Lancemore Mansion Hotel

Finally taking a trip to Melbourne? Here’s the new hotels and eateries you need to try

You’ll find a delightful debut hotel or must-visit eatery around every laneway corner in Australia’s cultural capital.

WHERE TO STAY

Lancemore Mansion Hotel
If you’re after a grand stay, the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park is a 19th-Century estate with rambling English gardens, only a half- hour drive from central Melbourne. The Italianate mansion boasts luxurious guest rooms and excellent service with all the tranquil trimmings, including a day spa.

Next Hotel
The shiny new 80 Collins precinct is now open, and with it the Next Hotel. In the vicinity of high fashion and sophisticated hospitality, it’s a chance to explore the city on your doorstep. When it’s time to retreat, we recommend unwinding in the La Madonna Restaurant & Bar, or simply relaxing in the refined rooms.

Quincy Hotel
Located on the iconic Flinders Lane — with the CBD’s highest concentration of award-winning fine diners and popular eateries — Quincy Melbourne reflects the vibrancy of its city. Beaming 29 stories high into the skyline, it brings the essence of South East Asia to Melbourne with impeccably finished rooms and amenities.

W Hotel
Another Flinders Lane local, W Melbourne holds the keys to what’s new and noteworthy. With two bars and three restaurants, it’s best to get your bearings in the hotel before stepping out. Lollo is under the creative direction of one of the most talked-about chefs in town, Adam D’Sylva, while the WET® features a poolside bar and panoramic skyline.

Shangri-La
Surely one of the most anticipated openings of 2022, Sapphire by the Gardens will be Melbourne’s most exclusive address and a destination of international renown. As well as the luxury residential tower, known as the Sapphire, there will be the five-star Shangri-La hotel — with a sky bridge connecting the two over Exhibition Street.

Ritz-Carlton
Slated to open later in 2022, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will become the southern hemisphere’s tallest (and might we add, most glamorous) hotel. In what will be the centrepiece of the West Side Place development, it will showcase signature dining experiences, holistic wellness spaces and, of course, an infinity pool.

WHERE TO EAT

Left: Society. Right: Entrecôte.

Society
Another new entry at 80 Collins Street is the multi-faceted Society. The art of à la carte is the centrepiece of the Dining Room, which also boasts over 10,000 bottles in its formidable cellar. The Lillian Terrace is named after the Collins Street denizen Lillian Wightman, and overlooks her former couture salon, Le Louvre.

Entrecôte
Taking a nod from the famous one-dish Steakhouse Le Relais De L’Entrecôte, which opened in Paris in the late 50s, Entrecôte welcomes a new era of refined decadence in Prahran. Marrying French cuisine with Melbourne produce, within a party scene, it’s simply fantastique.

Left: Tiger Prawn Tostada from Repeat Offender. Right: Gimlet.

Repeat Offender
A short stroll from Elwood Beach, Repeat Offender is attracting the usual dining-out suspects with a tapas fusion bar. Creating worldly interpretations of classic Latin-American cuisine with plenty of flare and flavour — and a long drinks list — you’ll want to let loose here.

Gimlet
Located on a corner of Flinders Lane, Gimlet at Cavendish House is the latest addition to Melbourne’s dining scene by critically acclaimed chef Andrew McConnell. In the landmark 1920s building, expect a cocktail bar, dining room and caviar service with a classic European charisma, lavishly reimagined.

Left: Anchovy. Right: Nomad.

Anchovy
Lauded chef Thi Le has consistently championed the progression of South East Asian cuisine in Australia. At Anchovy — in the multicultural locality of Richmond — she advances the ethos of Vietnamese cuisine, now offering a Back to Our Roots set menu and Banh Mi sessions to keep things fresh.

Nomad
Sydney’s much-loved restaurant has stayed true to its name and opened a new outpost on Flinders Lane. Believing that some of the world’s finest produce is grown in greater Victoria, the local resources lend themselves to Nomad’s menu, which is inspired by the team’s travels through Spain, Morocco and the Middle East — and finished with fire and smoke.

