Little-known Sydney spots perfect for your next staycation

While everyone is busily planning their next overseas vacation now that borders are open, we’re still majorly crushing on all the sights and sounds right here in Sydney.

The increasing freedoms we’ve enjoyed over the last few months have made me remember just how many hidden gems are still left unexplored on my bucket list. With that in mind - and Fashion Week in full swing, we decided to curate the ultimate Sydney staycation for anyone who wants to take in all the sights, but still stay local.

Book yourself a night (or two) at Sydney’s chicest apartments:

If Sydney’s Skye Suites rings a bell, you might be a loyal MAFS fan (as this is where the iconic experiment takes place!). Boasting the award-winning architecture of Koichi Takada, these 5-star apartments have everything you need, no matter the length of your stay.

We arrived off the back of a very hectic work schedule, so the sight of the comfy bed, and extremely tempting pool/spa combo made for a very warm welcome at the end of a busy day.

We immediately understood why the MAFS contestants are so comfortable during their stay here, with a full kitchen, internal laundry and spacious lounge room with special details sprinkled throughout, you’ll never want to stay in a normal hotel again.

Whilst there aren't any in-room dining options, Skye Suites sits literally on the doorstep of many amazing eateries located up Skittle Lane. From bars, to local coffee joints, you won’t have to wander far to enjoy something delicious.

Swap your usual avo toast for Champagne on the sea:

There’s just something about being on a boat that immediately makes you feel special. Lifestyle Charters has two of Sydney’s most luxurious boats: Enigma and Felix - and oh boy, do they live up to their hype.

Available for rental by the hour, they cater for basically any occasion with a delicious menu to match. On one particular cloudy morning during Fashion Week, we swapped our usual toast for a mimosa and croissant, sailing past some of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside architecture. I honestly can’t recommend a better way to start your day in Sydney.

Shop til you drop with some of Australia’s most celebrated designers:

“I’ve always loved Sydney’s street-fashion, with its alluring mix of character, sophistication, combined with a casually-cool air that reflects our outdoor lifestyle.” says co-founder of bohemian-luxe fashion label We Are Kindred, Lizzie Renkert.

When it comes to shopping our best homegrown talent we couldn’t go past Lizzie’s recommendations, including the converted Paddington Intersection between Glenmore Road and Oxford Street, boasting the likes of Zimmermann, Rachel Gilbert and Dion Lee.

If you happen to be more CBD-based, a quick pit stop at the Strand Arcade will allow you some serious window shopping at Alex Perry, Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Aje and Akira Isogawa.

Explore the world’s best bars at Shell House:

Transporting you straight to Europe, Shell House has not one, but THREE dazzling spaces to choose from. When we mentioned our dinner plans throughout the week, we were met with immediate excitement from everyone. Having quickly built their reputation in Sydney’s culinary scene, there isn’t a foodie in town that isn’t already planning a visit.

Our dinner was in their dining room, which had to be one of the more beautiful restaurant settings I’d ever seen. The menu was short, but impressive, with standouts like coal-roasted beetroot, hasselback potatoes, lobster ravioli and fresh oysters on tap - which we quickly inhaled.

Their equally impressive drinks menu featured one of the most spectacular Rosé’s I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. It’s definitely a space to celebrate something special, so it's a real treat after a busy day.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Destination NSW

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