next level pampering. Be ready to embark on an epic and boundless exploration of history and newly created luxury that uses some extraordinary architecture as a springboard to creating something old new again!
 

 The facade is especially photogenic, it is undoubtedly chic and with a great sophisticated charm here. The lobby is elegant and chic with dimmed lighting that suits the cozy mood and ambience.

Beyond the lobby, the all-day-dining Aperture spreads across the ground level if you enter from Bent Street that segues into an in-door “alfresco” lush courtyard decorated with the abundance of nature, including a seven-metre-high green wall featuring nearly 70 local species of flora is the first venue to emerge from the re-imagined Farrer Place foyer.

 

The artwork is noticeable but restrained and you immediately will have your gaze drawn in by the Amsterdam-based Studio Drift’s whimsical bespoke kinetic sculpture “Meadow” installation (the clipping eyes/dancing clam or jellyfish) catches everybody’s eyes upon stepping into this chic and stylish verdant canopy lounge flanked by two weeping figs to honour the recent grand opening with style being the main feature. This magical, light-filled space is just one piece of the stunning display throughout the hotel where the magnitude of the storied site and its transformation is on display and laid out logically.

Sitting beneath the installation of changing colors you are completely captivated, while beams of light shine through the expansive glass ceiling over a bright sunny day that add brilliance to the already nook ambience and it changes the mood after dark for a more intimate get-together.

The luxurious hotel brand has cleverly combined old world luxurious materials and design with an eclectic range of art work installations that elevate the living gallery to another level of comfort through art that has been transformed into the realm of imagination.

 Being a new edition for the Capella brand it is in a class of its own. Capella Sydney has put the country on the map for a new luxury-accommodation tourism market, as it excels at this prime and alluring location in a neighbourhood that is never short of charm.
 

The privilege to be welcomed as their guest is to discover hidden gems and insider knowledge and there is no shame in asking the friendly Culturists about the historical re-installment by “testing” their knowledge to discover the unknown - as everyone has their own story to tell - and to possibly inspire you or brighten your horizon.
 

Jonathan Fambart, the hotel’s Chief Culturist has more than the off-the-beaten-track insight of this vibrant city for you to explore. Bespoke Capella history journey experiences such as local culture tours and adventures, and architecture walk are designed and curated to enjoy at a leisurely pace, giving you more time to discover the captivating cultural experiences so that you can truly be immersed in the memorable destinations.

With the intricate craftsmanship of the original building to ensure beauty is an over-arching ideal, the accommodation also does not fail to dazzle, as it is as unique as the property itself. The 192 guest rooms and suites have been restored to the Belle-Époque-era glory of its original, showcasing delectable walnuts, natural stones and deluxe textiles wrapped by the historic facade, which creates an oasis of luxury hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney with modern additions and touches that are dovetailed with intricate craftsmanship of the original building.

While the rooms on levels one to six are in the heritage-listed part of the building - all connected by lifts and the magnificent original marble staircases with iron scroll work balustrades, the rooms on levels seven to eleven are in the new build that sits on top of the 1912 original.
 

We were upgraded and assigned a Skyline Suite on level seven with a view overlooking the urban flow and skyscrapers on Bent Street. The aesthetic is sleek and uncluttered, the 77sqm Skyline Suite is significant in size and style, separates the bedroom and living area and is beautifully detailed and designed to celebrate the building’s heritage.
 

The windows looking out to the view of the next buildings in the living area are not huge yet draw sensibly enough natural light to the entire sitting lounge area with lavish soft sofa, curated artwork creating a pretty reading-relaxing nook as well as a rather dimmed standing lamp and furnishing in a gentle palate of neutral tones that offers a calm, comforting tranquil atmosphere. This personal oasis comes with contemporary elegance and timeless charm where you can enjoy exceptional comfort and space, seamless connection and is completely satisfying.
 