Travel

Taking your boat out this summer? You need this eco-friendly boat wash, used on some of the world’s most epic superyachts
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We have teamed up with Omana Luxury Villa to give away an experience on Waiheke Island, worth over $2,700
Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorleac in 1966 by David Bailey

These are the best new coffee table books to enrich both your space and your imagination

Be transported with the turn of every oversized page of these picturesque and inspiring coffee table books. From glimpses behind the toile at major luxury fashion houses to discovering far-flung lands, each of these tomes would make a beautiful addition to your collection — or a very special gift.

David Bailey Sumo Edition
Celebrating one of the world’s most influential photographers, this Sumo-sized retrospective from Taschen showcases significant portraits from anyone who was anyone through the 1950s to the 2010s. The Collector’s Edition is numbered and signed by David Bailey, and comes with four book jackets featuring John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Jean Shrimpton, Mick Jagger, and Andy Warhol. Striking a pose, the bookstand is designed by Marc Newson.

Louis Vuitton Manufactures
The ateliers at Louis Vuitton don’t just create luxury accessories, but a sense of savoir-faire fulfilment and individuality. In pursuit of regional expertise and artisanal excellence, Louis Vuitton’s workshops are found in sites of interest all over France, as well as Switzerland and Italy. Featuring exclusive photographs, this Assouline volume is dedicated to those who express their talent through Louis Vuitton.

The Fendi Set
Kim Jones’ fascination for the Bloomsbury Set has been evident since his first couture show as Artistic Director of Fendi in 2021 — inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Enriched with excerpts from Bloomsbury members and ethereal new photographs taken by Nikolai von Bismarck with the likes of Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne, Jones has created a new ‘Set’, for a new era of Fendi.

Kaws What Party
For fans of pop art and colourful graphics, the pages of this monograph are a feast for the eyes. Brian Donnelly is the American artist and designer professionally known as Kaws, one of the most successful contemporary artists today. Pore over the pages of his best-known multi-media works, from sculpture to installation, painting, fashion, toys and more.

Kuma. Complete Works 1988 — Today
One of the industry’s pioneers for sustainable, contemporary architecture, revered Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has designed many awe-inspiring buildings and structures — including Japan’s National Stadium for the Tokyo Summer Olympics. His ability to blend tradition and innovation, fluidity and sturdiness, will inspire with every turn of the page.

Amazônia Sumo Edition by Sebastião Salgado
A remarkable look at a part of the world that currently feels more distant than ever, Amazônia is simply breathtaking in Taschen’s limited-edition Sumo size. Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado travelled around the Amazon for six years, photographing not only the extraordinary region but the people who live there, and this large-scale collector’s item brings it to life — complete with a Renzo Piano-designed bookstand.

Dior: John Galliano 1997-2011
Among the rotating door of high fashion appointments, tenures as Creative Directors come and go — but some leave more of a mark. As with Tom Ford for Gucci and Phoebe Philo for Céline, John Galliano’s Dior era was iconic. This beauty from Assouline celebrates the best of his exquisite haute couture for the house, in all its eye-catching glory.

Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art by Nigel Borell
This book follows the ground-breaking exhibition of the same name, shown at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki — the largest in its 132-year history. Now, this published collection offers a chance to come back to the works time and time again, as it tells the story of contemporary Māori art from the 1950s to today.

Roaming: Roark’s Adventure Atlas Edited by Beau Flemister
For those who have some lost travelling time to make up for, Roaming is an action-packed bucket list, as recommended by iconic adventurers. The unconventional photographic guidebook regales us with intel, itineraries and tales — from surf expeditions in Iceland and motorcycle journeys through Nepal to cliff jumping in Northern Vietnam.

Culture

Wondering what to watch next? These addictive new series should be on your radar
Damien Kurth’s new exhibition showcases a realist exploration of traditional still life
March Culture guide: What’s on in Auckland this month

One of the city’s most popular doughnut dealers has opened the doors to a new outpost

If you already follow the Denizen then you will know, some of the best doughnuts in our fair city can be found at Grownup Donuts. As the name tempts, these doughnuts take the concept of a delicious, round dough cake to its full potential — piped full of original flavours, without being overly sweet. Made fresh daily, with zero additives or preservatives, including for colour and flavour, they are not only decadent but decidedly refined too. 

