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I\u2019ll be honest with you: I\u2019m biased. Sydney is, in my opinion, one of the best (if not the best) cities in the world. I was born there, started my career there, spent the majority of my twenties there. I know its streets, its energy, its people. And I appreciate that\u2019s not exactly an objective take, but hear me out.<\/p>\n
Every summer, the conversation in the GCC for travel destinations is the same: the South of France, Greece, Amalfi, Paris, London, New York. And, look, I get it. Those places are all incredible \u2013 and many I\u2019ve been lucky enough to frequent myself. But what about looking to the east? Specifically, southeast towards Australia. Because, arguably, if you\u2019re willing to sit on a plane for 14 hours to get to New York City, why aren\u2019t you getting on a plane to Sydney? It\u2019s the same time commitment, but you\u2019re opening yourself up to a completely different part of the world. But, still, there\u2019s often the rebuttal: \u201cAustralia is just too far.\u201d It isn\u2019t \u2013 and Sydney will make you very glad you made the trip.<\/p>\n
With a population of over five million, the coastal Australian city has everything a world-class city should \u2013 a buzzing cosmopolitan centre, over 100 beaches, and a thriving cultural scene. Post-pandemic investment has poured into the city\u2019s hospitality sector too, with around US$279 million going into hotels alone in 2025, fuelling a brilliant rise in boutique and independent properties.<\/p>\n
And this brings me to Redfern. This is the suburb I used to call home, and watching what it has become over the last few years from my travels back to the city has been remarkable. What was once an overlooked, slightly gritty inner-city pocket, with many favouring its neighbouring suburbs, Surry Hills or Paddington, has transformed into one of Sydney\u2019s most creatively alive and culturally rich areas. And at the heart of that transformation sits The EVE Hotel, which opened in late 2024.<\/p>\n
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Located just around the corner from where I used to grab my morning coffee at First Drop, The EVE feels like Redfern (well, the cool side anyway) distilled into a building \u2013 considered, cool, full of personality and entirely unpretentious about it. Bronze-framed glass doors open into a world of moody lighting, terrazzo floors and locally curated artworks that wouldn\u2019t look out of place in an art gallery. The property\u2019s cleverly and meticulously designed 102 rooms carry the same energy: high ceilings, curvaceous furniture and tech touches that feel like intuitive luxury.<\/p>\n
The hotel features a rooftop which has a sun-drenched West Hollywood quality to it, complete with terracotta accents and lush sunbeds \u2013 a rarity for Sydney, if you\u2019re someone who knows the city. On the ground floor, you\u2019ll find Olympus, a stunning Greek restaurant, which is perfect for an indulgent meal or a cocktail and light bites at the bar. Then there\u2019s Bar Julius, perfect for light bites and drinks in the evening or a sweet breakfast spot for an avocado toast and flat white.<\/p>\n
What sets The EVE apart, however, is its connection to the surrounding areas, making it the ideal lifestyle hotel. The property shares a postcode with a slew of buzzy wine bars, design-forward boutiques and even popular Australian brand Aje\u2019s head offices, which give the neighbourhood its enriching character. Top tip: head to Vitelli\u2019s Upstairs for dinner. It\u2019s a neighbourhood gem that\u2019s become a go-to. Taking inspiration from old New York \u2018red-sauce joints\u2019, here you\u2019ll find hearty dishes that are simple yet delicious. Take the tuna crudo with watermelon and basil as an example \u2013 one of the best dishes I\u2019ve ever had, anywhere. Simple, yet delectable.<\/p>\n
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And that, perhaps, is what sums up this entire reinvigoration of this Sydney area, of which The EVE is at the forefront. Bringing a genuinely great concept to an already well-known area to reignite it \u2013 no gimmicks, no secrets, just something that speaks for itself in how brilliant it is.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s the thing about Sydney: it has the energy, the food, the creativity and the lifestyle of the world\u2019s greatest cities, but still feels like a discovery, even for me. And The EVE is a great starting point for you to begin that discovery.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42781,"featured_media":71816,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[260,35],"yoast_head":"\n