Arguably Australia’s most famous city, Sydney is known for its year-round sunshine, stretches of sand, and of course, beloved Bondi Beach. The home of healthy eating and brilliant brunches, we all know that Sydney is the perfect place for anyone with a penchant for ocean-related activities, and with its scenic coastal walks and plethora of perfect spots for foodies, it really is an Instagrammers’ heaven. So read on for our Hip & Healthy Guide to Sydney!
SLEEP
The Establishment Hotel
Perfect for the more discerning traveller is The Establishment Hotel. Offering 31 rooms, including two stylish penthouse suites, and located in the centre of the CBD and walking distance from the famous Opera House, this boutique hotel is achingly hip and surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants.
Bondi Yoga House
Nestled down a pretty street away from the hustle and bustle of Bondi Beach, is newly opened urban retreat Bondi Yoga House run by qualified yoga teachers Amanda and Benny. With five sumptuous rooms named after local beaches, the décor is indulgent beach chic as its very best. A shared kitchen and dining room allows guests to mingle with fellow travellers, and the hosts have been known to knock up a five-star breakfast to rival any of the local cafes. As well as offering over-night accommodation, there is both a yoga space and in-house massage treatments available and tailor-made stays can be customised to suit individual guests.
SWEAT
BikeAsana at Flow Athletic
Keen to make like a local with one of the latest fitness trends? Give Flow Athletic’s Bikeasana a go. A sixty-minute class starting on a bike and ending on a yoga mat, it’s a well-balanced and unique work out that will leave you feeling both relaxed and reinvigorated.
Coastal-Walking
Offering some of the best views in Sydney and unending stretches of rugged coastlines, there’s no better way to blow away the cobwebs than with a coastal walk. One of the most popular – and no doubt picturesque – is the famous Bondi to Coogee, but we recommend the slightly less busy Rose Bay to Nielsen’s Park which offers unbeatable views of the harbour and famous city skyline.
Power Living Studios
For the crème de la crème of yoga that Bondi locals swear by, try one of Sydney’s four Power Living studios where you’ll be able to get your sweat on in style. Offering 60 and 90 minute Heated Vinyasa Yoga and relaxing Yin Yoga classes and with calm yet vibrant vibes and zen-like interiors, the popular studios are well worth adding to your hit-list for any stays in Sydney.
EAT
Porch & Parlour
One of Sydney’s hottest spots for brunch is Porch and Parlour, a hip cafe on Ramsgate Avenue whose distressed walls, elegant tile work and rough wood paneling give its interiors a beach-chic feel with a mediterranean edge. Offering locally sourced and seasonal produce, the menu ranges from a green pea pancake to the devil’s breakfast – spicy chorizo, roasted potatoes, bean molé, and chilli and papkrika doused eggs, but our personal favourite is the green brekkie bowl – the perfect fusion of kale, quinoa and creamy avocado.
Sadhana
For the creme de la crème of all things vegan, Bondi favourite Sadhana is where it’s at. Offering a seasonal and plant-based menu, which is gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free, it’s the ultimate in clean eating. Try the vegan Cheezeburger for a post coastal walk treat; or the Monkey Business smoothie for something lighter – with banana, coconut mylk and peanut butter it certainly takes some beating.
Kawa
Boasting streetside seats and a country-cottage vibe in the heart of bustling Surry Hills, Kawa is a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest of health eating in Sydney. With mismatched furniture and a relaxed vibe, Kawa’s organic offerings range from breakfast to lunch and everything in between. Their spiced tea and Single Origin coffee are loved by locals, and their famous breakfast salad is as good as it looks.
Bare Naked Bowls
If you’re an Acai bowl addict, you must stop off at Bare Naked Bowls. Started by two friends Josh and Ashley, Bare Naked Bowls was born out of a desire to create a sustainable business that fed customers the most nutritious, delicious frozen acai bowls, which both Josh and Ashley discovered on a month long trip to Santa Monica in California. With so many different blends and toppings, you’ll never get bored of this healthy haunt! We love the Power Bowl, which consists of Organic Acai, Banana, Strawberry, Peanut Butter and Almond Milk topped with Organic Activated Chocolate Buckinis, Banana, Blueberry, Hemp Seeds, Almonds and Honey!
DRINK
Coogee Pavilion
Eastern suburbs favourite Coogee Pavilion, is a rooftop oasis with views of Coogee’s stunning shoreline, chic interiors and four bars – each with their own exotic flair. With drinks ranging from fruity cocktails to superfood smoothies and cold pressed juices you’ll be spoilt for choice; though our personal favourite has got to be The Original Green. The perfect spot to while away a balmy afternoon in the sun, the vibe is carefree, the drinks delicious and the menu mouth-wateringly Mediterranean.
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel
Few places do sunset drinks like Sydney hotspot Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel, known for it’s unrivalled views of the city. With beautifully blue décor – both inside and out – and a mouth-watering cocktail list, there’s few better places to watch the sun set in Sydney. Their superfood cocktail – the Coco Bay, served in a fresh coconut with pineapple, Cirac coconut, lychee, peach and elderflower – is the perfect accompaniment to a Sydney sun set.
words by Lucy Pearson – Check our her blog – www.theunlikelybookworm.com
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