SAPPHIRECOAST - AUTUMN 2024 - MERIMBULA 15 Reimagining the great Australian motel The classic Aussie roadside motel from the '60s and '70s is making a renaissance, and Hillcrest Merimbula is one fine example of such a rebirth. In completely renovating the iconic motel, owner, Caspar Tresidder, has been careful to retain the nostalgic charm of countless sun-kissed holidays of yesteryear, while adding layers of 21st Century fun, luxury and sophistication. Deliciously local Recent updates at Hillcrest include a bright new dining room, styled as a modern nod to iconic mid-century Australian hospitality dining, with features such as banquette seating, custom joinery and eye-catching upholstery. Here, friendly, uniformed staff offer fine locally-sourced gourmet goodies as part of a daily continental guest breakfast featuring crusty sourdough, buttery croissants and wholesome muesli (mixed with Tilba yoghurt) all supplied by famed Bermagui bakery, Honorbread. Local Produce In an ongoing commitment to "keeping it hyper-local", owner Caspar is currently talking to numerous other Sapphire Coast food providers, with a view to sourcing, showcasing and serving delights such as renowned cheddar cheese from Bega and ham from Malua Bay. This is all part of Hillcrest's ever-evolving food and beverage offer which, in the near future, is expected to be rolled-out into an allday, oysterbar-style snack and dining concept. Hillcrest's local-supplier focus further extends to the contents of each room's mini-bar, where guests will find crafted beers from Humpback Brewery in nearby Tathra, Capital Brewing Co in the ACT, and Longstocking Brewery in Pambula. Minibar raiders will also unearth some fabulous, local regional wines. Honesty Bar Another fun recent addition at Hillcrest is a guest-focussed 'honesty bar' system, where guests can serve-up their own drinks – from house-batch Negroni with slices of orange, to locally-distilled North of Eden Oyster Shell Gin – to enjoy in their room, by the pool or in other shared areas at the motel. Spectacular rooms…with a view Making the most of its hilltop location overlooking Merimbula, each of the 30 newly updated rooms at Hillcrest takes-in spectacular coastline views. For the full '70s experience, check into a Sunrise Room or Lookout Deluxe Room – picture original wood cabinetry, exposed brick and built-in headboards combined with new spacious and deliciously comfortable king beds, crisp white linens, plush MicroCloud bedding, designer hair and skincare products and organic Mayde Tea. The motel's 16 Exhale Rooms have received a grander overhaul, with light and airy contemporary interiors featuring custom poured-concrete banquettes, crisp white linens, textured throws and native floral arrangements. The white walls are the perfect canvas for the feature art by Melbourne abstract painter Adela Kusur, while floor-toceiling windows and private balconies connect you to the coastline. Sweeping views A new one-bedroom apartment was recently added to the inventory and is the perfect choice for guests wanting more space or wishing to self-cater. The apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances and breakfast bar. A gas-lift window opens up to the private balcony, providing sweeping views of Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast. Crown jewel Set amid two hectares of beautifully manicured gardens, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the refurbished pool area and sun deck, complemented by a newly-added gazebo, creative kids play area and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows. Be sure to pack your tennis whites, as the motel has its very own reclaimed tennis court on site, which was unearthed during the renovations and has been fully restored to its former glory. For more information and bookings, visit the Hillcrest website at hillcrestmerimbula.com GROUP TRAVEL DEALS! Whether it's a group of friends, golf buddies, adventure seekers, foodies, or work colleagues, Hillcrest Motel Merimbula has you covered. Book direct for great-value group deals, extensive local advice, and personalised support with itinerary curation and bookings.To find out more, call 0438 238 135 or email Groups@hillcrestmerimbula.com Merimbula’s beautifully reimagined Hillcrest Motel combines the essence of sun-kissed Australian holidays of yesteryear, with stylish, modernist sophistication.
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