7 luxe Sydney stays to book for your harbour city stint

Best for: Inner West exploring

In front of the beloved AP Bakery, right off Newtown’s lively King Street is The Bercin 001 – an architecturally-designed apartment primed for exploring the thriving culinary and arts scene of Sydney’s inner west. Featuring timber accents and contemporary furnishings, this space is one for the modern aesthete.

Reasons to stay:

• Fully equipped kitchen and stocked pantry
• Shared rooftop barbecue space
• Samsung Frame tv, Sonos speaker and Playstation 5
• City skyline view
• Air conditioning

Best for: Forest bathing and waterfront luxuriating

Bordering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and only accessible via the water, Soul Home is an escape in every sense of the word. With an extended lawn terrace to the water’s edge, vistas from every room, and swimming spots, walking tracks and waterfalls within minutes, this unique Airbnb is a true Romanticist’s retreat.

Reasons to stay:

• Waterfront location with water views
• Indoor fireplace
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Backyard and patio
• Fire pit
• Barbecue
• Kayak
• Boat access only (ferries, water taxies and bookable boat services available)
• Some pets allowed

Best for: An intimate beach stay

Beyond the winding road of the Bilgola Bends, in the most northerly suburb in Sydney is this breezy Palm Beach penthouse. Sip your morning cuppa on the balcony overlooking Whale Beach, before making your way to the shore for the afternoon or strolling five minutes to Jonah’s for dinner. An ideal stay for couples or a small group.

Reasons to stay:

• Balcony with ocean views
• Coffee maker
• Onsite parking

Best for: Seaside strolling and people watching

Between Manly and Shelly Beach, this oceanfront apartment has one of Manly’s most enviable addresses right on Fairy Bower. Have a morning dip in the big blue, spend the arvo reading on the rooftop terrace or bay window, and stroll seven minutes along the coastal walk into Manly village for a seafood dinner.

Reasons to stay:

• Ocean and ocean pool views
• Waterfront location
• Shared rooftop terrace
• Espresso machine
• Ferry wharf nearby
• Concierge services available on request

Best for: Eastern Suburbs stay-cationing

Less than a 10-minute stroll from Bondi Beach lies The Arc, a newly completed, architect-designed home teeming with contemporary glamour. The lush garden atrium through both levels of the house blur the line between indoors and out, marrying of polished concrete floors, exposed brickwork and marble give an industrial texture while the eclectic furnishings create warmth within the space. Featuring a entertainer’s kitchen, travertine terrace and plunge pool, you’re all set for a staycation of epicurean proportions.

Reasons to stay:

• Four double bedrooms with built-ins
• Master suite with a private balcony
• Glass mosaic-tiled plunge pool with heating
• Outdoor speakers
• Outdoor shower
• Outdoor gas barbecue
• Natural stone bath
• Zoned air, smart sound and electric blinds

Best for: Harbour views

Heatherbrae is a stone’s throw away from the CBD, just north of the Harbour Bridge in Kirribilli. With unrivalled bridge views from almost every room and cosy bars and restaurants in the nearby village, it’s a memorable harbour city stay.

Key features:

• Large entertaining balcony
• Five minutes to train station
• Three bedrooms
• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Pet-friendly

Best for: City centre convenience

Right in the harbourside suburb of the CBD Barangaroo, lies this serviced apartment offering uninterrupted bridge and harbour views as well as personalised luxury. With access to the building’s indoor and outdoor pools, spa, steam room, sauna, gym and rooftop, your next business trip will one of metropolitan grandeur.

Reasons to stay:

• In top 5 per cent of Airbnb’s top loved homes
• Prime waterfront CBD location
• Access to indoor/outdoor pools, spa, steam room, sauna, gym and rooftop