Weekend Escape Series

We are gearing up for an exciting 2018 with lots of new experiences and adventures to share with our ES Lifestyle Concierge community.

We are starting our Weekend Escape series for 2018 in Hobart, the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania.  Just a short 1, hour 55-minute flight from Sydney and we arrive at 11.40 am to start our 4-day journey of discovery.

Since opening in June 2017, the new MACq01 has been high on our list of hotels to experience.  Located on the Hobart Macquarie Wharf, the MACq 01 story starts as you arrive with the words “every villain needs a hero”, “every story needs a start” and every traveller needs a pillow” on the stairs to the Hotel.

As you enter the Hotel to check in you are greeted by a …… lounge with a central fireplace where you can just picture yourself with a nice glass of Tassie wine and a good book or great conversation with your travel partner.  This historic quarter, is now home to 114 rooms designed by hip heritage architects Circa Morris Nunn.

You know you have left the city when you hop out of the lift to wide hallways and openness.  The generous size rooms with king beds, big balcony, walk in wardrobe with shower and bath and the most fabulous jersey hooded robes are a welcomed treat.  The quality décor and attention to detail in the rooms make for a welcome stay with quality glassware, local gin and whiskey to be sampled from the mini-bar, free selection of movies and daily complimentary bottles of water.

Step out onto your waterfront balcony and take in the magic that is the Derwent River, Constitution Dock – home to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and views Mount Wellington.

Day 1 – We like to arrive, check into our Hotel and after a relaxing lunch on the Wharf at the Hotel head out for a walking tour of the city.  Hobart is a city of history and wonderful stories, about convicts, explorers, villains and heroes – take a  walking tour along the waterfront and historical Hunter Street and the famous Salamanca Place.

We finished our beautiful Hobart afternoon of exploring with a drink in the lounge of the Frogmore Creek Lounge.  Located at the waterfront entrance to the MACq01 Hotel, with views back onto the Hobart City and Mt Wellington, it was the perfect way to watch the sunsetting over Hobart with Tasmanian appetizers and impressive wine selection.

 

Day 2 – An escape to Hobart would not be complete without a visit to MONA, the Museum of old and New Art.  It is the largest privately funded museum in Australia and is the brainchild of Tasmanian David Walsh.

MONA is just a short 25-minute fast ferry from Hobart where we upgraded to the POSH PIT to enjoy complimentary champagne and canapes in an exclusive lounge.  What a perfect start to a day of culture and exploration

Enjoy a day of diverse artworks, beer tasting with MOO Brew Beer, wine tasting with Moorilla Estate Vineyard and dining for every taste in The Source Restaurant, Wine Bar, Void Bar or the newly opened bar and restaurant; Faro.

After a full day of art history and learning, it was time for a nice hot bath back at the Hotel, before slipping into one of the MACq01 divine hooded robes for room service and a movie!

 

Day 3 – Today we set off for a day of exploration and wine adventures.  Our first stop, a scenic drive to the top of Mt Wellington to take in the amazing views over Hobart and the Derwent River.

Before setting out for any wine adventure, we always like to seek out the favourites of wine loving local experts.  Big shout out the to the team at Frogmore Creek lounge for a fantastic selection of wineries for our wine journey and lunch.

  1. Frogmore Creek – wine tasting and gourmet lunch
  2. Riversdale Estate – wine tasting
  3. Coal River Farm – chocolate and cheese
  4. Puddleduck Vineyard – wine tasting
  5. Pooley Wines – wine tasting and pizza

 

Day 4 – After a leisurely final breakfast and coffee at MACq01 in the Old Wharf Restaurant, we head off for a scenic drive to Peppermint Bay before we say goodbye to Hobart.  This picture perfect setting is just 30 minutes south of Hobart in Woodbridge overlooking the Derwent River.  You can dine in the highly regarding and reviewed Peppermint Bay Bistro or on the terrace with a bar menu of local produce, Tasmanian beers and wines.

Hobart, until next time – we will be back to continue our Tassie adventures – 4-days was just the beginning of a food and wine adventures.

If you are inspired by our Hobart weekend escape, have your Lifestyle Manager plan your weekend escape to Tasmania with flights, accommodation, explore itinerary, airport transfers or car hire.

If you are not a member, this is an ideal opportunity to explore our casual memberships – perfect for the traveller.