The indulgent accommodation features elegant furnishings and modern amenities with modern and intuitive technology that has been used inventively throughout and allows you to control lighting that has “art light” to highlight the gorgeous works or “bed light” for a more mellow mood together with multi-layered curtains and temperature. From the touch of the provided tablet next to the bed, 24-hour in-room dining and other useful information is just a touch away. Not forgetting the curated mini-bar with locally sourced products that comes complimentary with all the non-alcoholic beverages.

The huge and luxurious bathroom used to be a separate room but has now been opened up with a Claybrook oval bathtub as the centrepiece. There are brass fittings and black trims, which comprises double vanities, dual head rain shower with premium and exclusive Haeckels amenities. The shower room is one of the largest we have ever experienced. Every detail has formed a cohesive design story, meticulously refined to offer a luxurious, unique and comfortable stay.
 

The modern touches and comforts allows you to curl up in the comfort of the heavenly bed and Frette sheets before tomorrow brings another grand experience and soak up the city skyline from the giant king bed without the worry of preying eyes. Experience the epitome of luxury and be immersed in the history and culture of Capella Sydney as you experience unforgettable moments, inaccessible to the ordinary traveller of this sanctuary in the bustling city. Housekeeping arrives twice daily and does an impeccable job and ensures there is heaps of hygge in returning to this cocooned comfort, a cozy contentment of some sort.
 

The 20-metre indoor heated swimming pool is another relaxation spot to chill  that might well distract you from the bustling city’s sights and tourist drawcards with an entrance on level six via the entrance of the hotel’s Auriga Spa with an adjacent fully equipped high tech gym.

Cocoon yourself in this tranquil haven under a giant glass-dome ceiling drawing multiple natural light especially on a typical Sydney sunny blue sky day. Look up while you swim and watch the clouds moving atop the surrounding buildings is another unique experience.

 

Enrich your world of a luxurious staycation with a convivial by savouring the unrivalled of French Bistronomique dinning at Brasserie 1930 that in itself is architecture that can only be described as sumptuous in a bustling vibe or head to the intimate McRae Bar, this modern rendition of a Victorian-era drinking den is a nod to the original Scottish-born architect George McRae of the golden sandstone building.

McRae Bar

 

Otherwise, pop your head over to The Living Room, with the daily complimentary refreshments and snacks over the cocktail hour which begins at 5pm for all in-house guests.

This signature haven in all Capella properties is another gathering place well situated in a large airy public space with an abundance of cozy nooks and beverages and canapes that do not fail to please!

 

Breakfast serves daily also at Brasserie 1930 which is transformed to a graceful buffet setting with a yummylicious Continental spread from local sourced produce. Hot dishes are presented on a curated menu and cooked a-la-minute and be hungry to sample the wide selections from the classic Eggs Benedict to even some Asian best such as the meatball congee. Just to name a few.

What lies within tells the true story and every detail forms a cohesive design story, meticulously refined to offer a luxury, unique and comfortable stay. There are more sophisticated treats and this is what comfort is all about. By unrivalled anticipatory luxury service and endless enrichment of its kind, service is discreet yet attentive. Uncover what luxury means to you, sometimes luxury can be personal as there’s no better way to reconnect with the luxe of the heritage in Capella Sydney whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones or to rediscover the wanderlust within.
 

If you appreciate the dream of fulfilling, boundless wanderlust and lifelong immersive learning, Capella Sydney makes this a reality. A luxury, unique staycation journey of incomparable exploration awaits. This Capella group’s first foray outside of Asia is a triumph. The whole hotel is committed to an artistic feel and doubtless it has turned into an Instagrammer’s dream. The stunning embodiment of modern architecture and design excellence taking the benchmark for luxury down-under to new heights. Be ready to embark on an epic and boundless exploration.
 

From check-in to check-out, Capella Sydney is a luxurious yet intimate and personal stay with incredible attention to detail and your world is about to get wider. Indulge yourself in pampered luxury, they go beyond the obvious to please and make every moment a milestone. Dream a little dream comes true and a journey celebrated!

Tried & Tested:

Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5

Highlights:

Design & Decor

Capella Sydney

24, Loftus Street,

Sydney, NSW

Australia

Tel: +61 2 9071 5000

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.