If you’re feeling the travel itch or you need some R&R this Summer, why not take a stay-cation? Stay-cations are the perfect holiday solution if you don’t have the time or budget for a tropical island getaway… While a stay-cation is only short, it always leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) are currently running a Summer of Possibilities competition and this initiative reminded me how important it is to take time for yourself to recharge. While I was lucky enough to grow up in the beautiful sea-side city of Sydney, life isn’t always a beach! At the weekend just past, I simply wanted to escape and relax. I don’t live next to the ocean so a sea-change sounded like the perfect escape. I have visited Coogee Beach on many occasions but this time I decided to check-in for the weekend. Sometimes a day trip just isn’t enough.
Coogee is popular amongst holiday makers for its’ proximity to the CBD, white sand beach, surf-able waves and crystal-clear water. The best place to stay is the Crowne Plaza Hotel Coogee Beach, which is located a stones throw from the sand at the south end of the beach.
To start the stay-cation my boyfriend, Jake and I enjoyed some celebratory bubbles and high tea on the hotel’s terrace.
After Tea our room was ready for check-in. We stayed in the ocean view room which boasted uninterrupted panoramic views and looked out over the Hotel’s pool. There is nothing more relaxing than waking up to the salty, sea breeze…
From our room’s Balcony, we spotted the pool below. While I do love swimming in the ocean, a Hotel pool can sometimes be hard to pass up…
After our afternoon swim we headed out to explore the neighbourhood. The Crowne Plaza is located in the heart of Coogee village and nearby to many delicious restaurants. Our favourites include:
Coogee Pavilion- Great for afternoon drinks and tapas
Black Pony- Delicious breakfast
The Diver- Great coffee
Barzura- Best brunch with a view
Oceans Dining and Drinks- Pizza and cocktails at sunset. Oceans is located on the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The following morning after enjoying a buffet breakfast, we felt so relaxed! We sat there questioning one-another, “why don’t we do this more often?”
To ensure Australians and New Zealander’s make the most of their summer, IHG is giving away a $1,000 accommodation voucher. This can be used at the IHG hotel of your choice within Australia and New Zealand. To enter the competition, simply share a photo to social media before 31st January of a moment from the Summer of Possibilities Bucket List outlines by IHG below:
1. Share a special moment with a loved one. or
2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. or
3. Treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted. or
4. Take time for yourself to recharge.
5. Create something new and that is uniquely you.
6. Leave a positive impact on the world.
7. Let yourself feel completely free.
8. Show someone you really care.
9. Do more of something you love.
10. Inspire someone to take a risk.
11. See a new part of the country.
12. Choose to be happy.
Make sure you hashtag #IHG and #SummerPossibilities to enter. For Terms and Conditions please click here.
IHG’s bucket list inspired Jake and I to take advantage of summer as an opportunity to challenge ourselves. We’ve always wanted to try SUP (stand up paddle boarding). It was a calm 30 degree day, so the conditions were perfect. We headed down to Malabar beach, away from the waves of Coogee with Lets Go Surfing. It was challenging, great exercise and a beautiful day on the water.
Thanks to IHG for bringing the Summer of Possibilities to us this summer.