This sponsored story was originally published on Travelog.me
A well-deserved break off work, Christmas carols and fireworks – now that’s what we love about this time of year! But who can forget that the most important part of the festive season is sharing some great eats and catching up with family and friends? Whether you’re planning on doing something extravagant or super casual, we’ve got the lowdown on THE best places to wine, dine and party this festive season. Ready? Let’s go!
Classy After Work Drinks
The lead up to the festive season at work is always a sprint towards the finish-line with all of those fun end-of-year deadlines to meet. But you know how we feel about all work and no play, and how we like to unwind by nursing a cold one at the end of a workday. Of course, it’s always a bonus when we’ve hit up a total stunner of a bar that’s oh so photogenic with the work gang!
No other place hits the mark like the newly renovated The Conservatory Bar in Sheraton On The Park, Sydney. Located right in the heart of the CBD and overlooking Hyde Park, this impressive lobby bar is the place to inject some class into those Friday night drinks. Offering an extensive drinks list and snacks to share, this bar is all sorts of sophisticated, elegant, and classy. We especially love sitting on the outdoor terrace watching day turn into night for a truly relaxing evening with our favourite work buddies. With cocktail names like ‘Roadtrip to Mexico’ and ‘London Calling’, let all the work stress slip out of mind and ease yourself into holiday mode.
Par-tea Time With The Girls
And if work has been a huge pain, it goes without saying that you’ve been blowing off your besties with one too many ‘sorry can’t make it’ and ‘catch up soon’ promises. If you don’t want to make finding new friends one of your new year resolutions, you better shoot a message in your group chat scheduling in a date before the year is through!
Of course, nothing but the best for you and the besties, right? We know you’ll love the High Tea that Sheraton Melbourne serves in their modern yet elegantly decorated Little Collins St Kitchen. The hotel is famed for its traditional afternoon tea with a French twist, an ode to the property being located on the Parisian End of Little Collins Street. Shopping after tea, anyone?!
This December, try the Christmas High Tea set which features delights such as pecan tart, blue cheese and fig quiche, and mini brioche buns with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie cheese. Oh and expect some delicious rum, raisin and chocolate scones – yummm! Best part? You can pair your afternoon tea with a sparkling wine of your choice!
Christmas Lunch With All Trimmings
Sunshine? Check! Beer for Santa? Got it covered! Endless supply of seafood? Well…
Ahh, Australia and its love for seafood being the centrepiece of every Christmas meal. From the non-negotiable prawns to lobster tails, we know all too well about that pilgrimage every Christmas Eve to the local fishmonger or fish market. It’s a serious mission every year – dad has to weigh up whether to risk a double park, mum has to battle the checkout lines, and the kids have to hold in all the nagging and whining until they get home. We love Christmas but certainly not this part of it!
Now just imagine not having to go through any of that this year. Picture eating your way through charred lobster, poached prawns, giant King crab legs, sipping on Moët & Chandon Champagne and soft drinks for the kids. Talk about over-indulging to cap off an amazing year, right?! Take the family to the Christmas Day buffet lunch at The Westin Melbourne’s Allegro Restaurant and that’s exactly what you’ll get! Featuring an abundance in seafood, charcuterie, roasted meats, desserts, and cheese, eat to your heart and stomach’s content. The little ones will even get a gift from Santa when he makes a special appearance during lunch.
Did You Say ‘The Best Seats In The House for NYE’?!
Okay, so with just a couple of weeks to go before 2017 wraps up, there’s just enough time to figure out what you’re going to do to finish up the year with a bang. Without a doubt, you’ll be checking out the fireworks but getting the best vantage point is always a tricky one. Do you camp out super early and roast in the sun or do you take it easy and live stream it instead?
We say send 2017 off in the most extravagant way possible by getting yourself into the NYE party-to-end-all-parties at Pier One. This luxurious boutique hotel is set alongside the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering you the best spot to check out the famous fireworks erupting into the night sky. Not only does this exclusive party give you front row seats to one of the most anticipated events of the year, countdown with delectable dishes from pop up food stalls, free-flow drinks and live music from Sydney’s very best artists. The festivities at Pier One go off on a normal night, so just imagine how uh-mazing it’s going to be when it’s NYE!
Keepin’ It Super Casual
As the festive season tapers off, it’s time to chill out before you rev up again. After all those crazy parties you’ve been to, all you really want to do is enjoy some quiet company. Whether it’s grabbing one more beer with the boys or sneaking in another Sunday brunch with the girls in your activewear, share some real conversations under the sun and make those happy holiday moments last a little bit longer.
Springs Kitchen inside the very urban and stylish Aloft Perth is the perfect spot for a laid back get-together. A favourite amongst Perth locals, this all-day eatery offers everything from a morning coffee, quick lunch bite with a glass of wine, and even a sit-down dinner. Springs Kitchen is headed up by a bunch of serious foodies, so no worries about getting the tastiest, freshest, and most Instagrammable plate you’ve had in a while. And with a totally chill and friendly vibe, coupled with the bright and airy décor, you just might find yourself wanting to stay all day!
We know you’ve caught on that these fabulous places to wine, dine and party are all located in gorgeous hotel properties. But really, who was the silly person who decided that hotels were only for the jetsetters? With high quality ingredients and top-notch hospitality at each of these locations, would you want to be celebrating this festive season anywhere else? So you know the drill – time to round up every single one of your loved ones for the best holiday season ever!