At just under a kilometre long, Bondi isn’t a large stretch of sand by Australian standards but it packs more than its fair share of punch in personality.
Sydney’s answer to Malibu and Venice Beach, Bondi fuses luxe and largesse with a laid-back Australian cool. It’s a place where the ocean and sweeping crescent moon of sand provides the backdrop for local celebrities, models, artists and quirky creatives commune and carry out life in what’s affectionately called ‘the Bondi bubble’.
Which is why it’s home to some of the best people watching in the city.
For this feature we made camp at QT Bondi, the boutique hotel home of beach-loving socialites and the epicentre of Bondi’s barefoot glamour.
Wearing // Tigerlily Capofaro One Piece Swimsuit, Najo Mobo Hoop Earring
Styling: Sadaf Razi
Photography: Dominic Loneragan
MUA: Meghan Loneragan
Model: Katy Lee (IMG Models)
Stay:
6 Beach Road, Bondi Beach
The brilliance of every QT property lies in its ability to speak the language of a location but retain the ethos and luxury across the board. The QT Melbourne is a haven of architecture and design to match the city’s thoughtful muted vibe, the QT Sydney in the restored Gowings building (and next to the State Theatre) revels in Sydney’s mix of theatrical glamour, and the QT Bondi? Well that’s easy. It’s all about bright pastel hues and laid-back coastal cool.
There are all the superficial details to delight your senses (such as the french balconies overlooking action and the colourful hallways that border on chromotherapy) but anyone who travels a lot knows that here’s a great deal of comfort knowing that your bed will always be comfortable, your Wi-Fi powerful and your bathroom interiors inspiring enough to make you think about a home renovation.
Wearing // Tigerlily Capofaro One Piece Swimsuit, Najo Mobo Hoop Earring // Dress from ASOS P.O.A, NAJO Antonia Ring in Moonstone
Dine:
182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
With its wood panelled exteriors it’s easy to be drawn into The Pacific Club, thanks to its grand corner-hugging location on Campbell Parade. Upon entry you’re greeted with soothing surf-meets-Scandi interiors and luxe fireplace and it might just be one place where the views inside are as beautiful as those on the outside.
Wearing // Somedays Lovin’ Burning Skies Triangle Top in Saffron from General Pants Co, Alice In The Eve Julia Linen Button Down Midi Skirt in White from General Pants Co, NAJO Aura Earring
180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Breakfast, lunch, dinner or just looking to sip a few cocktails, Panama House offers up a slice Central America with a side of Bondi chic. This place was made for long-time lounging and from Friday to Sunday you’ll see locals on the balcony, watching the palms sway and revelling in bottomless Micheladas and the all-day breakfast menu.
Wearing // Bondi Born One Piece Swimsuit in Chloe
180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Style, design, personality and sashimi; it’s a recipe for one of Bondi’s most exciting new foodie venues. If you’re not immediately in love with this place thanks to its arresting pastel and neon interiors, you will be by the time you down one of their Tokyo Tamari bowls.
Wearing // ASOS Design Denim Girlfriend Jacket in Midwash Blue, ASOS Design 100% Silk Raw Edge Cami Dress in Peach, Wittner Galia White Slingback Block Heel
252 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Bondi’s mexican fever may have ebbed and flowed over the years but Beach Burrito is forever. More of an institution than a takeaway, this is a loud, low-fuss favourite of barefoot beachgoers and party revellers looking for a delicious stomach-liner. Grab a quesadilla and a $10 frozen margarita and feel suitably superior to the local bodybuilders as they show-off at the outdoor gym across the road.
Wearing // Insight Buckaroo Bikini Top in Orange from General Pants Co, Subtitled Everyday Linen Pant in Sage from General Pants Co, Wittner Izar Black Weave Flat Sandal
Stores:
180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Aussies in New York hand long loved Saturdays Surf’s minimalist take on classic coastal style, so much so that the founders have bestowed Bondi boutique of its very own. Part retail, part cafe, the interiors in here are so slick that even if you’re not shopping it’s worth stopping by for a caffeine hit and a drool over the pretty parquetry.
Wearing // ASOS Design Stripe Crinkle Bandeau and Bottom
68 Gould Street, Bondi Beach
‘How do you like your perfume?’ It’s a question regularly asked within the walls of Le Labo, Bondi’s other latest NYC import where your new favourite scent style is limited only by your imagination (and your budget. It’s about $280 for a personal blend).
Wearing // Bondi Born One Piece Swimsuit in Chloe, Najo Simple Hoop Earring
COTW were guests of QT Bondi.
