Melbourne, located on the coast of Southern Australia, is where boats cruise the harbour by day and electric lights reflect off the bay by night. An emerging city full of award winning restaurants, trend-setting art, with nature just a stones-throw away, Melbourne is an excellent destination for 2015’s Australian Open, which runs from January 19, until February 1. With summer in full swing and a thrilling tennis championship to attend, there isn’t a better time to bask in Melbourne’s sun and indulge at some of the ultra-luxurious hot spots around town.
1. Fly in style
Arriving to Australia from an international destination? Flying with the official partner of the Australian Open would be ideal. Emirates Airlines flies the A380 (the largest commercial aircraft in the world) daily into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) direct from the carrier’s hub in Dubai. The double-decker plane boasts a cocktail lounge for first class passengers to stand and mingle during the hours not spent sprawling out in a spacious bed, so the long-haul trip to Melbourne will be a breeze.
Purchase tickets here.
2. Stay and play
The Langham, Melbourne is one of the many five-star hotels around town that will surely impress. Many rooms include a panoramic view of the Yarra River and the skyline of Melbourne, a lavish view to complement downtime spent in any of the 388 rooms and suites. Dubbed by the hotel brand a “nestled sanctuary” along the Southbank Promenade, the Langham’s spa is not to be missed after a long day of tennis matches and evenings full of exclusive events. Whether it’s the Chuan Spa, the fitness facilities, or the indoor pool, leisure time is taken seriously at The Langham.
Southgate Centre, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank VIC 3006
Phone: +61 (3) 8696 8888
3. The golden ticket
Anyone can watch the Australian Open from the comfort of their home, a bar, or bleacher seats, but the Gold Seating Package is not for the bandwagon tennis fan. These seats are for serious luxury lovers who crave the total championship experience. For US$5,842 per seat, the gold package sets the scene for business meetings, networking with clients, or number one tennis fans who will be front and centre of the most anticipated tennis event in Australia. Placed perfectly behind the baseline, no binoculars are needed – only a cool drink and some chic sunglasses. Choose to bask in the summer glow of Australia’s warmer season, or lounge in the premium-shaded seat. After a fierce match concludes, chill out on the reserved terrace before heading out to explore some Melbournian hotspots.
Purchase tickets here.
4. A dinner experience
The array of fine dining options are seemingly endless in Melbourne. However, there’s an establishment that’s raising the bar when it comes to haute cuisine: Attica. Ranked the number two best restaurant in Australia, head chef Ben Shewry has lead Attica to number 21 on the World’s Best Restaurants list as well. The vibrant ingredients and cutting-edge presentation Shewry utilises has made dining at Attica more of an experience than just a standard high-end meal. Hailing from New Zealand, Shewry still forages the Bellarine Peninsula near his home to source fresh new components that are featured on his seasonal menu. Look for tennis stars and celebrity guests alike while in town for the Australian Open.
74 Glen Eira Road Ripponlea, VIC 3185
Phone: +61 3 9530 0111
5. Something fashionably different
The man who brought us Madonna’s iconic bustier and the champion of sailor striped shirts, haute-couture designer Jean-Paul Gaultier will be hosting the tail end of his travelling exhibition The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Become engulfed in his prodigious fashions, eclectic displays of design, fabric, and painstakingly detailed couture, which has been running since October at The National Gallery of Victoria. And don’t miss “Friday nights with Jean Paul Gaultier” at the gallery; an evening event surrounding the exhibition where fresh cocktails can be sipped while live music is performed.
Until February 9, 2015
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia
Phone: +61 3 8620 2222