17-07-2025
The GRAZIA Retreat: The EVE Hotel, Sydney
Photo: Supplied
When it comes to escaping the UAE heat during summer, the first destination which is the go-to is, naturally, the balmy climes of Europe – namely the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, Bodrum or perhaps a cityscape in the form of Paris, London or, if you're going slightly further afield, New York City.
But what about looking to the East of the region? Specifically, southeast towards Australia. As a bucket list destination for many, the country's biggest city, Sydney, is arguably the gateway to the country for many.
With a population of over five million, the coastal Australian city has everything from a buzzing cosmopolitan centre to being home to over 100 beaches, as well as being a major cultural hub. In fact, it ranked number five on the global survey for the best cities in the world for culture in 2025 by Time Out – and it was the only Australian city to rank on the list.
In recent years, post the pandemic, there's been a huge investment in both the culture and hospitality sectors in the city, with approximately $279 million USD investments in the hotel sector alone in 2025 so far, according to reports, which includes a huge rise in boutique and independent hotels.
Perhaps one of the most notable recent hotel openings, tucked into the vibrant heart of Sydney's inner-city Redfern district, is The EVE Hotel. Opened in late 2024, the boutique bolthole has already earned a cult following among in-the-know aesthetes, drawn to its art-filled interiors, sultry rooftop and irreverent personality. A love letter to the creative pulse of Sydney, if you will.
From the moment you step through its bronze-framed glass doors, you're immersed in a sensory world that blurs design, culture and comfort, complete with moody lighting, terrazzo floors, and local artworks curated with gallery-level taste.
If its Brisbane counterpart, The Calile, which opened its doors in 2018 and has been on the World's 50 Best Hotels list for two years running, is anything to go by, The EVE could very well be on its way to many incoming global accolades.
The 102 rooms are equal parts sleek and soulful. Expect high ceilings, curvaceous furniture, Aesop amenities, and thoughtful tech touches that whisper luxury without trying too hard.
But what truly sets The EVE apart is its connection to Sydney's cultural lifeblood. The hotel shares a postcode with artist-run spaces, buzzy wine bars, design-forward boutiques and even GRAZIA editor-approved brand Aje's head offices, which give the neighbourhood its enriching character.
That's not all, the hotel is also complete with a rooftop pool, which gives a West Hollywood, Los Angeles vibe with its terracotta accents and lush sunbeds.
By way of gastronomy, the Greek restaurant Olympus, located in the hotel, is a chic location for drinks and small bites at the bar, or just next door, Island Radio, is an eclectic spot for casual dining and indulging in Southeast Asian street food.
The EVE is a hotel that will leave you falling a little bit in love with the city's grit and glamour, and marks the perfect place for the start of a bucket list trip in Australia.
