Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
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“The great advantage of a hotel is that it is |
Sofitel Adelaide’s hotel manager Scott Eger. Photo: Rama Gaind
Travel takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences.
Walking through the entrance of the Sofitel Adelaide … and a quick whiff of ambrosial bouquets was delightful: a musky floral fragrance lingering in the air, stimulating the senses. The freshness was invigorating, combined with a feeling of light and flow, of traditions ― old and new ― earthly and revered.
Then it was a chance meeting with hotel manager Scott Eger, a happy coincidence, that solved not only a technical issue with television reception in our room, but also about the aromatic origins of the scents that permeated the hotel lobby. ‘Essence De Sofitel’ is a combination of French floral notes of white rose and jasmine and white musk that revitalises with a sensation of warmth. A touch of patchouli and French vanilla combined with a rich base of white sandalwood add elegance and a sense of mystique. The perfume sillage is subtle, persistent and enduring.
Sofitel Adelaide in Currie Street. Photo: Rama Gaind
Our conversation also turned to South Australia’s ultimate luxury hotel escape as Scott elaborated on how Sofitel’s French elegance combined with international hospitality and the region’s inimitable charm and warmth to create a guest experience like no other.
Our visit was propitious as well ― in line with Sofitel’s ethos: to deliver an array of ‘magnifique’ experiences, embracing local culture and encouraging guests to ‘Live the French Way’ by enjoying the best in gastronomy and wellbeing.
Prevalent is an exhilarating mix of quaint charm and modern design, delivered with a whimsical twist. The glass-walled building is a glittering addition to the city skyline. In addition to being a hotel, the 32-storey mixed-use tower also houses one of the tallest residential developments in South Australia. The first 24 storeys are dedicated to the hotel and its facilities. Opened in November 2021, Sofitel Adelaide became the first new-build, international five-star hotel to open in Adelaide’s CBD in 30 years.
It’s apparent this hotel has drawn inspiration from local culture and tradition while celebrating innovation and the French art de vivre to offer a one-of-a-kind, luxurious hotel experience, showcasing current and creative design combined with French aesthetics. Discovery also reveals this hotel to be distinctive.
Haigh’s Chocolates, Rundle Mall, Adelaide. Photo: Rama Gaind
In line with its vision, Sofitel Adelaide has brought to life three quintessential Adelaide themes ― city of churches, arts and culture, and wine. These narratives have been woven into the hotel’s contemporary interiors … “all of which are also a nod to the hotel’s cultural link to the city of Bordeaux in France.” Prevailing manifestations of churches feature prominently by creating the signature floor design used throughout the hotel. Even the shower recess has a story to tell!
The faint redolence of musk remains in the air. With this backdrop, it’s so easy to relax, unwind, settle-in and enjoy world-class cordiality, chic bars and gourmet restaurant, Garçon Bleu, before you step outside to discover genuine Adelaide.
Nearby highlights
You never know who you will see in Rundle Mall, Adelaide. Photo: Rama Gaind
Adelaide streets are literally teeming with award-winning restaurants dishing up delectable, mouth-watering treats. There’s also Adelaide Central Market. With so many exceptional beaches so close to the city centre, Adelaide’s sand and surf are virtually inescapable. Go on day trips. Head 20 minutes down the road to the magical Adelaide Hills, and unearth world-class eating places, award-winning wineries and incredible local food producers tucked away in leafy hamlets. Visit Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Gardens; go gallery hopping along Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace, home to a myriad of unique and impressive art galleries and museums.
What is iconic to South Australia? By far the number one factor that has pulled South Australia to the top of the tourist list is their wine. It overflows with prominent names, with each winery claiming a range of awards both internationally and locally. The state is home to 18 wine regions and has officially been named a great wine capital of the world. So, why not grab a glass and enjoy touring the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Riverland, Langhorne Creek. Flanked by the Barossa and Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley is a boutique wine region where hillsides are contoured with vineyards and a handful of cellar doors sit nestled in the valleys. A picturesque hour’s drive from Adelaide, the fertile high country is responsible for producing premium cool climate wines which are best tasted straight from a cellar door.
The shower recess in the hotel room at Sofitel Adelaide has a story to tell. Photo: Rama Gaind
It’s not surprising to realise South Australia is bursting with culture, food and wine, wildlife encounters and a busy year-round calendar of events and entertainment. Only in South Australia can you taste your way through world-famous wine regions only minutes away from the capital, sink your teeth into award-winning eateries, soak up the sun at pristine beaches, swim with sea lions and dolphins and cage dive with great white sharks in every region.
Nature is always close at hand and South Australia’s capital strikes an amazing balance between big city culture and opportunities to ‘get away from it all’.
FACT BOX
South Australian Tourism Commission
www.southaustralia.com
Sofitel Adelaide
www.sofiteladelaide.com.au
