Unmasking The Calile, an exciting boutique hotel in James Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Discover the ‘insider’s guide’ to Brisbane’s cultural hub.
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The Calile has taken great care to ensure the ‘stay in’ ambiance is both practical and homely.
Soft pastel colours, a mix of material textures and various geometric elements ensure a relaxed vibe easy to identify with. While the interiors are generous, streamlined and reflect a certain understated luxury, the individual elements have been put together to synchronise with a ‘destination mindset’.
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The attention to detail aids in the appreciation of the beautiful surroundings: plus each suite projects a feeling of being swathed in comfort with every mood catered to.
Whether at work or play, the suites are designed to enable both pursuits readily within a ‘laid-back’ ambiance.
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If design is your thing, The Calile’s graceful yet robust interiors provide fresh engagements at every turn.
The bathrooms are rich in material textures and wholesomeness: enduring qualities that incorporate the past and the present, making a sense of identification easy across the visitor spectrum.
In a dream state with Architectural Digest while sipping a fresh Gaia Nemea I am left to speculate upon the balance of interior design trends with the timeless grandeur of my accommodation.
Great hotels have stories that go beyond providing a bed for the night – they offer moments of discovery, unexpected adventures, encounters to be savoured and retold.
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Hellenika Restaurant
To begin with, the thing that hit home was the relaxed dining vibe around the pool. Although not on holiday, a ‘vacation dynamic’ existed as hotel guests swam while Hellenika restaurant encircled the pool at one end.
Hellenika is known for…the Kolokothia zucchini chips. Enjoy as an entrée or, with a cocktail as an afternoon snack poolside.
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Deciding to put Hellenkia to the test, eight of us met for lunch. Having lived in Melbourne for over a decade, I was conventionalised to the amazing Greek food found in Collingwood and Fitzroy: could the restaurant present the same high standards?
With so many people we opted for ‘share plates’.
In hindsight, we should have ordered singly because with a large number of people, the amount of food per person is negligible.
If ever in doubt order the Sheftalies 26 – Cypriot Greek meatballs, Loukanika 24 – Spicy Greek sausages & the Htapodi 36 – Grilled SA Octopus.
Hellenika exceeded expectations with an enticing menu, delicious food, ample portions and attentive staff.
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Meanwhile, after wandering the interiors of QAGOMA and surrounding South Bank the rooftop offers a relaxing retreat away from the high urban density.
First, a couple of ‘Sparklers’ with sliced pita, olive oil & oregano. Followed by Te Whare Ra Savignon Blanc and Crumbed King George Whiting and Chips!
Unwinding with 360-degree views across Brisbane enhances the holiday atmosphere immeasurably!
While away the afternoon and early evening on Bar Eleven Rooftop, with food and wine selections designed to complement.
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Impressive & quality menus characterise this boutique hotel!
The Lobby Bar menu, in particular, is diverse and is available for Breakfast and Dinner: The Shashlik Marinated Lamb Rump / onion / bell peppers / lemon 32 served with hummus, parsley and flatbread sounds delicious because of the complementary flavours and textures.
That is if you are not too diverted by the discerning & noteworthy design typical of The Calile.
Click on images for greater clarity!
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Architects The Calile: Richards & Spence
Photography: Sean Fennessy & Yaseera Moosa
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Travellers to Brisbane
If travelling to Brisbane from overseas, The Calile is ideally located for ‘cultural’ pursuits, quality dining, and art experiences.
The Fortitude Valley is home to many of Brisbane’s best art galleries including, Jan Murphy Gallery, Mitchell Fine Art, Edwina Corlette Gallery
For discerning travellers, James Street forms part of Brisbane’s cultural hub. If you seek unique ‘one-off’ activities in food especially, Spoon Deli Café is local, plus many others. And the Palace Cinema for both commercial and art films.