Naturally, what started as a stall around Auckland markets by Daniel and Annie Black, Grownup Donuts quickly lassoed the interest of lovers of doughnuts and opened three stores in quick succession — out west in Henderson, north in Wairau Valley and central in the city on Anzac Avenue.

With their doughnuts selling out daily, getting to one of these locations has become a kind of sport for doughnut spotters. Their fourth store on Great South Road in Manurewa, fortunately, has added a new pitstop to keep up with the fervid demand. 

One look at the cabinet will make any doughnut run worthwhile. While flavours change each fortnight, you can expect to see the gleaming likes of a Homemade Strawberry Jam with Vanilla Coconut doughnut, or Belgian Choc with Glazed Boston Cream, Creme Brulee and a classic, Vanilla Bean Cream Custard. Not to mention a variety of vegan options too. 

Available to take away as a single precious ring, or in multiples from four to up to 100 (yes, you read that right) it’s worth securing a box to be shared with all your significant others. While we are sure they won’t last long once you show off your score, the freshness of these doughnuts means they are best devoured on the day of.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am — 8pm
(Unless sold out prior)

Grownup Donuts Manurewa
185 Great South Road
Manurewa, Auckland

www.grownupdonuts.nz

Gastronomy

Kureta presents a rare evening with Dom Pérignon, IWA Sake and Caviar Mafia
Where hospitality legends wine & dine: Anna Di Candia
Have You Tried? Sumi is a Japanese spot that’s worth seeking out
Onda bed by Paolo Piva for Poliform from Studio Italia

Embrace the joy of sleeping, and wake up in the right style of bed with our picks of the best

Ensure your bed is as restful on the eye as it is for your slumber by choosing known, unifying shapes. Poliform’s Onda bed is based on a simple curved line, a whole that acts as a base and headboard. The Desdemone bed by Nada Nasrallah and Christian Horner is inspired by a shell found on the beach, while the covers for the Tufty-Bed are divided into a series of squares, like a languid Chesterfield sofa. Whatever your style, beds with in-built, upholstered headboards create a sense of continuity and comfort.

Tufty-Bed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse
Tatlin-Soft bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC
Dorothy Bed by Opera Contemporary from Sarsfield Brooke
Desdemone bed by Nada Nasrallah and Christian Horner from Ligne Roset
Fenton bed from Tim Webber Design
Jack bed by Jean Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia

Design

Physis by Design: Where Molteni&C kitchens become architecture
Your dedicated seat in the house
Inside the serene Darling Point penthouse overlooking Sydney Harbour

The Living Room at Park Hyatt Auckland launches a veritable vegan afternoon tea experience

It’s widely believed that afternoon tea began as a parlour fancy around 1840, when Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, wanted something to fill that ‘sinking feeling’ she had during the yawning afternoon. She requested light food and a pot of tea (usually Darjeeling) to be brought to her private quarters so often, she began inviting a few friends to join her. The Queen took note, and it was soon a must-attend social event on the Victorian calendar — gradually evolving to include more elaborate fare such as finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

Purveyor of all things delightful and sweet, The Living Room at Park Hyatt Auckland is progressing the historic court tradition even further with a five-course, vegan afternoon tea brought to life by Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat, together with Chef de Cuisine Andreas Pfyl.

Taking the change of season as inspiration, late strawberries keep a roasted carrot and almond petit gateaux company, as well as a mini crisp apple verrine. The scones are served with a smooth coconut yoghurt and, for a well-rounded offering, the savoury dishes include beetroot tartare and polenta with kumara. 

The small bites are full of flavour and texture — something we’re sure would wow even the most discerning duchess as she overlooks the water at the Park Hyatt’s Living Room, where the vegan afternoon tea is served.

Afternoon tea reservations are available Wednesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm. Bookings can be made here.

