Do you ever find yourself on a Sunday desperately wishing you could extend those weekend feels by doing something awesome? Like jumping on a boat and heading somewhere fabulous, yet still somehow making it to work on time the next day.
Well Sydneysiders, you’re in luck. Your ‘Smonday’ (that moment every Sunday when the weekend feeling disappears and the pre-Monday anxiety kicks in) solution happens to be located right within our fair city and it’s called the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
On a stunning sunny Sunday afternoon, hubby and I get our tourist on at Circular Quay and jump on a ferry. It might not be a private yacht but it’s certainly the most picturesque journey my Opal Card has secured me this week.
Arriving at Watsons Bay after a speedy trip via Rose Bay, we make our way up the ferry wharf. Before either of us can utter those famous holiday words “Are we there yet?” we’re inside the stylishly decorated reception and checking in to our seaside oasis.
We decide checking out our room for the night can wait. Right now our stomachs are calling the shots. It’s time to for a late lunch.
Lucky for us, the hotel happens to be home to Beach Club, one of the very best spots in Sydney to eat and drink with a water view. The generous and casually chic outdoor space is filled with couples, families and groups of friends all soaking up DJ vibes under the Club’s iconic striped umbrellas. It’s the ultimate Sunday session.
The food menu is extensive, with something to please everyone. Make your selections, order from the bar, and pick up your food from the open kitchen bench. And enjoy a good dose of people watching while you wait.
Given the crowds, you’d expect food to be a little slow, but in no time our buzzer signals that our lunch is waiting. It’s hard to beat the Beach Club’s seafood, so we kick off with oysters and a bucket of Australian tiger prawns before moving on to the delicious Ossobuco D’Agnello – a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rich tomato ragu, creamy white polenta, crisp capers, and gremolata. It’s made even better with some of the best sides going around: rosemary and garlic smashed potatoes, and crispy fried brussel sprouts with parmesan, rosemary, and aged balsamic. Yum!
The food isn’t the Beach Club’s only strength. The short wine list makes decision time easy, or you can be a little more adventurous and opt for a cocktail. How could you say no to the ‘BoatyMcBoatface’, described as “A very sophisticated tipple of Gordon’s gin, Aperol, elderflower, grapefruit & soda”. Jugs of sangria are also hard to beat, especially with a group.
It’s tempting to while away the afternoon here, but we decide to swap the crowd for our Harbour king room and we’re not disappointed.It comes complete with a private balcony overlooking the Beach Club – wow!
The view speaks for itself, but there’s a lot to love about the room as well, especially the marble bathroom with separate bath – heaven when your own apartment doesn’t have one!
Now, one thing to be clear on before you book your own weekend getaway: if you’re after a peaceful and tranquil escape, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel may not be for you. Even with our balcony door closed, the music (and thumping bass) flows into our room. We knew what we were signing up for and happily soak up the DJ vibes from downstairs – which was well wrapped up by the time we go to bed– but if you’re after total peace and quiet, take this as a heads-up.
But I’m getting ahead of myself – there’s more to a Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel stay before you go to sleep. There’s plenty to enjoy away from your room, and it’s not just eating and drinking 😉
Watsons Bay is home to some beautiful walking options – you can even follow the coastline all the way to Bondi! Walking to the nearby Hornby Lighthouse requires a little less energy, and you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect views.
Complimentary bikes are available to all hotel guests, although you may want to upgrade to the picnic pack, which includes bubbly or red or white wine and an antipasto platter for two. How’s that for romantic? Or keep it simple and visit one of Watsons Bay’s hidden treasures, Camp Cove. This small, secluded beach boasts pristine waters and makes a great picnic spot!
After the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a very long time, I slowly get my bearings and remember that while it might be a work day, it’s a work day that’s starting with a hotel buffet breakfast! Not bad at all.
It’s sad to say goodbye to my waterfront life, but when your commute to the city comes in the form of a 15-minute ferry ride, it’s fair to say that it’s a very good Monday.
So next time you’re feeling the Sunday blues, you know what to do. Shake them off with a hotel adventure! I promise your week will be better for it.