Relax at The CalileBrisbane, Australia

From the moment I was scooped up from Brisbane Airport in The Calile’s very own custom Range Rover, I knew I was in for a stay dripping with luxury and style. I mean, nothing says, “I’ve arrived” quite like reclining in air-conditioned leather after sitting next to the gum-smacker and aggressive screen-tapper on the flight over.

Rolling up to the hotel, I was met with soft pink hues, breezy archways, and staff who somehow managed to be both effortlessly cool and incredibly attentive. I immediately vowed to become one of these impossibly chic people - or at least pretend to be one for the next 12 hours.

As soon as I got to my room, I headed straight for the balcony to spot my first look at the iconic pool. Which was also my first stop as soon as I had unpacked.

The water was the perfect temperature; refreshing but not “gasp-and-lose-your-dignity” cold. Lined with striped loungers and fringed umbrellas, it felt like I’d stumbled into a Slim Aarons photoshoot. I ordered a cocktail (classic marg of course), threw on my best “I refuse to look at my emails” face, and let the book I was reading whisk me away.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and dinner at Hellenika was beckoning; I couldn’t wait for a feast of Greek decadence. The saganaki? A bubbling, golden masterpiece. The pastitsio? So gooey and bechamel-y that I wondered if it would ruin normal lasagne for me forever. I washed it all down with another marg (when on assignment, am I right?) and left feeling deeply satisfied and only slightly regretful about my much-too-full-stomach.

And as I flopped onto my crisp linen-clad bed, I thought: “I could get used to this.” Then I immediately checked my bank balance and laughed. Ah well, it was worth every penny.

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