Gastronomy

Kureta presents a rare evening with Dom Pérignon, IWA Sake and Caviar Mafia
Where hospitality legends wine & dine: Anna Di Candia
Have You Tried? Sumi is a Japanese spot that’s worth seeking out
The 47th-floor penthouse at Seascape, custom-designed by Y6 Interiors.
The 47th-floor penthouse at Seascape, custom-designed by Y6 Interiors.
The 47th-floor penthouse at Seascape, custom-designed by Y6 Interiors.

How Seascape’s impending penthouse apartments will offer a new level of personalised luxury

Here in New Zealand, a connection to the elements is an essential part of the everyday for many, intrinsically tied to our national psyche. Even in our biggest city, we’re used to space, expansiveness and the peace that arrives with taking a moment to breathe in our clean, clear air. We are envied globally for our best-of-both-worlds lifestyle — and this is about to be taken to a whole new level with the imminent arrival of luxury high-rise apartment development Seascape. 

Set to be the tallest residential building in the country when it is completed, the soaring presence of this Peddlethorp-designed, Shundi Group-developed project stakes its place on Customs Street East, mere strides from the bright lights of Britomart and all the inner-city has to offer. Owing to its unparalleled height, not only will Seascape’s residents be in the midst of the action, they’ll also be able to enjoy that much-desired sense of space thanks to breathtaking views across the Waitematā Harbour and to the Hauraki Gulf beyond.

This sense of luxurious amplitude is to be at its peak within Seascape’s penthouses, the composition of which will not only be finished to an exquisite standard, but will be entirely unique inside — each one able to be customised to the specifications of the purchaser’s tastes and requirements.

There are five penthouses in total, which will take up a whole floor each — plus the master penthouse, which will sprawl sumptuously across the top two floors. UV-treated, ultra-clear, floor-to-ceiling glass is to offer a breathtaking outlook from over 130-metres in the air, supported by the innovative lattice mega-brace.

Inspired by New Zealand’s dialogue between land and sea, one that Seascape takes its name from and will bear witness to from on high, this particular penthouse pictured (on level 47) has had each element customised by Y6 Interiors to form a meticulously considered narrative. It is a completely one-off design, emotively textured and harmoniously realised.

On stepping into this penthouse’s entryway, richly dark-hued timber panelling will create a cocooning space to give an immediate feeling of comfort — and beckon the eyes towards the light shining from the dining area’s sweeping windows.

Open plan dining, kitchen and living areas will embrace almost 270-degree views of Auckland Harbour and Rangitoto and, in contrast to the intimate entrance, a lightness will be infused throughout, which mirrors the coastal environs. Features like a showstopping marble kitchen island will create textured liveability, while layers of materiality are designed in collaboration with local makers like Monmouth Glass Studio and Wilson & Dorset. Y6 Interiors has sourced elegant yet inviting furnishings exclusively for this project, from the likes of Simon James, Minotti and Amura.

While all four bedrooms will have ensuites, the master bathroom is to be a veritable haven of underfloor-heated, spa-like serenity — glimmering green marble, volcanic stone and organic lines will juxtapose Seascape’s linear structure. The rainwater shower is to be especially unforgettable, purposefully placed on the building’s perimeter so residents will almost feel as though they are showering outdoors (minus any prying eyes, thanks to the building’s height). 

Wrapping around the penthouses will be extensive, 270-degree enclosable balconies, the real pièce de résistance of this lofty structure. Imagine hosting dinner parties, overlooking the glimmering lights of Auckland city at dusk, or simply taking in the horizon whenever you wish. 

It’s not just within the penthouses that a feeling of personalised luxury will permeate — from the moment residents step through Seascape’s ground-floor doors, the highly polished standard will be evident. A stunning, grand lobby will feature an abundance of smooth marble tiling and glistening accents. Residents-only amenities are to include a pool and fitness facilities, and an expansive podium terrace complete with in-built seating and verdant planting, which is sure to be a hub for rubbing shoulders (should you wish) with your equally tastemaking neighbours.

