Vivid Sydney Staycation

Whilst the phrase born and bred doesn’t entirely apply to me – as I’m pretty sure I was conceived whilst my parents were still in Shanghai, I was certainly born in Sydney and it’s where I’ve called home for the past 28 years. I absolutely love travelling and am always excited to be exploring new cities and unfamiliar places but what I look forward to after being away for weeks is to come home.

Having your cultural senses titillated is enough to make people want to venture half way across the world. But to come home with new perspective on how different others subsist across the world is the most rewarding aspect.

I’ve been asked whether I’d permanently relocate to another city and my answer is always no because Sydney is where I call home. I’m a creature of habit and when I find something that works or that I like, I generally stick to it. I’ve been going to the same nail salon since 2009 and the same sushi train since 2008. That’s what you call customer loyalty right?

But why am I so damn attached to Sydney? The answer is simple if you’ve ever visited – it’s freaking beautiful. We have countless postcard perfect beaches, Instagram worthy ocean pools, delicious brunches and unique cafes, as well as access to amazing fashion retailers – both local and international. Of course who can forget our tourist magnets; the Harbour Bridge and Opera House?

Sydney-siders have been spoilt this last decade each year with one of the most stunning light festivals I’ve ever seen – Vivid Sydney. From interactive projections on the Opera House, to animal light installations in Taronga Zoo; the city literally lights up in neon rainbow glory. This year, we were lucky enough to have been invited to stay at Quay West to experience Vivid from one of the best vantage points where we could literally enjoy the light projections from our window.

Our perfect two-bedroom apartment overlooked Sydney Harbour in all its scenic glory and we didn’t even have to venture out into the cold with Jacob! If there’s one thing I’ve discovered is that bringing a newborn on a staycation means twice the luggage because there’s just so much to bring. I felt like a circus “bumping in” to our next tour location with our six bags, pram and various other contraptions.

The team at Quay West were very kind to arrange a baby cot for us – even though we’ve been co-sleeping with Jacob since he came home – it was still a nice gesture to have it all prepared for us on arrival. We chose to dine in on both nights as we enjoyed the city lights from the dinner table. If you find yourself staying with the hotel then I highly recommend the lamb main from menu at Harrington Restaurant – it’s SO good!

I felt extremely spoilt when the team also booked me in for a 75-minute spa treatment at Endota Spa The Rocks. It was so relaxing that I’m quite certain I fell asleep for over half of it ha! If the view wasn’t enough incentive for you to stay then wait until you see the pool on the 23rd floor!

6 Reasons Why You Should Stay at Quay West Sydney

If you’re in town for Vivid then staying here will mean you’re in walking distance of all the key locations
You have one of the best views in Sydney of the harbor including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House
The pool on the 23rd floor also shares the amazing view
If you want to go shopping then Pitt St Mall is only a 10-15 minute stroll away
You’re close to plenty of nice restaurants and bars
If you want to visit Taronga Zoo during Vivid then the ferry terminal is just a five minute walk away! P.S. If you haven’t been then you must because it’s so magical to walk through the zoo after hours. (Check it out from my v-log below)