The Australian hotels rock stars stay in when they visit

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham’s top suite comes with everything a rock star could possibly want – its own marble lobby, a butler, chauffer-driven limousine, Bulgari bathroom amenities, a fully stocked bar, access to the hotel boardroom and a fully equipped kitchen – but this wasn’t enough for one star who requested a “dedicated TV assistant" to operate the remote. Another was adamant they required low fat, calorie and portion controlled food, only to be sprung chowing down on ice cream in the Club Lounge. This refined hotel has about it a genteel class, which makes it especially popular with European and British rock royalty (yes, Coldplay, we’re talking about you). www.langhamhotels.com

Sofitel Brisbane

Sometimes rock star behaviour isn’t all bad. Hotel night staff and guests were delighted when Robbie Williams did an impromptu rehearsal at a piano in the bar, and Maroon 5 endeared themselves to reception by handing out a wad of concert tickets. Perhaps it’s thanks to laidback Brisbane, but requests here are seldom outrageous. Burt Bacharach asked for a specific brand of cranberry juice, Ozzy Osborne wanted roast chicken and gravy (which must have been good because he had it twice). The Opera Suite (formerly the Monet Suite) at Sofitel Brisbane is unique as it can be entered via two different floors. A swirly spiral staircase, which must be a doozy in rock chic heels, links the level 29 bedroom with the lounge area on level 28. The suite comes with a kitchen – Kylie Minogue brought along a private chef to cook her favourite organic food – and a desk big enough to dance on (gold hotpants optional). Other high profile guests have included the Dalai Lama, Neil Finn, John Travolta, Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden. www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

Park Hyatt Sydney

Not even the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are enough to prevent a few rock stars from blacking out what is arguably the best view in Australia in their quest for privacy. For those of us who can only dream of staying here, it’s enough to make you cry. The opulent Governor Suite comes with not one but six balconies, a personal wine cellar and a de-dicated butler who was once asked to turn the place “into a racing car" so Mr Rock Star could play Xbox games. A full kitchen and dining table for 12 regularly sees this suite playing host to star-studded dinner parties. Locals should keep an ear out when rock stars are in town: music from the grand piano often drifts across Sydney Harbour. www.sydney.park.hyatt.com

Crown Towers, Melbourne

Getting rock star scuttlebutt from Crown proved harder than breaking even at a casino. They were, however, willing to confirm that Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Tom Jones, Elton John and Justin Timberlake have all come to stay. The most popular rock star digs are the Crown Tower Villas, which take up a quarter of each floor. The most desirable is either the Georgian or Paxton Manor but these two top villas are by invitation only (yes, even for rock stars). Those with a reputation for trashing rooms are unlikely to get a look in. Villas and the two manors form part of an exclusive “hotel within a hotel" with a dedicated lobby and private lifts. Security is tight. www.crowntowers.com.au

Hyatt Regency Perth

The top room at the Hyatt Regency Perth may be called the Presidential Suite, but with its flashy gold colour scheme and tonnes of bling it screams rock star. Special requests range from fairly standard (bottled water, kids’ DVDs, massages) to the bizarre (a private soccer game arranged at short notice remains one of the more unusual). Perth is often the last stop on any Australian music tour, which means this hotel frequently hosts huge after parties. One star took this a step further by announcing during his last concert exactly where he was staying and inviting “all the pretty girls" back to his room at the Hyatt. Very rock star (not to mention problematic for the hotel, which was besieged by eager young ladies). www.perth.regency.hyatt.com

InterContinental Sydney

The InterCon’s Australia Suite feels almost as big as Australia itself and comes with a grand piano and its own steam room. The 245m2 suite is the largest in Sydney and has played host to some spectacular private parties. It’s hard to believe, but “beautiful people only, please" was a real request. There can be an abundance of alcohol – or none at all, if a rock star is in rehab. The private open-air terrace with its sweeping Sydney views is often used for sun baking (hey, we never said rock stars were smart). Intercontinental Sydney

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club.

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin.

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Rock star approved: Hotels welcoming the rich and famous