My five-year-old leans back in his chair, hands folded behind his head and sighs in content.
“That’s the best high tea I’ve ever had.”
Despite the fact that he has only ever sat through three high teas, I have to agree with his overzealous enthusiasm.
After all, who doesn’t love a pastry swan or chocolate mousse tart, topped off by a glass of French champagne (or lemonade in my son’s case)? It’s the perfect way to kick off 24 hours in the city, a getaway that has become a travel tradition for our little family of three. Generally, our escapes to neighbouring Brisbane involve a hefty amount of retail therapy, dining in the sun along Queen Street Mall and lots of walking.
This time we have opted for the rest and relaxation approach. Our base is the four-and-a-half star Brisbane Marriott Hotel, considered a legendary staple of the city’s hotel scene. It has recently unveiled a $20-million redesign and Malaysian-based company Duoz Design has successfully ensured the modern transformation conforms with the classic heritage style.
All 267 guest rooms and suites, event spaces and restaurant Motion Dining, have been reinvented to coincide with the rebirth of the neighbouring riverside precinct.
Each room offers stunning views of either the Brisbane River and its iconic Story Bridge, or the city skyline.
Our room, much to the excitement of our young traveller, overlooks the bridge, which shines bright in hues of red, green and purple as darkness descends on the river.
As our high tea concludes, tummies full and happy, I make my way up to the fourth floor, which is home to the award-winning Dome Spa Retreat. And, what a retreat it is.
I’m ushered into the dressing room to change into a fluffy white robe and slippers.
I’m in heaven already, and I haven’t yet begun my treatment. Whisked into a darkened room, complete with mosaic rain shower, I spend the next 90 minutes blissfully unaware of the stressors and business of outside life. This detox and revive treatment is worth every cent, and I emerge a new woman. Slowly sipping a magnesium drink in the warm autumn sun on the spa’s outside terrace, I am hesitant to return to ‘real life’.
Thankfully, real life at the Marriott involves fine dining, a luxurious bed and river views. We emerge from the hotel the following morning, and as we travel down the river on the City Cat towards South Bank Parklands, I breathe in the crisp air. It’s amazing what 24 hours of relaxation can do.
IF YOU GO:
Staying there:
To celebrate Brisbane Marriott’s renewal, the hotel is offering two exclusive packages during May. The City View package includes a city-view room for one night, breakfast and a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne on arrival, valet parking and a late check out from $259 twin share. The Executive City View package includes one night in an executive city view room with access for two to the plush executive lounge. Guests will also enjoy breakfast, parking, late check out and a bottle of champagne. From $404 twin share. For more deals visit marriott.com.au.
