The most luxurious experiences in Sydney

Set sail around the city 

Sydney is surrounded by water and there are plenty of ultra-luxury ways to explore it. On the harbour, charter the 120-foot superyacht Ghost 2 for an afternoon of champagne cruising on this floating resort. If you’re not ready to go home, there are five chic cabins on board to spend the night. Or let Taylor Made Escapes set up the perfect day in Pittwater on a private French yacht, feasting on fresh oysters and stopping for a swim at a secluded cove. 

Ghost 2 Super Yacht, Sydney Harbour

Sleep in a floating villa 

Be lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping of the ocean in a one-of-a-kind private floating villa off Palm Beach. Lilypad is an all-inclusive retreat in the most tranquil of settings, complete with a plush king bed, outdoor deck, swimming platform, open fireplace, luxurious bathroom and a private tender to explore the area. Your stay includes gourmet meals and a wine cellar stocked with fine vintages, so you can relax and enjoy your own tiny island. 

Lilypad, Palm Beach

Get a table at one of Sydney’s best 

Sydney is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, serving up exceptional local produce in gorgeous locations. Splash out with an unforgettable meal you’ll be talking about for years to come. Celebrity chef Peter Gilmore is behind the pans at two legends – Bennelong, tucked beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House, and Quay, looking over it from the opposite shore. Other fine dining stars include Café Sydney, Aria, Chiswick and newcomer Oncore by Clare Smyth. 

Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney

Make a solo summit of the bridge 

Forget the crowds – book a private ascent of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in the Harbour City from the top of one of the nation's most iconic landmarks. Accompanied by a personal guide from BridgeClimb, you can tackle Sydney’s famous ‘coat hanger’ on your own, with a partner or a small group of friends and take in those million-dollar views during the day, at twilight or under the twinkling stars. 

BridgeClimb Sydney, Sydney Harbour

Come fly with me 

Fly to lunch at one of Sydney’s most famous restaurants that are accessible only by air or water. Your Sydney Seaplanes flight takes off from Rose Bay for a scenic journey over the harbour and city before cruising above rugged gorges and the sparkling Hawkesbury. Then touch down at the private jetty of Berowra Waters Inn or Cottage Point Inn for an indulgent lunch paired with sommelier-matched wines or cocktails.  

Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay

Stay in six-star style 

When it opened in late 2020, Crown Towers was christened Sydney’s first six-star hotel. With its huge rooms and suites, over-the-top villas, rooftop swimming pool, indulgent spa and collection of award-winning restaurants, it’s easy to see why. Check in for a night or two and relax in one of the poolside cabanas, soak in the unique circular bathtub, order room service in your fluffy robe, and see how the other half live. 

Crown Towers Sydney, Barangaroo

Sip cocktails in the sky 

A cold drink and a glorious view is one of life’s most perfect pairings. Admire the city’s sparkling vistas from one of its chic rooftop cocktail bars. Dean and Nancy on 22 feels like a New York piano bar and looks out over the glittering skyscrapers of the CBD from its huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Aster is perched atop the InterContinental Sydney and the open-air terrace takes in sweeping views of the harbour icons. 

Aster at Intercontinental Sydney, Circular Quay

Go behind the scenes with a private tour 

Whether you’re passionate about art, history, food, shopping or surfing, there’s a bespoke tour for you in Sydney. Expert guides can show you another side of the city, discovering exclusive experiences that you won’t find on your own. Splendour Tailored Tours can take you inside the inner sanctum at Paspaley Pearls for an exclusive viewing or organise an immersive Indigenous experience that will give you an insight into an ancient culture. With these tours, the only limit is your imagination. 

Splendour Tailored Tours, Sydney

Get cultured with Capella 

One of Sydney’s newest five-star hotels, Capella offers its guests something more than plush suites and finer dining. The in-house team of Capella Curators have scoured the city for authentic experiences and unique encounters that showcase the city’s captivating heart. They’ll take you into the buzzing arts scene, reveal secrets about Sydney’s history, introduce you to inspiring creators and show you iconic landmarks from a different perspective. 

Capella, Sydney CBD

Bliss out at a day spa 

When you need to escape the everyday, book into a luxurious day spa for some well-deserved me time. At The Langham, you can start with a dip in the indoor pool set beneath a star-painted sky, or soak in the hammam-inspired steam rooms at The Darling Spa at The Star and SpaQ at QT Sydney. Chi, the Spa at Shangri-La Sydney uses Asian wellness philosophies, while The Spa at Park Hyatt Sydney focuses on native Australian ingredients. Sol Spa in Vaucluse is set alongside The Botanica restaurant, so you can finish with a three-course bottomless lunch. 

Sol Spa Vaucluse, Vaucluse - Credit Sol Spa Vaucluse

Eat seafood by the water 

Book a table by the window to enjoy sweeping ocean views as you dine on the city’s best seafood. Iconic waterfront restaurants like Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi, Pilu at Freshwater, Catalina Rose Bay, Jonah’s Whale Beach and Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay pair ocean breezes with incredible menus. Tuck into fresh lobster, oysters, prawns and fish, then walk it off with a stroll along the sand. 

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi

Party like a VIP 

Get the full celebrity experience with the exclusive VIP package from Sydney’s most famous club, Ivy. You’ll get express entry, a private booth close to the DJ and dancefloor, a dedicated host and a cocktail server for the evening, and access to the premium menu for food and drinks. Or reserve a premium booth at The Island, Sydney’s only floating bar. The package includes water taxi transfers, your own waitress, bar snacks and plenty of cocktails. 

Ivy Bar, Sydney CBD