Out and about in Newfarm, Brisbane
After two days at The Calile in Brisbane, one feels the need to upgrade one’s entire life. My car should be more sleek, my home interiors should be more chic, my diet should be more organic, my body should be more muscular, my dog should be silkier.
Everything here in New Farm is near perfection, and the suburb is filled with relaxed and apparently happy people catching up over coffee or a cocktail, or heading to their Pilates class. Window shopping and wandering the laneways here in New Farm is somewhat intimidating: gyms, beauticians, homewares and interior designers, furniture and lighting, dog trainers & groomers. It’s all about you, and your presentation, darling.
From the soothing curves of the balcony of the ultra cool Calile Hotel you can gaze out on an entire curated block of enticing retail and food experiences: coffee, gelato, sushi, shoes, cosmetics, flowers, fabrics and more.
The Calile is a low rise, manicured haven where locals and guests blend into one beautiful instagram pose. Brass and tile balconies over look a mid century styled pool deck, where guests sun under sage striped umbrellas, or lounge in cabanas. Trays of drinks glide by on the arms of casually clad waiters. Glasses clink, and groups of diners laugh loudly above the energetic music that keeps the Palm Springs ambiance dialled right up.
New Farm some how manages to generate a tourist vibe – its all relaxation and calm, but its smack in the middle of the metropolis. Set everyday to “Vacation Mode”, and you have summed up what the epicenter of this precinct, the luxurious Calile Hotel, has created. Moments away from the Hotel, are must do food options, the famous Same Same, the decadent Steak and Oyster, and funky little cafes like Ollie’s Organics, Piccolo by Her, or Momiji Sashimi.
Long walks beckon, whether its over the Story Bridge, along the riverside boardwalks, or meandering amongst the magnificently gentrified streets of Newfarm, Newstead, Teneriffe and Kangaroo Point. Quaintly restored workers cottages show off lattice, fret work, awnings and steep stairs from the colonial era. You just want to walk in through every garden gate, and stroll around those verandahs, and gaze out from the big decks. Lush tropical gardens effortlessly crowd every building, and huge Moreton Bay figs create light and shade over the dazzling shopping precincts. Stroll past Camilla, Carla Zampatti, Mecca and Saba, but also browse boutique Brisbane institutions such as Maryon’s shoes, Margot McKinney jewellery, and Camargue fashions.
5 things not to forget when packing for a week-end at The Calile
- Black leggings & a good sports bra – the gyms & yoga studios will be calling your name
- High end sneakers, even for evening, to keep that holiday aura
- Swimsuit – not necessarily for getting wet
- Nothing tailored – the vibe here is floaty and oversized, or a figure hugging knit
- Great sleepwear – you can’t be in a beautiful hotel room without a lovely negligee or silk PJs perhaps..