They’re not making any more land, or so the age-old sentiment goes, but Seascape doesn’t have any issues with space as it stakes its place in the sky.

www.seascapeauckland.co.nz 
www.y6.co.nz

Design

Physis by Design: Where Molteni&C kitchens become architecture
Your dedicated seat in the house
Inside the serene Darling Point penthouse overlooking Sydney Harbour

This destination bakery is well worth seeking out for its delicious pies, breakfast sandwiches and more

Bakeries are a dime a dozen, but finding a truly mouthwatering bread in your local neighbourhood is more of a challenge. With the addition of Rollers Bakery, the people of Northcote (and across the city, really), can enjoy sumptuous baked goods throughout the week thanks to a few local friends who wanted to set up shop in their old stomping ground.

Tamara Tait, Judah McDonald and Laurence Woodhouse have spent nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, but Rollers is their first foray into baking a space of their own. The idea began over a few drinks at The Beer Spot — now the bakery’s next-door neighbour — and throughout last year’s lockdown it finally became reality. Rollers is the perfect blend of Tait’s barista experience, McDonald’s time spent as a chef and Woodhouse’s 19 years baking both on the Shore and over in London.

You might have caught a taste of the bakery’s pies making the rounds on social media. With a perfectly flaky and buttery crust, and every filling imaginable, these are the pies that dreams are made of. Everything is baked in-house thanks to the trio; having built the bakery from scratch, there’s nothing they can’t do. And that’s what sets them apart — Rollers offers the whole experience. Working with Ozone coffee for the perfect morning pick-me-up, this Northcote bakery redefines the ‘tradie breakfast’.

Their pies don’t discriminate either; there are plenty of options for plant-based lovers. With a vegetarian coconut curry and a veggie bake being some of the most delicious flavours, you can still treat yourself on meat-free Mondays. But the crowd favourite? That’s the steak and cheese pie, made with only the best quality ingredients.

For those craving something sweeter, the doughnuts have been flying out the door. “When people say they remind them of their childhood it’s a pretty cool buzz,” says McDonald.

Rollers opened its doors early last month, but with isolation periods and the current chaos, the team had to take an early break. On Wednesday this week, they re-opened their doors, ready to serve the crowds of the Shore once more. And while opening in a pandemic does come with its own stresses, it’s given the team time to ‘iron out the creases’ and keep it small and simple in this constantly-changing realm, giving them room to grow.

Since opening, they’ve had endless support from the community, with a crowd lining up out the door on the first day. Although the trio have spent years in the industry, they say it makes the 3am starts all the more worth it.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6am — 3pm

Rollers Bakery
54 Northcote Road,
Northcote, Auckland

Gastronomy

Kureta presents a rare evening with Dom Pérignon, IWA Sake and Caviar Mafia
Where hospitality legends wine & dine: Anna Di Candia
Have You Tried? Sumi is a Japanese spot that’s worth seeking out

In a league of its own, this collaboration between Aesop and Rick Owens should be on your wishlist

In a union that has been aptly described as ‘health goth’, two of the coolest creators in their respective industries have come together for a collaboration promising to leave you feeling serene and sultry, all in a moment of self-care.

Aesop has enlisted the help of design deity Rick Owens for this latest capsule that includes a very limited run of an Aromatique Candle and a Travel Kit featuring a selection of body and hair care products, a jersey wrap, and the specially created Stoic Eau de Toilette with accompanying ceramic beads.

Travel Kit.

These have been designed to reflect Owens’ appreciation and admiration for the brand, bringing together his favoured products — Coriander Seed Body Cleanser, Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, Classic Shampoo and Classic Conditioner.

Stoic Eau de Toilette, a new fragrance, arrives in the space between the two brands. Spicy aromas of Black Pepper and Coriander Seed reflect the radicality of Rick Owens, while Frankincense and woody notes speak to the Aesop story.

Aromatique Candle.

But where the two brands truly converge is in the Aromatique Candle, which pays homage to Owens’ gothic-inspired aesthetic, in a stone that is reminiscent of architecture on its own. Following the same design principles as Owens’s furniture collection — blending of the futuristic and the ancient — the ceramic vessels make the most perfect addition to any mantlepiece.

