We have talked about a lot of different glamorous cities all over the world, but one was still missing: Melbourne, the world’s most liveable city. It seems like Australia is so far away (yes, it could be!) but for us, the several-hour-long trip is time well spent when the destination is one of the most interesting cities of the globe, rich in art, cool design places, and stylish architecture. Well-known for its many laneways, interesting street art, maybe you have already been there to taste its amazing coffee (it is not by chance that Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world!). As the second most populous city in Australia and Oceania, surely it doesn’t miss exciting places to discover and visit (and a few hidden ones, too!). Are you ready to leave for Australia? Read our Melbourne Design Guide! Let’s start!

MELBOURNE DESIGN GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY

ADELPHI HOTEL

Born in 1938 as a warehouse, the Adelphi Hotel saw its first makeover in the 80s, thanks to the work of architects Denton Corker Marshall; the second one in 2014 – directed by the capable hands of Dion Chandler And Fady Hachem – has tried to pay tribute to the original warehouse structure by reutilizing specific elements, such as metal windows and a concrete façade while adding a specific theme to the interior of the world’s premier dessert hotel: the imprint given to the 34-bedroom boutique hotel, the first of its kind in Australia, has been based on the importance of dessert and its motto “Life is uncertain, so eat dessert first” replicates it.

Starting with a dessert bar capable of providing an amazing sensorial experience, everything in the Adelphi Hotel has a sweet resonance to provide a unique stay for its guest, that surely will feel inspired by all the sweets in the air. The rooftop pool deck is the perfect place for a sunset cocktail while Om Nom Kitchen and Executive Chef Jo Ward are more than capable of catering to every need should arise.

PARK HYATT MELBOURNE

Park Hyatt Melbourne, located near St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens, it’s an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, well-known for its 240 guestrooms and suites and its masterly realization of every kind of celebrations. Capable of offering all the modern and deluxe amenities every guest could ask for, the hotel offers the Park Club Health & Day Spa, an inspirational retreat where guests can meditate, relax, and take advantage of the spa treatment, rituals, and lifestyle recommendations. Discover the suites, with their Italian marble bathrooms and walk-in wardrobe and don’t forget to meet Mr. Walker, the hotel canine ambassador.

WHERE TO EAT

VUE DE MONDE

Situated at the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building, Vue de Monde is a testament to fine and luxurious dining, with a location influenced by Australia’s gold rush and traditional symbols and a stunning neon conceptual art piece by seminal artist Joseph Kosuth. Departing from a European and French menu, chef/owner Shannon Bennett – awarded the Australian Gourmet Traveller’s inaugural ‘Best New Talent’ Award in 2003 – decided to give a more sustainable and organic approach to her cuisine, using local-grown products, in celebration of the country’s heritage and values.

WHAT TO DO

GASWORKS ARTS PARK

Located on Albert Park, Gasworks Arts Park is a vibrant arts precinct offering art programs, workshops, and theatres and gallery spaces. They also have a resident artist program and they offer permanent residence to 16 artist studios from all the disciplines (Visual Arts, Sculpture, Ceramics and Jewellery). Among the others Cassandra Williams has her Ceramics Studio here, where she utilizes different materials and techniques – ceramics, bronze casting, and acrylics – to express the connections with nature, like in the paintings realized in on the cliffs of Albion in California or the molds made from the Pondo natives of the Transkei, South Africa.

Elizabeth Milsom, a visual artist, uses her inspiration from nature with different and unusual methods, such as transferring and printing the plant on the canvas using a hot iron, Chinese brush, steaming, dip dye (Shibori) and ice dyeing.

ACCA – Australian Center for Contemporary Art

The Australian Center for Contemporary Art is the leading center that stimulates the community’s participation in contemporary art initiatives and culture. Founded in 1983, the center displays exhibitions from various international and local artists, while collaborating with a lot of artists with new and ambitious commissions, other than public performances and lectures, programs, and educational events.

GALLERY FUNAKI

Gallery Funaki – located in the central business district of Melbourne – is the leading force behind the promotion of contemporary jewelry in Australia. The gallery organizes solo and group exhibitions and the biennial Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery. Every artist is selected based on a rigorous concept regarding their sensibility, technique, and artistic approach. “Don’t feed them” is the next installation of artist Akiko Kurihara, that delves deeper into the classical tradition of jewelry but with a simple and naturalistic approach that transformed itself in minimalistic jewelry pieces reflecting everyday normal objects.