Five Things On Our Radar This Month

We’ve rounded up the latest openings, travel destinations and cultural news.

Article by T Australia

The Isla Motel. Photography by Anson Smart.The Isla. Photography by Anson Smart.

From stylish South Coast motels to luxurious Greek island getaways, these are the openings we’re excited for this month.

The Isla. Photography by Anson Smart.
The Isla, a new design-led motel. Photography by Anson Smart.
The Isla. Photography by Anson Smart.
The Isla swimming pool. Photography by Anson Smart.

Luxury motel The Isla has opened its doors in Batemans Bay, the charming NSW South Coast town. Stylishly sentimental and luxuriously designed, the motel plays homage to the quintessential Australian beach holiday, with a breath of fresh air. The 18 retro rooms have been lovingly-restored with stunning bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo features, brushed brass accents and dreamy A.H Beard beds. In a nod to the motel’s 80s past, the old garage has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area surrounding a new pool. Instead of a minibar, guests will visit The Isla’s Cantina where bespoke vending machines offer carefully curated and locally sourced artisan products, such as Dangerous Ales beer, cocktails from Poor Toms Gin and ST ALi espresso martinis. Learn more at www.theisla.com.au

Myconian Collection’s luxury Mykonos hotel portfolio, O by Myconian Collection, will open in May. Photography courtesy Myconian Collection.
Myconian Collection’s luxury Mykonos hotel portfolio, O by Myconian Collection, will open in May. Photography courtesy Myconian Collection.

The countdown has begun for the May opening of the latest addition to the Myconian Collection’s luxury Mykonos hotel portfolio, O by Myconian Collection, the 11th boutique property for the family-run business, an institution since opening its first hotel in 1979. Enjoying a coveted location on Mykonos’ spectacular Ornos Bay, the five-star O by Myconian Collection epitomises the brand’s effortless elegance, warm Greek hospitality and luxury leisure offering. Ideally situated a few kilometres from town, O by Myconian Collection is the portfolio’s first absolute beachfront property, offering guests direct access to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Learn more at www.omyconian.gr

Nathan O’Keefe will star in "Cathedral" in May. Photography courtesy State Theatre Company.
Nathan O’Keefe will star in "Cathedral" in May. Photography courtesy State Theatre Company.

Award-winning Australian playwright Caleb Lewis will debut his ode to the underwater world, “Cathedral”, at Space Theatre in May. Starring beloved South Australian actor Nathan O’Keefe (Gaslight, Hydra), the play will take audiences on an immersive deep sea dive using soundscape and multimedia under the direction of rising star Shannon Rush (Limit). From Mount Gambier to Thailand to the North Sea, from soaring first love to shattering loss to ultimate hope, this powerful story ponders a diver’s life shaped by the ocean, and its power to both upend and heal. A thriller, family drama and epic journey of self-discovery, “Cathedral” is a life-affirming piece of storytelling that asks the question: do we turn away from our pain, or dive right in? Learn more at www.statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/cathedral

A dish that celebrates a decade of the Sydney restaurant. Photography courtesy Chiswick.
A dish that celebrates a decade of the Sydney restaurant. Photography courtesy Chiswick.
Matt Moran, Pete Hatfield and Taylor Cullen celebrate 10 years of Chiswick. Photography courtesy Chiswick.
Matt Moran, Pete Hatfield and Taylor Cullen celebrate 10 years of Chiswick. Photography courtesy Chiswick.

Celebrating 10 years in the Woollahra community, Matt Moran’s Chiswick will unveil a program of activity this May with a special birthday menu, while the venue will come to life with a large-scale floral and produce installation suspended above the pergola by Wilder Florals and an overabundance of styled fresh produce spilling from the kitchen pass by Hermetica as a nod to Chiswick’s planted to plated ethos. Chiswick will also release a free digital recipe book of its most popular dishes from the past decade, as well as a special edition “finish at home” Providoor box. Find out more at www.chiswickwoollahra.com.au

Photography courtesy Parrtjima.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2022 has wrapped up its seventh successful year in the Red Centre and organisers have confirmed the much-loved free event will return from 7-16 April 2023. Celebrating thousands of years of culture, Parrtjima is the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world. With the theme ‘Sky Country’, Parrtjima 2022 took place at Alice Springs Desert Park and Araluen Arts Centre, and attracted more than 23,000 attendees. As well as 10 nights of free entertainment, this year’s event included exclusive Parrtjima experiences, such as a special Preview Night, Araluen Art Centre tours, Merne bushfood tours and a nocturnal tour at Alice Springs Desert Park. To find out more about the 2023 event, visit www.parrtjima.com.au