With a signature restaurant by Guy Grossi, Brisbane’s only hotel swim-up pool bar and Australia’s first and only Heavenly Spa, it’s clear to see why The Westin Brisbane has cemented itself a spot as one of the top hotels in Brisbane. Apparently The Westin is determined to continue to up the ante, however, teaming up with its tropical sister property The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort & Spa for the warmer months to offer its guests a next-level holiday experience. When we heard about its Maldives Moments Stay and Play package, we needed to try it for ourselves.
Our island-themed staycay began the most perfect way – an early Friday afternoon check-in. The second we stepped inside the gargantuan Westin Renewal Suite, we felt the weight of the work week just slip away. King bed (a signature at The Westin, accurately named the Heavenly Bed), bathtub and luxe amenities – we were off to a great start. Once we had settled in, we made our way to level three to seek out the Heavenly Spa. Remember the days when day spas were an all-encompassing restorative experience? That experience still exists here, exceeding our relaxation expectations. We were welcomed to the spa with warmth, guided to the change area where we could shower, slip off our clothes (and worries) and embrace the robe life. We weaved through the tranquil halls to the treatment rooms, where we indulged in the Maldivian Paradise Spa Treatment – a combination of a full-body salt scrub and coconut massage. Let’s just say we left well and truly on island time.
Dinner was an obvious choice – when the hotel’s signature restaurant is by lauded chef Guy Grossi, you needn’t stray elsewhere. With a spritz in hand we perused Settimo’s Amalfi-inspired menu, created by head chef Alessandro Pizzolato alongside Guy. Plates piled with pizze fritte, caprese salad, pasta al limone, octopus, perfectly grilled prawns and more filled our table and bellies – but thankfully we made room for Settimo’s signature tiramisu, which might be the best we’ve ever had.
If you thought that’s where the eating ended, you were very wrong. It wouldn’t be a true Maldivian experience without a floating breakfast, would it? After a much-needed sleep in (we mentioned the bed before, right?) we headed to the Nautilus Pool & Bar, where we were guided to our private poolside cabana to warm ourselves in the morning sun before sliding into the refreshing waters of the pool – heated to maintain the perfect temperature. Soon we were presented a giant floating tray, loaded with all of the breakfast trimmings you could dream of. The Westin’s executive chef Shannon Batten has crafted an assortment of delights for the Floating Maldivian Breakfast Experience – think French toast topped with maple bacon, omelettes, fresh fruit, pastries and more, served with your coffee order of choice and a bottle of Mumm champagne. A very good morning indeed.
After a day lounging poolside and indulging in our fair share of Maldivian-inspired tropical cocktails, we decided to embrace robe life once again and enjoy the spoils of our suite for the evening. Room service, face masks and an early night to ensure that we had properly ticked off the rejuvenation part of our staycay.
For our final morning, we made sure we were up early to visit Settimo once again for breakfast before checking out. In the mornings, the restaurant gets transformed into a buffet setting – but this isn’t your regular hotel buffet. Settimo’s Amalfi leanings extend to its breakfast service, where you’ll find tables and counters adorned with a true Italian colazione spread. Start your day with an espresso before moving on to Italian cured meats, cheeses, fresh focaccia, rustic salads and savoury house-made tarts. Hot items include all of the classic buffet favourites like bacon, tomatoes and sausages, alongside Grossi’s signature made-to-order eggs, fluffy ricotta hotcakes and Italian-style baked potatoes. Finally, mountains of cannoli, amaretti di saronno, croissants and danishes will ensure you finish your staycay on a sweet note.
The Westin Brisbane’s Maldivian Moments offers are available now until April 28, 2024. You can indulge in your own island-themed getaway with the Maldivian Moments Stay and Play package, or just make a day of it at Heavenly Day Spa or Nautilus Beach Club for the floating breakfast, swim-up bar and special Maldivian-inspired food and beverage menu.
Want the chance to win your own floating Maldivian breakfast and private cabana for two at The Westin Nautilus Beach Club? Head to our Win page to enter our exclusive competition!
This staycation experience was organised with our friends at The Westin Brisbane.