Both built on a desire for serenity, a dedication to simplicity and an appreciation of considerate, nonconformist design, the synergy between Aesop and Rick Owens is the perfect harmony we’ve only been wishing for.

This collaboration is exclusively stocked on aesop.com and at Aesop Auckland City from Friday 25th March.

Wellbeing

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After more than two years of renovations, Dior finally re-opens the doors its iconic 30 Montaigne address

It’s been a lifetime since we’ve visited Paris. It’s a city that epitomises romantic indulgence; sipping wine by the Seine, eating pastries for breakfast and watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle in the night sky. And then there’s the luxury fashion houses, the homes of couture, where we could happily spend our days.

Perfectly aligned with the re-opening of our borders, the iconic realm of Christian Dior, 30 Montaigne, has re-opened its doors after more than two years of renovations, and no detail has been overlooked.

But 30 Montaigne is more than just an address; it has been said that the space was one of the designer’s greatest loves. It is a place that has seen the maison’s collections come to life for more than 75 years, becoming an emblem of Parisian elegance and haute couture in its own right. “It had to be 30 Avenue Montaigne — I would set myself up and nowhere else!” Christian Dior himself famously said.

And while many original elements of this iconic location remain, the space has undergone a metamorphosis, offering a realm of possibilities to the clientele who shop there. Dior himself described the building as a “refuge of the marvellous”, and it now exists as a space that honours the heritage of the brand, while pushing it into the future.

The architectural tour-de-force was orchestrated by Peter Marino and is home to a dazzling boutique housing the latest ready-to-wear and accessories, an alcove entirely dedicated to beauty, fragrances and wellbeing and three gardens created by landscape designer Peter Wirtz.

30 Montaigne goes on to introduce the exhibition space La Galerie Dior, a tribute to Christian Dior’s first vocation as a gallery owner, and the Monsieur Dior restaurant and Dior pâtisserie, guided by French chef Jean Imbert. Not least of all, La Suite Dior is a quintessential Parisian ‘private apartment’ inside the store that offers guests personal shoppers and other perks — including the keys of 30 Montaigne for the most memorable of nights, where dreams really do come true.

Coveted

Men’s loafers: The modern shoe redefining everyday style
Bvlgari’s Eclettica collection redefines high jewellery with transformable masterpieces
For gifts that go beyond the ordinary, Sutcliffe Jewellery’s bespoke creations give moments lasting meaning

From cat-eye to aviators, find the most flattering sunglasses for your face

Undoubtedly our most trusted of accessories, sunglasses will help you stay cool as the season changes. We recommend skipping fickle trends and finding frames that are the most flattering for you. From chicly proportioned cat-eyes to curvaceous aviators and shield-like shades, it’s time to meet your match.

Clockwise: Celine Cat-eye acetate sunglasses from Parker & Co., Side Cat-Eye Acetate sunglasses from Balenciaga, Christian Dior Signature cat-eye sunglasses from Parker & Co., Garrett Leight Juvee sunglasses from Parker & Co.

This vintage, angular shape has had many modern makeovers. An artful combination of curves and lines will find a balance on your features. 

Clockwise: Stella McCartney Aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses from Net-A-Porter, Cutler And Gross 1394 Black sunglasses from Parker & Co., Victoria Beckham Brow Aviator sunglasses from Parker & Co., Christian Dior DiorSignature aviator sunglasses from Parker & Co.

A classic style that can suit every face shape, the Aviator is a first-class design. Land the right look with contrasting frames and lenses.

Clockwise: Brooke sunglasses from Burberry, Christian Dior DiorSignature oversized sunglasses from Parker & Co., Low nose bridge fit rectangular sunglasses from Gucci, Victoria Beckham VB629s sunglasses from Parker & Co.

Epic optical proportions are stronger than ever this season. Mix things up with either colourful transparent lenses or dramatic shaded ones. And remember, big is always better.

Coveted

Men’s loafers: The modern shoe redefining everyday style
Bvlgari’s Eclettica collection redefines high jewellery with transformable masterpieces
For gifts that go beyond the ordinary, Sutcliffe Jewellery’s bespoke creations give moments lasting meaning