I have visited many cities and there are a few that I know I will return to time and again and each for a different reason. Paris for the architecture and romance, New York for adventure and inspiration and Brisbane for The Calile. Brisbane wasn't supposed to be a highlight on our trip. We were flying in on a late flight from New Zealand on our way to the Gold Coast, and we decided to stay a night and explore a little of Australia's third largest city and capital of Queensland. A quick search online for the best cafes and boutiques narrowed my search to the Fortitude Valley and The Calile became the obvious choice.
The Calile is a luxury hotel for design lovers. It is beautiful and stylish and from the moment you step inside you immediately feel that you are here, not just for a stay, but for an experience. Our original plan had been to stay the night and spend the following day exploring Brisbane but when I spied the designer boutiques that lead to the hotel's luxe reception area my plans began to quickly change. Once I laid eyes on the palm tree lined pool it was game over. I was no longer thinking of trips to GOMA and the City Botanic Gardens; I was instead imagining myself, cocktail in hand, lounging poolside under one of the sage green parasols that are oh so achingly chic.
Our deluxe suite was to die for. All muted pinks, brushed brass tones and marble surfaces. The bathroom separates the lounge area from the bedroom, and the pièce de résistance is the large freestanding bathtub that sits right in its center. What could be more indulgent following many hours of uncomfortable air travel, than a long soak in a giant bathtub using the complimentary Grown Alchemist bath amenities?
We had arrived too late and too tired to check out the hotel's highly recommended Hellenika restaurant but the charcuterie board and pinot noir that we ordered to the room did not disappoint. There is also an impressive selection of nibbles to choose from and a mini-bar stocked with locally sourced liquors. I collapsed into the king size bed that night already wishing that we had booked more than a one night stay.
The following morning I stepped out onto the terrace-style balcony to take in the Instagrammable pool views from above. It is captivating, so pleasing to the eye and so carefully and cleverly curated that I stood for some time taking it in. The sage green parasols are clustered just so at one end of the pool and the palm trees stand tall behind the poolside cabanas. I don't think I'm overstating it and yet I can't quite put my finger on why exactly I love it so much. Designed by local architects Richards and Spence, their vision was to create a resort style feel in an otherwise urban environment - mission accomplished!
We finally tore ourselves away from the hotel long enough to check out those boutiques that I had seen the night before. The James Street Precinct is home to an impressive list of fashion stores - everything from Witchery and Saba to Dion Lee and Zimmermann. My shopping spree began in the Calile hotel lobby which is home to M.O.S.T. (Museum of Small Things). It is exactly as described, a marble floored room filled with all manner of beautifully designed petite objects. Scented candles, Slip silk face masks, delicate jewellery - I wanted it all but the fiancé managed to extract me before I could do too much damage.
As our short stay had rapidly turned into a treat yourself spree for the senses I decided that it wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Calile's spa. The Kailo Wellness Medispa offers everything from massages and facials to personalised cosmetic treatments. I emerged from my Ultraceuticals facial with glowing skin and feeling completely relaxed. The results lingered long after I had waved goodbye to the Calile.
Our stay was short but very sweet and it has definitely left us longing for more. The fiancé usually comes away from most of our trips with an epic landscape shot, but our fleeting visit didn't really allow him much time for this. He did however manage to take a sneaky shot of me living my best life in the Calile's deluxe suite!
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