Evenings spent tucked into plush king-sized beds, restorative soaks in freestanding bathtubs, open fireplaces to warm hands upon and heated pools with a view await across Sydney’s expansive stays to get cosy in winter.
Apr 2025 -
4
min readFor a toasty fireplace
Lilypad Palm Beach
Isolation amps up cosiness at this luxurious floating villa in the waters off Palm Beach. Set for two, Lilypad offers a king-sized bed, open fireplace, infrared sauna, impressive wine cellar and water toys including stand-up paddleboards, if you want to get the blood pumping. There’s also a chef, masseuse and concierge service on call and, throughout May, June and July, bookings include a deck-top hot tub.
The Lilypad during a sunset, Palm Beach
Capella Sydney
Make indulgence your winter mantra with a stay at the CBD’s Capella – this heritage-listed building packs in wow-factor details across every level. The stunning marble fireplace in the exclusive guest-only Living Room is primed for winter hibernation, but you can also warm up with a dip in the heated pool, stretch through a yoga session, head to the world-class spa for next-level pampering or take your pick from the deluxe dining options on-site.
Heated indoor swimming pool at Capella
Little National Hotel
The lounge of the Little National Hotel isn’t just a great spot to take in the views of the city skyline, you’ll also find a centrepiece open fireplace to warm you right up. Before you retire to your seamlessly designed, monochrome-cool room featuring a floor-to-ceiling window, get comfy in front of the rooftop lounge fire and order in from the wealth of deluxe dining options nearby – the hotel’s happy to help.
Little National Hotel, Sydney CBD - Credit: DOMA Hotels
For Instagram-worthy bathtubs
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Bathe from one of the best vantage points in the city in a Junior Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows right next to the tub, or a Jones Bay View room at waterfront luxury hotel, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Add in the hotel's signature Sofitel MyBed and bespoke pillow menus for ultra-personalised snoozing and you’ll have few reasons to leave. Note: most, but not all rooms and suites, have baths.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour - Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Paramount House Hotel
Book a Loft or Mac Daddy Suite at this boutique hotel blending heritage, new and funky in Surry Hills and you’ll be treated to a hand-crafted, native blackbutt timber, Japanese-style bath. Alongside your soaker, rooms feature spacious linen-topped beds, plenty of natural light and terrazzo bathrooms. Downstairs, date night starts at natural wine bar and restaurant, Poly, and ends at Golden Age Cinema and Bar.
Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills - Credit: Tom Ross
The Old Clare Hotel
Bathtubs are the name of the game at this beloved Chippendale hotel. Here, six of the eight available room styles have freestanding bathtubs (Kent and Connell rooms don’t), and they’re typically placed within easy, chat-distance reach to the broader room. Look out for unique-to-each-room Mid Century furniture and art, rich tones and heavy drapery. Some rooms even have record players, and others are pet-friendly.
The Clare suite at The Old Clare Hotel - Credit: SONRAC Services Pty Ltd
Pier One Sydney Harbour
No two rooms are the same at this harbourside luxury hotel on Sydney Harbour, but every suite has a bathtub, primed for long soaks – in many cases, with a view. In an Opera Bridge Balcony Suite you’ll be treated to iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park Sydney and a bit of the Sydney Opera House; floor-to-ceiling windows; a spacious bathroom – featuring that tub; and a cosy king-sized bed. The Admiral Suite puts you even closer to the action with a freestanding bath on the deck outside.
Admiral Suite Bathroom at Pier One Sydney Harbour - Credit: Dave Wheeler
For a luxurious, heated pool
W Sydney
Sydney is rich with luxury pool offerings but not many hotels can boast like W Hotel can. Not only does the boldly styled hotel house a 30m rooftop infinity pool sandwiched by harbour views and a vibrant bar, it’s got a second pool in a long, deep hall with similarly epic city views but less crowds and 24/7 operating hours. Once your drinks, laps or splash are wrapped up, retire to a colourful room with more views of the water.
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
From the pool, it’s three steps to the spa bath, and from the spa, it’s three steps to a steam room. The sunlight lets in the natural light but you’re not relying on that for heat – the pool is warm all year round. The rooms are between corporate and elegant in style and the location is quite literally in the centre of the city.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney - Credit: Radisson Hotels Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
The international hotel chain’s Sydney edition is known for having some of the best harbour views in Sydney (taking in the bay, the icons and far into the horizon) but you can take in a different kind of water view in the hotel’s heated indoor pool and whirlpool spa, underlit for extra evening glow.
Horizon Sydney Harbour Suite at the Shangri-La Sydney - Credit: Shangri-La Sydney
The Langham Sydney
An award-winning, five-star hotel, The Langham is understated elegance from foyer to the bedroom. That includes a spectacular pool room with starry night display on the ceiling, making any spa or pool attendee feel like they’re swimming in a lake in the bush, only this lake is warm and surrounded by lounges.
The Langham, Sydney - Credit: The Langham
The EVE Hotel Sydney
Usually, a sunny pool lounge with cabanas and overhanging palms means a quiet winter period, but this beautiful Redfern rooftop oasis is set up all year round. Find the same, ochre-blue-emerald style embedded in everything the hotel does: in your room, the lounge, hotel bar and lobby, which also caters to winter warming with armchairs in front of an inviting fireplace.
By the pool at The EVE Hotel - Credit: The EVE
Oxford House
Pick up a drink, a snack and your crew and walk five metres from the bar. Set your drink, boozy popsicle, smash burger or oyster platter down and you can dive into the heated, family-friendly pool, sun on face, worry-free. Surface for a bite and a sip, then repeat the routine – just don’t skimp on the sunscreen that’s on offer. At the end, find a room you’d expect to see in the home of your most stylish friend: not ostentatious, just classy.
Oxford House, Darlinghurst - Credit: Public Hospitality
Further afield
Logan Brae Retreats
Pack your winter woollies and breathe the crisp winter air in the Blue Mountains with Logan Brae Retreats’ four cabins. Depending on your pick, find a spot by the fire pit, daydream from the warmth of a luxurious bath, or take in the views from the cosy living areas (keeping your eye out for the local kangaroos and wallabies). Experience a total refresh with a dip in a winter plunge pool… though it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Logan Brae Retreats, Blue Mountains - Credit: Asia Upward
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Truly escape from it all and connect with nature while indulging in luxury at Spicers Sangoma Retreat. While the surrounding hikes of the Blue Mountains beckon, it will be hard to step outside with open fireplaces, deep baths, floor-to-ceiling windows to marvel at the views and delectable dining care of Restaurant Amara all in the same place. A session at Spa Anise will also have you floating back to your private suite.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain
