It’s a hotel that has been in desperate need of a facelift.
If you live in Manly or often visit the popular beachside suburb, you would have noticed what was once a Novotel property — now Manly Pacific — has undergone a massive and much-needed transformation.
A $30 million one to be exact, and locals and tourists alike are loving it.
It’s a great hotel for a staycation because while it makes you feel you’re far away on holiday, for an inner westie like me, it’s just (roughly) a 45 minute drive (depending on traffic).
It ticks all the necessary boxes. Rooftop pool and bar with coastal views, great breakfast (which can often be hit and miss), my favourite cuisine, Japanese, right next door with a fusion restaurant called Tokyo Joe (once called Daniel San) and plenty of bars and activities right at your doorstep.
Such activities include SUP Yoga, boxing on the beach, meditation, Cryo and surfing. And what’s even better is if you’re staying at the hotel you get a discount — and who doesn’t love a discount.
A few weeks ago Manly Pacific general manager Dylan Cole gave me a tour of the recently revamped luxe hotel.
He told me the last time it had any major works was back in 2008. So a reno was high on the to-do list.
“We wanted to upgrade the hotel from mid-scale to a lifestyle property, formerly being a Novotel property and now transitioning to an MGallery brand,” Dylan said.
“Every point of the rebrand and the design was to be in line with the relaxed and coastal lifestyle of locals in Manly, being in such an iconic beachfront destination.”
He tells me from the moment you step into the hotel, “you’ll feel calm, rejuvenated and connected to the ocean”.
And he wasn’t wrong. I stayed in one of the nine ocean-facing ‘Coastal Suites’ for two nights and I couldn’t help but feel an immediate sense of calm.
Of course it helps that you have a stunning ocean view from your lounge and bedroom. But the laid-back yet classy design of the entire hotel makes you feel like you’re truly on holiday, despite still being in the same city.
My room had a spacious living area, dining room, kitchenette, two bathrooms and two bedrooms with a large deck allowing you to chill and really embrace the suburb’s famous Norfolk Pines.
The furniture is all Coco Republic — so you really notice the elegance. But it’s subtle and not snobby with the overall design taking into consideration its chilled surroundings.
“We are in a unique location, being in front of the ocean where there is a myriad of colours and an abundance of natural light,” Dylan explains.
“It only felt natural to embrace the destination by bringing in a lighter colour palette and organic textures such as travertine and other natural stones.
“Coco Republic, a leading Australian design firm, was able to make this come to life bringing styling that one would find in a stylish beachfront home.”
If you want to take your experience up a notch there is the Infinity Residence which has a ‘Beach Butler’.
So what have locals and tourists been saying about it?
“Looks absolutely heavenly!!!” one person wrote on the hotels’ Instagram page, while another said: “A dream that has to come true!”
And Dylan isn’t overly surprised. He said they have been overwhelmed by the feedback from guests who have stayed at the newly revamped property.
“Not only have they loved the coastal interiors, but they have also raved about the wellness touchpoints in the hotel from the morning health shots, beach club offerings and the rooftop pool,” he explained.
“It’s quite a draw card to have a rooftop pool with a vista overlooking the Manly beachfront, up to Shelly Beach and spanning across to the CBD.”
Buffet breakfast
I find hotel breakfasts such hit and miss — mostly miss because it often lack variety and is almost always overpriced.
But I have to admit, the Manly Bistro — situated inside the hotel — was a huge hit. Mainly because there is so much to choose from but most importantly the coffee is great. It’s also the first thing they ask to order the moment you walk in (also important).
If you love your bread, you’d be happy to know they have a huge selection. There’s also a vast range of fresh fruits, cereals, different types of yoghurt, an egg station, a heap of hot dishes and perhaps best of all — a pancake station.
How much you ask? $39 full and $25 continental. So pretty reasonable. Oh, and it’s on the ground level, facing the beach, which is always a winner.
Activities
If you’re like me and want to get a bit of training in before kicking off your day then definitely look at booking yourself in for ‘boxing on the beach’. The class is headed up by Manly Beach Health Club and you’re bound to get your sweat on. No stress if you have never done it before, the classes are designed for all levels.
There’s actually so much you can do all within a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Straight after boxing I went to Bare Beauty, literally five minutes around the corner and I got a full body massage. It was the perfect combo for me. Boxing followed by a massage.
The next day I did meditation. This was important for me to do as I really struggle to find the time to do any form of meditation. So it was great they had this as an option.
I then tried my luck at SUP Yoga situated across on the West Esplanade. It was the perfect weather too — nice and sunny.
The wonderful crew at ‘Flow mOcean’ take the hour-long class. Again, yoga isn’t something I am good at, let alone on a board, but the staff make it super comfortable, fun and obviously relaxing. It’s also motivating to have it so close-by the hotel (as it tempts you to give it a go). No more than a 10 or so minute walk.
If you want to try something completely different and get out of your comfort zone head to Cryo in Freshwater – I am told it is great for your body.
The thought of being in an enclosed space at -110 was terrifying to me. However, after the three minutes was over, I felt amazing.
How does it work? Firstly I have to commend the owners of Cryo Northern Beaches. They made me feel super welcome and their knowledge was reassuring given I was freaking out.
Basically, they kit you up with shorts and a top (for the ladies), gloves, socks, slippers, headband to cover your ears and a mask.
You step inside the ‘chamber’ and as your body is exposed to 100 per cent breathable air, they pump your favourite song which will play for the three minutes you’re in there. You can choose to have the window up. I asked for it to stay down.
I’m told the subzero temperatures stimulates the autonomous nervous system producing a multitude of physical and mental health benefits such as reducing pain and inflammation, boosting your immune system and strengthening joints and muscles.
After around 2.5 minutes I was ready to tap out but I persevered and honestly my body felt (cold) but great afterwards.
Although, consistency is key for the best results.
Great food and bar options
The great thing about the location of the Manly Pacific is you’re close to the main strip that’s filled with a bunch of great restaurants and bars.
I mean, you can always dine at the hotel’s restaurant but if you want to venture out and try something different you have plenty of options.
Hugo’s is known for its buzzing atmosphere and stunning water views. It also has a pretty decent menu and great cocktails. But for me, the seafood platter was the winner.
If it’s not really your scene and you’re after something more low-key, definitely head to The Cumberland. It took me a while to find it only because the front is a deli and given it was 9.30pm on a Saturday night, I thought it was strange for a deli to be open at such late hours. But it’s all part of the experience.
You walk through the ‘fridge door’ and down the spiral stairs where you will find a trendy, dim-lit speak-easy-inspired bar.
It’s perhaps Sydney’s best-hidden bar yet. I mean, it did win Australian Small Bar of the Year award for 2021.
By day it sells cheese and cured Spanish meats. At night it services the bar, transporting charcuterie and cheese boards downstairs via a custom-made dumbwaiter. Pretty cool.
If you’re a whiskey fan, there’s an overwhelming amount to choose from alongside a great cocktail and wine list.
But let’s not forget lunch. If you want something healthy, fresh and tasty, especially after a big night out, head to Ruby Lane.
Just go straight in for the Smash ‘n’ Hash if you don’t know what to order. It’s their bestseller. For $22 you get a sweet potato fritter topped with smashed avo, pasture raised poached eggs, corn salsa and a chimichurri dressing. Vegans can have a field mushroom instead of eggs. It’s damn tasty.
Rooms at the Manly Pacific hotel start from $279 a night.
This journalist was a guest of the Manly Pacific hotel.