Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s major refurb set for a September completion
The $60 million refurb of the 436-room Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is well underway, with more details of the upgraded event spaces emerging.
Encore Event Technologies, who is the in-house AV provider for the hotel, is installing a major technology upgrade, including one of the largest LED screens in Australia, which will be located in the Grand Ballroom. One of the largest in Sydney, the high-ceilinged ballroom can host up to 750 delegates in theatre and 500 in banquet.
Across the collection of event spaces, new customisable lighting, presentation and stage technology, wide-screen projection technology and sound systems will feature.
Alongside upgrading all guest rooms, the hotel is also adding a new dining precinct which will feature two new restaurants, two bars and one of Sydney’s largest rooftop terraces. The restaurants will be available to groups.
New restaurant from acclaimed Sydney chef for Manly Pacific
The 213-room Manly Pacific on Sydney’s northern beaches is to have a new restaurant by Alessandro Pavoni, of Ormeggio at the Spit and a’Mare fame.
Both of Pavoni’s existing restaurants in Sydney are hatted.
Cibaria Manly, the new offering at Manly Pacific, is set to open next summer and will feature Italian dining from morning to evening and a rooftop terrace.
The restaurant will be available for full buyouts for business events groups. The weatherproof terrace can also be booked exclusively.
“We are thrilled that our renovation means we can now house a restaurant from Alessandro Pavoni and the distinguished Ormeggio team,” said Manly Pacific general manager, Dylan Cole.
“Having a chef of such prestige and calibre in our property serves as a testament to the quality of our hotel. We are so confident in the luxury experience we can provide for our guests and this demonstrates our offering is going from strength to strength.”
Manly Pacific completed a $30 million refurbishment of the entire hotel, including its event spaces, in early 2023.
Ayers Rock Resort in the running for World Culinary Awards
Ayers Rock Resort, the sprawling resort at Uluru, is in the running for the world’s best culinary resort at the World Culinary Awards.
The property is up against several resorts in the United Arab Emirates, as well as properties in Europe, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Macau and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Ayers Rock Resort is also in the pool for Oceania’s best fine dining hotel restaurant for its exclusive Tali Wiru experience. In this category, it is up against Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens, Dixson and Sons at the Porter House Hotel in Sydney, kingi at The Hotel Britomart in Auckland, and Provenance Restaurant and Accommodation in Beechworth, Victoria.
The winners will be decided by vote, which is open to the public. Voting opens on May 30.
Tali Wiru, which can host business events groups of up to 20, takes place on a dune top in the Central Australian desert.
The resort has just unveiled a refreshed menu for the experience which includes Penfolds wine pairings across all four courses for the first time. The new menu is also made up of 99 per cent Australian sourced ingredients, boosting its sustainability credentials.
Tali Wiru operates on a seasonal basis, running from April to October.
Novotel Darwin CBD achieves NT-first sustainability certification
The Novotel in Darwin’s city centre has become the first hotel in the Northern Territory to be given Sustainable Tourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia.
The certification is part of Accor’s partnership with Ecotourism Australia to certify every Australian property under an Accor brand.
Novotel Darwin CBD is the eighth Accor hotel to be certified across the country.
“Novotel Darwin CBD exemplifies our dedication to environmental stewardship, community engagement and cultural respect,” said Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific’s COO for its premium, midscale and economy brands.
“As the eighth Accor property to receive this certification, it joins a growing network of Accor hotels leading the way in sustainable tourism across Australia. We will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and set new benchmarks for the industry.”
Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses applicants in eight areas including environmental management, contribution to conservation, working with local communities, cultural respect and sensitivity and responsible marketing.
“Novotel Darwin CBD is motivated to continue identifying innovative sustainable solutions to ensure we preserve the ecosystem for future generations,” said Novotel Darwin CBD general manager Alex Murray.
