For as long as I can remember, traveling back home to Sydney has been a bittersweet adventure. As an Australian who first caught the travel bug in my teens, and later married a hotelier whose career whisked us across the globe, the journey home is always a 15-hour odyssey. But each time, I find myself torn between two emotions: the joy of reuniting with family and the quiet bliss of a long-haul flight. To me, flights are pockets of guilt-free indulgence—oodles of in-flight entertainment, hours to binge-watch shows, and a rare opportunity to delve into books I’ve promised myself I’ll read. This year, reading is a habit I’m determined to nurture.
On this trip, I broke up the long haul with a brief stopover in Dubai, a city we once called home for a decade. There, I caught up, on the phone with my god-daughter’s mum and indulged in a little nostalgia at the magazine racks. I had a mission in mind, and there it was: MOJEH Magazine, the Middle East’s go-to luxury resource. Its annual edition on Jewellery and Watches featured the world’s most precious gems, and my heart swelled when Australia’s opals made the cut. Then came a smile: the featured hotel choice in Sydney was none other than The Capella, my home for the next three nights.
A Home Away From Home: The Capella Sydney
The Capella Hotels & Resorts brand has garnered international acclaim, being named the #1 Best Hotel Brand in the World by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Its Sydney property, housed in the heritage-listed former Department of Education building, opened its doors in March 2023 and quickly racked up accolades—including Australia’s Best City Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in June 2024.
From the moment I arrived, I understood why Capella has redefined the luxury hospitality space. Here, the guest isn’t just central; they’re everything. As Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney, aptly put it, “Hospitality comes from the heart.”
This ethos is evident in every detail, from the beautifully appointed rooms to the unique concierge role, or “Culturist,” as Capella calls it. The Culturist isn’t just there to book your dinner reservations; they curate culturally enriching experiences tailored to your preferences. Even the turn-down amenities are a delight: I found a luxurious vegan leather travel pack and inspiring mindfulness cards waiting for me—small touches that make a big impact.
Sustainability Meets Luxury
Capella’s commitment to sustainability impressed me just as much as their luxury offerings. Subtle yet conscious, the hotel balances eco-friendly initiatives with impeccable service. From recyclable materials and eco-friendly laundry practices to sleek water bottles replacing single-use plastics, it’s clear that sustainability is woven into the brand’s DNA. And yet, none of these initiatives feel intrusive or performative; they’re simply part of the Capella experience.
The Heart of Capella: Aperture and Meadow
While the Auriga Spa, heated indoor pool, and state-of-the-art gym tempted me to spend my days in blissful relaxation, it was Aperture, the hotel’s light-filled dining and gathering space, that truly captured my heart. Here, I took my meals, held meetings, and indulged in the quintessentially Australian delight of scones with clotted cream and jam.
Above it all, literally and figuratively, is Meadow, a kinetic art installation by Dutch artists Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta of Studio DRIFT. This stunning sculpture features mechanical flowers that open and close in a poetic dance, mimicking the constant change and adaptation of the natural world. It’s a reminder that, like Meadow’s blossoms, we too evolve and adapt to our surroundings. Watching it move as I sipped tea was nothing short of mesmerizing. I adore this space.
The Capella Magic
The Capella Sydney is more than a hotel; it’s an experience. Its urban, neutral aesthetic perfectly blends contemporary design with the charm of a heritage-listed building. Every detail, from the sustainable practices to the thoughtful amenities, reflects a commitment to creating not just a luxurious stay but a meaningful one. For me, this was the perfect start to my time back in Sydney—a city I’ll always call home, no matter where in the world I’ve been.
To learn more about the Capella Sydney, listen to my podcast with Marc von Arnim, General Manager as we delve into the essence of luxury, generational shifts in luxury travel, meaningful sustainability, and the unexpected sacrifices and finding balance when juggling career and personal life. Soon to be found on Spotify and Youtube on…..
All photos @ Timothy Kaye
