The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley: When choosing where to stay in Brisbane, it’s hard to look past The Calile Hotel. With a resort-style pool, breezy subtropical aesthetic, award-winning restaurants and luxury spa, this inner-city oasis will make you feel like you’ve travelled to an exotic faraway location, even though you’re in the heart of James Street. Ranking The Calile as his best hotel experience ever, which included a KAILO Medispa treatment and extensive use of the pool, Jason loved his stay so much that he extended it by an extra night. His stay was made even more relaxing with the option of valet parking for his vehicle of choice, the new BMW iX3.
Fish Lane, South Brisbane: Just a short walk from QPAC, Jason admits that the Fish Lane precinct has been the Hamilton cast’s go-to post-show destination. Amongst the spectacular selection of bars, restaurants, cafes, studios and public-art installations, Jason reveals his favourite spot is the intimate Bar Brutus. “It made the list due to an experience we had one night,” recalls Jason. “I asked the bartender for a cocktail containing Bailey’s, which he just made up on the spot. We called it The Nightcap. I am not sure if they’ll remember what was in it, but it’s worth asking if they do!”
Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Mt Coot-tha: It wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to Brisbane without a visit to the highest point of the city. Boasting panoramic views of The City and Moreton Bay, the Mount Coot-tha Lookout is a bucket-list-worthy Brisbane experience, and one Jason has squeezed in more than once during his time here. “The main reason I’ve loved coming up to Mount Coot-tha has admittedly been for the winding roads, it’s a wicked drive and a great place to (legally) test out the power of the BMW iX3,” he says.
Cultural Forecourt, South Bank: As the lush green space surrounding QPAC, it’s no surprise that the Cultural Forecourt has been one of Jason’s favourite spots in town. “[The promenade and lawns by the Brisbane sign] have been the place for many between-show breaks on Saturdays and Sundays,” says Jason. “It’s a great place to relax … and of course I wouldn’t be a tourist without going on The Wheel of Brisbane, at least once.”
La Luna Beach Club, Gold Coast: If relaxing poolside with a curious cocktail in hand sounds like the perfect past-time, then a trip to La Luna Beach Club on the Gold Coast is a must. The mouth-watering menu of fresh seafood and primo views were the highlight of Jason’s visit, as well as the clutch of signature sips on offer. For his trip to the Gold Coast, Jason decided to test the limits of the BMW iX3. When asked how the drive was, his response was simple. “Not an issue,” Jason shares. “I know range anxiety has always been a question for people surrounding the BMW iX3 (or any electric vehicle), but to be honest it feels just like having a petrol car, except you charge it. It lasts just as long as a single tank would, goes just as fast and responds just as well, so range anxiety for me wasn’t even a question – more like range confidence.”
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane BMW and their ambassador Jason Arrow. Featured vehicle is the BMW iX3, available at Brisbane BMW.
