You’d be correct in believing swim-up bars are a rarity in Australia. In fact, it’s so rare that only one can be found in Brisbane, and it resides on level two of The Westin.
The Nautilus Pool’s swim-up bar is just one of many perks that you can take advantage of during a leisurely staycation in the heart of Brisbane. With its proximity to the city’s best bars and venues, as well as an on-site spa and rooms fit for royalty, spend a leisurely weekend getting pampered with a glass of pinot.
After a few hours scoping out the facilities, you’ll discover there’s no real reason to leave The Westin Brisbane during this special act of self-care—everything you need for a good time is at your fingertips.
Sleep
Whatever the occasion, from an undisturbed night of solitude to a holiday with the nearest and dearest, there’s a luxe suite or package to suit your getaway style.
Each room in The Westin is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows for a flood of natural light and, depending on which angle you’re facing, views of the bustling city or the winding Brisbane River.
Enjoy some privacy in The Westin King Room to eat room service in bed while watching an old movie on TV, bunk with close friends in The Westin 2 Doubles Room for a sleepover reminiscent of your childhood days, or splurge on a suite for a premium experience.
The Westin Renewal Suite and rooms are designed to elevate your staycation to the nth degree, with club access rooms and a slew of complimentary services. It’s a holiday; treat yourself.
Sip And Savour
Despite being surrounded by top-tier restaurants and bars populating Brisbane’s city centre, The Westin is home to esteemed eateries and watering holes.
For elevated Italian dishes, the Guy Grossi-helmed Settimo will knock your complimentary fuzzy slippers off. Inspired by the Amalfi coast, expect light pillows of gnocchi allaSorrentina in a cheesy, rich tomato sauce, crudo di pesce and pizze fritte done to perfection. Their set menus are a go-to for the curious eater too, washed down with Settimo’s finest Australian and Italian wines.
Elsewhere in the lobby lies The Charles, a jazz-infused aviation-themed cocktail bar inspired by Charles Kingsford Smith and meticulously styled to resemble a sophisticated, somewhat retro watering hole. Weekly mini-concerts and a rotating door of talent make for a cosy Saturday night of music and specialty drinks.
Spa
Retreat to the Heavenly Spa by Westin and drift off into a light doze while the professionals work their magic.
The menu consists of aromatherapy, hot stones, mineral recovery, and traditional signature massages to iron out the kinks in your body and soul. At the same time, a variety of natural scrubs and wraps will have your skin feeling supple and silky smooth.
It’s not a proper staycation until you’ve treated yourself to a spa day, so clear an afternoon to ensure you’re lying down in a candlelit room, draped in a snug robe, surrounded by essential oils and delicate music.
Sweat
Those who insist on exercising while vacationing will breathe a sigh of relief after visiting the hotel’s gym.
Maintain your focus on fitness with WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Kits, the 24/7 state-of-the-art equipment with all the essentials to power your performance. Set up with TRX functional training equipment and partnerships with Strava plus more fitness experts—discover exclusive running routes and work up a proper sweat before your spa appointment to maximise the reward of lying down and doing nothing.
A line of treadmills overlook the pool, too, so you can dream of frolicking in the water with a drink after your legs are adequately worn out.
Swim
Nautilus Pool serves as an oasis in the centre of a concrete jungle. The heated outdoor splash pad boasts enough lounge chairs for you and your party of staycationers, and the swim-up bar is perched at the far end of the pool awaiting your order.
Catch the Brisbane rays from your private cabana or daybed while nursing a tall glass of champagne poolside, occasionally sitting up to nibble a slice of gourmet cheese from a plate of tapas.
If you find yourself in the area with no reason to stay overnight, stay tuned for the annual pool party activation taking place every Friday to Sunday from September into summer 2025.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Westin Hotels & Resorts and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Supplied.