Elope to the lush Novotel Darwin Atrium

The Novotel Darwin Atrium is like a giant glass terranium nestled on The Esplanade in Darwin’s CBD. Visitors to the four and a half star property are sure to be impressed by the excellent location. Meander around the corner and you’ll stumble across Mitchell Street, Darwin’s main drag. Crocosaurus Cove, thumping nightlife and my favourite rooftop restaurant, Thailicious is just a stone’s throw away.

My partner Cian and I arrive in the early evening and are greeted at reception by Gavin. We’re pleasantly surprised when he advises management has upgraded us to the Junior Suite with Harbour View. ‘Upgrade’ has to be one of the best words you can here when you’re travelling 🙂

Two Macs are set-up next to the Reception desk offering free internet. Lush tropical palms and protrude over foyer lounges. Delicate creepers with glossy leaves drape from the five floors of the Atrium. It certainly brings the outdoors indoors and creates a fresh and natural vibe to the hotel.

We whizz up the glass Willy Wonka-like elevators to the fourth floor and one of the 120 rooms available. The suite layout is in two sections.

Two flat screen televisions feature in each room so you if you’re feeling like some chill time, you can catch your favourite show (don’t be too tempted though, get out there and explore Darwin!).

The bathroom is impeccably clean and contemporary, kitted with your usual toiletries. I do find the shower curtain instead of a glass door fairly old-school.

A bottle of De Bortoli Bancroft Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon and wine glass perches above the mini-bar. Next to it, an individually written note from one of the managers wishes us a pleasant stay. I’m impressed by this little touch! We also discover cheeses, sultanas, apricots and strawberries sit in the bar-fridge, perfect for a midnight snack.

Dinner time!
Cian and I head down to dinner for our 7:30 reservations at Zest near the foyer. A petite waitress in tailored black and white greets us cheerily and we’re ushered to our seat.

The tranquil hiss of water and the gentle click of cutlery in the restaurant signals dinner-time. The polished breakfast bain-marie’s ready for the next morning are a reminder we are indeed in a hotel restaurant.

I flick through the restaurant menu as it’s promptly handed to us. The extensiveness of the cocktail and wine list exceeds my expectations. Cocktail classics feature such as the French Martini with a choice of Smirnoff, Absolut and Grey Goose. I’m slightly tempted when I hear the shake, shake, shake of ice for a cocktail being prepared by the bartender.

Seafood lovers rejoice! Our entrée seafood platter for two was a top pick ($38). We dig into the crispy battered melt-in-your-mouth fish, slightly salted oysters, and large delicate scallops. The succulent prawns and house-made jalapeno bread with guacamole and sour cream are a highlight. I choose to wash this down with a glass of sauvignon blanc with grassy aromas. Little touches like oyster forks and a finger bowl with lemon would have effortlessly topped the entree off.

For mains, Cian selects chicken with risotto while I opt for the NT caught barramundi, chat potatos and Asian greens. I’m optimistic as wafts of grilled steak and seafood envelop the air.

Both our generously portioned dishes arrive and Cian’s chicken looks fantastic. I secretly wish I had chosen his dish or perhaps the special of the night, steak (don’t you hate food envy!).

My dish consists of potatoes, bok choy and Chinese mushrooms with the crown jewel- a large barramundi steak resting on top. The saffron broth isn’t as delicate as expected, but is still pleasant. I savour the fish, which is beautifully cooked.

We wander back to the room and we’re both impressed by esteemed local photographer, Paul Arnold’s work. Photographs are peppered around the Atrium foyer and restaurant. Striking sunset hues and turquoise waters on open bays epitomise the beauty of the Northern Territory.

The queen bed and crisp white linen is calling my name and I easily slip into a deep sleep.

Good morning
It’s a little after 9 when we rise, but who doesn’t love a sleep-in on a Sunday? I shuffle into the living room and embrace the natural sunlight. I peer out to a glorious uninhibited harbour view. Bike riders and tourists with maps are below on the Esplanade.

More friendly staff greet us back at Zest for breakfast and the atrium is drenched with natural light.

I spot different areas with breads, cereals and baked cakes and cheese available.

The empty bain-marie from last night is now filled with hot scrambled eggs, bacon and all the trimmings. I hit the pancake station where a pancake virtually flops out like toast. The berry coulis and passionfruit yogurt shot also takes my fancy, while Cian heads straight for a hot breakie.

My soy cappuccino and Cian’s coffee arrive briskly and we happily dig into our nosh.

With a lazy Sunday ahead of us, it really is amazing the difference a one night quickie escape can make. I know I’ll be embracing this style of getaway more often!