A well-executed staycation can be just as relaxing as jet setting off to another location, particularly if it is a beachside location in Sydney. On the M5 East Motorway I was there in 30 minutes and it’s not too far from the Sydney CBD and airport. Coogee Beach is where I headed for a weekend staycation to be pampered at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. It might have been too cold to swim in mid May but that’s part of the attraction of a famous Sydney beach in Winter – less crowds. It doesn’t have to be a staycation. If you are looking for a place to stay for business travel or a romantic getaway by the beach then Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach would be a nice and cosy location.
Coogee is one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs with many historic buildings, including Wylie Ocean Baths dating back to 1907 and open to the public 365 days of the year. Further around you will find McIver’s Baths, the last remaining women’s-only seawater pool in Australia, built in 1886 as an ocean bathing facility for women and children. Perched on a cliff face and rock platform, the baths share magnificent ocean views and are a perfect spot to spend the day.
With the winter months approaching, the room rates drop and you can enjoy a relaxing stay by the beach. From my King Ocean View room at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach I see and hear the shaving-cream waves that ghost toward shore. Whether watching the ocean from my balcony or down by the beach the ocean gets foamy and big and crashes, and you really feel close to the elements and breathe in the fresh air. If it’s too cold for you then there a numerous amount of cafes and little boutiques for you to duck your head into and spend some time there and you can even try yoga by the beach at The Living Room for a bit of zen time to the sound of real ocean waves.
The King Ocean View is a cosy and comfortable room with ocean front views and if it’s too cold and wet to go out then just hang and relax inside there to reenergise.
We caught up with friends for dinner at the Oceans Dining and the platters were pretty good as shared plates. We ordered the Mezze Plate (share between 4) $42 with prosciutto, sundried tomatoes, falafel. hummus, chorizo, mushrooms, olives, grilled asparagus and wood fired bread and the Seafood Platter (Share between 2) $100 with salt & pepper calamari, coconut prawns, battered fish, salmon, selection of oysters, crab with lemon, fries, tartare sauce and chilli dressing.
We didn’t get to try the buffet breakfast at Bluesalt as there was a Mother’s Day special breakfast on and we needed to have booked ahead of our stay but breakfast was relocated down at the Oceans Dining and it was a reasonable standard buffet selection of a mix of things from the hot and cold section.
Foodwise, the highlight of my stay was walking up to The Little Kitchen café for lunch where I had the most delicious barramundi dish. The Little Kitchen is a new favourite cafe to add to my list. I had a special dish called Coney Bay Barramundi, grilled asparagus, lentils and chilli oil is probably the best barramundi dish I’ve had served in front of me. What made it standout? The skin was so crispy, the dish was piping hot and the lentils with chilli tasted like a curry which was superb comfort on a cold day. The waitstaff told me they put the whole pan in the oven … that’s the trick! The chai latte was really nice too.
I also loved shopping at Lived in Coogee where I purchased a woollen blanket as I needed a new one. Their homewares are eclectic and different and it was interesting just to browse making a mental note that I need to go back if I need to purchase gifts.
Trip note summary
Why stay there? For an ocean front seaside getaway and staycation to spoil yourself and celebrate an anniversary, birthday, Mother’s day or any other reason to get out of your usual routine of staying at home and head to a trendy beachside suburb to sip coffee whilst seeing and hearing the ocean waves crash.
See
If it’s too cold to take to the water go for a walk and just have a look at Wylie’s Baths, arguably Sydney’s most spectacular ocean tidal pool, with 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean
Taste
The Little Kitchen, a local favourite serving British-inspired fare
275 Arden St, Coogee San Antonio Sourdough
36 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee
The Diver Coogee
250 Arden St, Coogee
Oceans Dining and Drinks
242 Arden St, Coogee (part of the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach)
Do
‘Live like a Coogee local’ – experience the buzzing village atmosphere and friendly local vibe of Coogee. A few neighbourhood shopping suggestions and dining experiences:
My favourite shops for retail therapy that I stumble across:
Lived in Coogee for an eclectic mix of clothing, homewares and accessories
263 Arden St, Coogee
Black Boho for fashion and homewares
Shop 4/56 Carr St, Coogee
Yoga at The Living Room
The Living Room Yoga School
Level 1, 62 Carr Street, Coogee Beach
(above Barzura, at the south end of the beach – opposite the Coogee Surf Club)
T: 02 9665 4262
www.thelivingroomcoogee.com.au
The Living Room Yoga School are partners of Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. They offer classes to suit all needs, whether participants prefer strong, focused classes or more relaxing, gentle classes. All fitness levels are welcome, and the highly skilled teachers will adapt any posture to each participant’s level. All teachers are dedicated practitioners, often having spent several decades practicing yoga.
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach
242 Arden St, Coogee NSW 2034
(02) 9315 7600
www.crowneplazacoogee.com.au
