The talk of the town come winter, Vivid Sydney is returning for its 13th year – boasting a glowing program of culinary explorations, talks, concerts, art installations and of course, light projections.
Spanning the CBD including the likes of Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, pilgrims and Sydneysiders will be treated to 60 light transformations of the urban environment for three weeks from 26 May.
Below, we take a look at some of the best-positioned Sydney hotels with primo views of the harbour to soak up Vivid 2023.
Recently opened as the first Capella property in the land Down Under, Capella Sydney offers signature touches of the hotel group's opulent character. Situated behind Edwardian Baroque sandstone and beyond a marble foyer lies 192 guestrooms, the private Living Room space, an indoor pool, yoga platform, Auriga spa and in-house restaurant Brasserie 1930 which is being run by Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley Group.
Just off cobblestone laneways in the Rocks and nestled in the harbour foreshore lies the sparkling Park Hyatt. Each of the 155 guestrooms, the restaurant and even the rooftop hot tub boasts front-row views of the Sydney Opera House – perfect for late afternoon ferry watching and evening Vivid wonderment.
An eco-hideaway within the sprawling lands of Taronga Zoo, Wildlife Retreat captures harbour views amongst animal sanctuaries and offers a seasonal menu with locally-sourced, native ingredients at the award-winning Me-Gal restaurant. A brand new illuminated night trail depicting Australia's flora and fauna in the zoo will inevitably be a Vivid must-see.
Old-timey glamour and killer harbour views add to the allure of this destination hotel situated in the coveted Rocks district. Boasting 564 guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining options and Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Sydney offers an urban oasis that's still right in the thick of it.
You can't get much closer to the action than Pier One, which lies beside the southern pylon of bridge in Dawes Point. Working to a nautical theme with clean lines and enviable views, this wharf hotel is a fisherman or sightseer's delight.
In the dress circle location of Sydney on Macquarie Street is the InterContinental within a 19th-Century building. Offering luxe vistas of the harbour, this 509-room hotel also has bars, restaurants, a pool, gym and day spa to really round out your stay.
Beyond the Langham's white marble lobby with chandeliers of yesteryear is the moody Observatory Bar with an exclusive wine list and curious cocktails. Mahogany furniture charms the guestrooms and the hotel's tennis court, day spa, pool and hot tub make for good recovery after a late night of light sightseeing.
Bright and airy, the Four Seasons is thoughtfully designed with understated furnishings. Unwind with a trip to the spa and wellness centre, state-of-the-art gym or pool before heading out for the evening or dining at in-house Mode Kitchen that heroes modern Aussie dishes made with seasonal local produce.
