There is something about arriving at the coast that encourages you to slow down.
The sound of the ocean, the salt air and the prospect of a morning swim can shift the pace of a stay before you have even unpacked your bags.
At InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach this connection to the coast is central to the experience, with contemporary luxury and a distinctly Australian beachside atmosphere creating an appealing escape from everyday routines.
For travellers seeking time out without leaving the city behind Coogee delivers a compelling combination of ocean scenery, coastal walks and a relaxed village atmosphere.
Add the hotel’s new Èliva Spa, thoughtfully considered wellness experiences and excellent dining and there is little reason to venture far.
A room with an ocean view
The hotel’s contemporary seaside-style rooms make the most of their coastal setting, with views stretching across the ocean.
We loved the ocean breeze, outdoor deck and pillow menu, which added to the sense of comfort and relaxation.
Our first morning presented a delicious dilemma: should we stay put and enjoy the sunrise vista from our room, or head out to explore? The lure of the outdoors won.
A sunrise walk, a refreshing dip in the ocean and a splash in the hotel’s infinity pool set the tone for the day – a reminder that sometimes the simplest coastal rituals are the most restorative.
It is this easy access to the beach culture that makes the hotel such an appealing base. Whether starting the day with movement or taking a slower approach guests can shape their stay around what feels right with the ocean providing a constant backdrop.
Èliva: A new dimension of hotel wellness
One of the hotel’s most significant additions is Èliva, the luxury day spa, which elevates the traditional hotel getaway into a more considered wellness experience.
Rather than limiting wellbeing to a massage or facial, Èliva brings together thermal bathing, recovery therapies and personalised treatments designed around relaxation, recovery and invigoration.
My spa experience began with a relaxed flow between the two saunas and steam room, followed by a chance to test all five outdoor mineral hot and cold plunge pools.
Moving between the different temperatures was invigorating, while a vitamin C shower provided a refreshing finish to the thermal circuit.
My skin felt wonderful after an Èliva face mask and a massage using Èliva’s hand-blended oils was the perfect way to unwind.
Time in the recovery lounge completed the experience, leaving me feeling thoroughly rejuvenated (and not wanting to leave this wellness sanctuary).
The spa’s offering extends beyond traditional treatments incorporating contemporary recovery technologies such as LED light therapy, infrared PEMF mats and lymphatic compression.
A vibroacoustic bed, designed with a zero-gravity position, adds another distinctive element for guests looking to explore new approaches to relaxation and recovery.
There is also a strong connection to place. Èliva’s Australian-made botanical range incorporates native ingredients and coastal influences, while signature treatments draw on sea salts, kelp and local botanicals.
The Coogee First Light ritual, for example, combines an ocean-inspired exfoliation and body treatment with a nourishing facial.
Spa Manager Gwen and her team can individualise programs to create a tailored, personalised experience, whether the priority is relaxation, recovery or a little indulgence. The Spa is available for hotel guests and day visitors.
Guests can also purchase the Èliva products they discover and love during their visit, making it easy to bring a little of the spa experience home.
Wellness beyond the treatment room
The hotel’s broader wellness philosophy extends beyond Èliva.
Weekly poolside Pilates, monthly floating sound baths and seasonal experiences provide opportunities to incorporate wellbeing into a stay, while pickleball courts offer a more active option.
The surrounding coastline, meanwhile, is an invitation to walk, swim and spend time outdoors.
As Melinda Lampier, Portfolio General Manager at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, explains, wellness is increasingly shaping not only where people travel but how they want to spend their time once they arrive.
“What has been particularly encouraging for us is seeing guests embrace both our coastal location and the hotel’s facilities as part of a more holistic approach to wellbeing, rather than viewing wellness as something confined to the spa,” she says.
She describes a stay that might begin with poolside Pilates or a coastal walk, continue with time in Èliva’s thermal facilities and a massage, and finish with a game of pickleball and dinner overlooking the ocean.
It is an appealing approach to a hotel break: not a tightly scheduled wellness retreat, but an opportunity to combine movement, relaxation, good food and time beside the sea.
Coastal dining, from casual to exceptional
Wellness and indulgence need not be mutually exclusive and the hotel’s dining options offer plenty of choice.
The pool bar is an easy option for relaxed meals and lighter fare, while Shutters Restaurant and Bar provides further opportunities to enjoy a meal or drink without straying far from the beach.
However, it would be remiss to stay at the hotel without experiencing Rick Stein’s restaurant beneath it. Seafood was the natural choice for us and our selections were a highlight of the stay.
As a guest with coeliac disease, I was particularly appreciative of the dedicated gluten-free menu and the care taken to accommodate my dietary requirements.
It made for a relaxed dining experience with the pleasure of enjoying beautifully prepared seafood complemented by the reassurance of having suitable options available.
A city escape with room to recharge
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach brings together several elements that make a coastal getaway so appealing: comfortable accommodation, a renowned Sydney beachside location, quality hospitality, excellent dining and a wellness offering that encourages guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves.
What makes the experience work so well is the balance. Guests can start the day with a sunrise walk and ocean dip, spend the afternoon moving between the spa’s thermal facilities and recovery lounge, spend some time poolside then finish with fresh seafood and the coastal atmosphere of Coogee.
For anyone looking to combine relaxation, wellbeing and a little seaside indulgence without travelling far from the city, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is an experience I highly recommend.
