Photos 1-2 - Hotel Realm. Photos 3 onwards by Natalie Hayllar
A weekend of Buvette Bliss at Hotel Realm Canberra
While traditionally known for Australian icons like the National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House, and bike rides around Lake Burley Griffin, it is the fantastic food and dining scene unfolding before my eyes that a visit to Canberra a surprise. On every trip we discover an entirely new cultural precinct to explore. For this year’s annual visit to Canberra it was time to experience Hotel Realm - a five star property in Canberra’s city centre and a short walk from trendy suburbs of Manaka and Kingston. The multi award winning Realm precinct boats a number of fabulous fine dining restaurants including French chic Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar, a casual lounge bar, wholefoods café, health club, hair salon, day spa, and indoor heated pool.
After ‘freakshaking’ with our dear friends in Manaka, an early check-in to the indulgent Realm Suite allows us to drop our luggage before heading to Corin Forest for some snow play (its only a 45 minute drive from Canberra central and great fun for the kids). As we drive up the mountain and the temperature dropped from 8 degrees to 1 degrees in minutes, we see a rainy, wet old day in Canberra transform into a magical winter wonderland before our very eyes. A light dusting of snow turns the Alpine forest and snow gums into a beautiful Winter’s playground for the kids, and after hours of tobogganing and snow play we can’t wipe the grins from our faces.
After drying off by the toasty fire, we make our way back to Hotel Realm, through the beautiful Brindabella's to get into Buvette Bliss mode. Spoilt on arrival with beautiful fresh flowers and petite sweets we spend the next few hours enjoying our luxury Realm suite and relaxing with champagne. While the family enjoys some movie time, I head downstairs to meet a dear friend for a little Parisian wanderlust at Buvette Bistro &Wine Bar. I think to myself, it is going to be hard to top the sight of fresh falling snow and the stunning Australian landscape at dusk. And then the twice-baked cheese soufflé comes out. Surrounded by chic French décor we were instantly whisked right back to Paris for a night of French cuisine (You can read all about our Buvette Bistro &Wine Bar on the blog too)
A Sunday morning sleep in and a strong coffee and croissant perfected our Hotel Realm weekend before driving back to Sydney. Oh and did I mention the mob of Kangaroos jumping proudly across a dry Lake George on the way home. Snow. Kangaroos. Australia was completely showing off. Perhaps she knew that we had been overseas for a few months. It reminded us of the amazing country we live in, and that a weekend with friends and French food in Canberra is always good for the soul.
Hotel Realm offers a wonderful Buvette Bliss package including overnight accommodation, mini Moet Chandon on arrival, two-course meal at Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar, with free parking, free wifi and late checkout.
* I was a guest of Hotel Realm and Buvette Bistro.
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