In early 2023, the curtains came down around Manly Pacific: a stunning, design-forward reimagining of a huge, 200+ room hotel on the shores of one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. The $30-million renovation project, led by Australian designers Coco Republic, has transformed the sprawling site into one of Sydney’s most lusted-after luxury stays, complete with a beautiful rooftop pool, a sophisticated cocktail bar, a playful all-day diner and an Italian restaurant that’s quickly securing its position among the city’s best. It’s every bit a luxury hotel, but with a distinctly Manly energy – calm, confident, and focused more on wellness than indulgence. Here, you’ll find detox shots at the breakfast table, massage therapists and personal trainers on hand for private sessions, and a friendly team who are more than happy to bring a Peleton bike up to your room, or sub it out for a bottle of chilled rosé.
Why stay at Manly Pacific?
If this hotel was hidden in a dark, urban backstreet, it would still be worth a stay. The rooms are divine, the facilities are impeccable and the flagship restaurant (Cibraria) has firmly secured its position as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. As it happens though, the location is one of its main drawcards – steps away from one of Sydney’s very best beaches, with incredible views across the sparkling ocean and super easy access to the best restaurants in the area.
What are the rooms like at Manly Pacific?
With 213 rooms, nine suites and one stand-out ‘Infinity Residence’, there’s a lot of choice when it comes to where to lay your head. We booked one of the ‘Deluxe Rooms’ – a huge, light-flooded space lined by glass doors opening up onto an ocean-facing balcony. Designed by Coco Republic, the bedroom itself maintained the hotel’s signature coastal cool, all breezy white linens and natural-fibre finishes. As a hotel right on the beach, it’s only natural that you’ll spend a lot of time in and out of the shower, and Manly Pacific’s bathrooms make the shower somewhere you’re happy to be: complete with raindance fixtures, Terrazzo tiling and gorgeous Leif amenities.
Some of the deluxe rooms can accommodate up to four guests, but if you’re staying with a bigger group, it’s worth booking a two-bedroom ‘Villa’ – complete with a dining area and coastal-luxe lounge space straight off your beach house vision board.
Each room is fitted out with a working desk, 55″Smart TV with Google Staycast for streaming the latest movies, Wi-Fi, safe and a mini-bar stocked with delicious local goodies.
Got cash to splash? The Infinity Suite is a stunning, marble-trimmed 177 square metre space with a huge sun-soaked balcony, a magnificent fireplace and your own private butler.
Which are the best restaurants at Manly Pacific?
On the ground floor, just a few sandy steps away from the beach, you’ll find the spirited dining room of Cibaria: an on-point Italian restaurant from the team behind Ormeggio, A’Mare, Postino Osteria and Chiosco. Come here for perfect pasta, and finish with a scoop of hand-made ice cream from the on-site gelateria (best enjoyed barefoot on the beach). If you’re after a few smaller snacks, the Cibaria Caffetteria and Gelateria offers a selection of small plates from Cibaria’s menu in a more low-key setting. After somewhere a little more intimate? 55 North Bar serves snacks and a carefully curated drinks list, with DJs from 5pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The other on-site dining option is Bistro Manly, a French-style hotel restaurant serving a very good buffet breakfast and an approachable lunch and dinner menu that celebrates local seafood.
What is the service like at Manly Pacific?
In-line with the ethos, the staff at Manly Pacific exude a coastal cool. As one of Accor’s M Gallery properties (a boutique brand of the global hotel chain), staff are trained with Accor’s well-established hospitality principles, but there’s a nod to the laid-back location with warm smiles and a friendly vibe.
Is there a gym or pool at Manly Pacific?
As an ode to the spirit of the suburb, wellness is a major focus at Manly Pacific. Join a complimentary yoga class (every Saturday morning at 7am), order a Peleton bike to be delivered to your room, or head to the nearby Manly Beach Club gym (guests have complimentary access, just ask at reception). Otherwise, keep things simple by putting on your swimmers and heading to the pool. If I had to vote for my favourite hotel pool in the Harbour City, this one would be a strong contender. Found on the hotel rooftop, surrounded by striped sun loungers, infused with magnesium and with uninterrupted views of the glittering ocean, it’s without question one of the most aspirational places in Sydney to get wet. Just downstairs, you’ll find an infrared sauna that’s available to book for private sessions.
What’s the area like around Manly Pacific?
Known as the capital of the Northern Beaches, this coastal suburb often ranks among the most desirable suburbs in the city (for residents and travellers alike), and for very good reasons. Framed by a super-reliable surf beach on one side, and dreamy harbour coves on the other, Manly offers coastal lifestyle in spades – you could spend a whole summer exploring the beaches in the area and you’d still have more to discover. Over the years, the stunning natural landscape has attracted a community of ocean-loving individuals to the area, and the necessary health food stores, wellness hubs and on-point restaurants have followed. While you’re there, we’d suggest hiking a stretch of the beautiful Manly to Spit coastal walk, exploring the ocean floor with a snorkelling session at Shelly Beach and sinking a locally-brewed schooner from Felons Manly while you watch the sun set behind the city.
Why you should you book a stay at Manly Pacific
If you’re a Sydneysider looking for a high-end coastal staycation, look no further. And if you’re visiting from out of town and want a base that will give you easy access to the things the Harbour City is famous for – sparkling beaches and exceptional restaurants – without the CBD frenzy, this is your place.
Address: 55 N Steyne, Manly, NSW, 2095
Price per night: From $425 per night
Closest transport link: If you’re coming from the centre of Sydney, we’d suggest catching the ferry over to Manly to experience one of the world’s most beautiful commutes.
Book now via the Manly Pacific website.