Cirque du Soleil hits Oz

There’s something a little bit special about holidaying in your home town, so when Mr LML and I are given the opportunity to spend the night at a hotel in Brisbane, I jump at the chance. Why you ask? More like, why not!
With tickets in our pockets to the opening night of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, we save ourselves the cab fare and spend the night at Novotel Brisbane Airport, located a cartwheel away from the blue and yellow big top.We arrive at Brisbane Airport village and I’m immediately sidetracked by DFO shopping centre for some well deserved retail therapy before checking in. When I’m finally convinced that four pairs of new shoes is enough for one shopping trip, we head across the road to check into our home-away-from-home for the night.

We walk into the lobby and I’m instantly blown away. The hotel is tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and the staff as friendly as I’ve ever experienced.

As we open the door to our premier room, I’m blown away even more. And to think the staff had me at hello! The room not only comes with a luxe king sized bed, Nespresso coffee machine, fluffy bathrobes and iPod docking station, we’re also greeted with some chilled champers to help make our stay even more memorable.

With dinner and drink reservations locked in before the show, we head downstairs to Catalina Bar and Restaurant where we meet our hosts for the evening, Alex and Naomi. The open kitchen at Catalina Restaurant, with the smell of fresh flavours wafting my way has me well and truly drooling.

For starters, we are welcomed with some pizza bread with roasted garlic butter, thyme and parmesan, as well as some to-die-for warm sunflower seed and pepita bread. Keep drooling because mains topped the chart!

Mr LML tucked into some honey glazed duck confit with sweet potato, bok choy, jus, and for me it was the Atlantic salmon, crab cake, grilled asparagus and citrus beurre blanc – to say it is supurb is an understatement, it was out-of-this-world amazing!

Being a massive sweet tooth, I’m super excited when we’re fronted with a selection of bite sized desserts. It would be rude to say no, right? So I take a deep breath and start sampling them… one by one.

After dessert, I’m ready to make like an acrobat and roll my overly-full-self outside to head to Cirque du Soleil (okay… so my roll may not be as elegant as an acrobat, but you get the jist).

Being located at the Novotel Brisbane Airport means we’re only a short car trip away from the event. I have to admit that I’ve never been to a Cirque du Soleil show before, but I know we’re close when I can see the blue and yellow big top from the distance as we drive up Portside wharf.

Feeling like a kid again, I rush into the tent as fast as possible and am amazed by everything in sight. With candy stalls and merchandise galore, I grab myself some take-home goodies and head into the arena.

Now I really don’t think this night can get much better… until we’re shown our seats. With a front on view, and only five rows back from the stage, I am super impressed with how well the night is panning out and the show hasn’t even started.

Okay so I won’t go into too much detail, but let me give you this…– OVO is AMAZING! The story consists of a group of insects awestruck by a mysterious egg ‘OVO’ which turns into a love story between a ladybug and a quirky insect. The set, the design, the costumes, and the sheer manner in which these acrobats can manipulate their bodies is enough to drop my jaw to the ground.

From tumbling and tightrope walking, to trampolining and contortionists, Cirque du Soleil’s OVO is by far the best show I have seen this decade. Not only is it filled with acrobatics and moves that would have most in pain at the thought of attempting them, but it’s filled with humour and makes the perfect show for everyone, whether its families, couples, groups or work crews… I give it 10 out of 10. Yes, it really is that good.

Following the show we head back to the hotel where I dive head first into the lush king sized cloud-like bed. After an uninterrupted sleep, we rise feeling more refreshed than ever and head back down to Catalina Restaurant for the delicious buffet brekkie.

With fresh hot and cold goods, I go a little wild and sample a bit of everything before retiring back to nanna nap off my food coma. I figure, ‘why not?’ when we’re treated to a late check-out of 2pm.

After such a great weekend I’m a little sad to be leaving. Playing tourist in my home town has been a great experience and I’m sure to do it again the next time a local event pops up.

The Novotel Brisbane Airport isn’t only a great choice for travellers flying in or out of Brissy, but makes a great place to stay for major events and tours. With the Brisbane Entertainment Centre less than 15 minutes away by car, and Hamilton, Eagle Farm and Doomben Raceway just around the corner, I’ve discovered a new found love for airport hotels, and I will most definitely be back!

Inspired by the circus? I certainly am. Read all about my flying trapeze adventures here.