A trip to France isn’t somewhere you can go on a whim, but there is a way to experience a touch of Bordeaux on local turf. When Sofitel Adelaide opened its doors in November 2021, it delivered a touch of joie de vivre to the city’s CBD. Each of the six Sofitel hotels and resorts across Australia is aligned with a French region. Here, it’s all about Bordeaux. Look up at the art installation as you enter the contemporary foyer – it flows like a river of red wine. The 32-storey tower boasts 251 luxurious guest rooms and suites with a choice of city and Adelaide Hills views. Light and flow is everything; from free-standing bathtubs, to open-concept bathrooms, Balmain Paris bath amenities, and walk-in wardrobes. For something special, Club Millésime (on level 10) offers a private lounge serving complimentary à la carte breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks, canapés, and personalised check in and check out. The indoor heated lap pool is also something to behold. The floor-to-ceiling windows and large chandeliers are all kinds of ooh la la.
Breakfast
Hindley Street is a hop, skip and jump away and is home to the cute-as-a-button café Peter Rabbit. The enchanted garden-party vibes include a vintage caravan and hidden, leafy grottos. Day starters include pastries, sweet damper (banana and miso damper), Peter’s Picnic (ciabatta, soft-boiled duck egg, prosciutto, piccalilli relish, cloth cheddar and more) and an impressive Bloody Mary.
Lunch
Adam Liston’s Leigh Street restaurant Shōbōsho is open seven days and is well respected (and frequented) by fans of modern-Asian cuisine. Next door, its new sister restaurant Shōmen is proving an equally popular lunch spot. The small hole-in-the-wall eatery specialises in ramen and accepts walk-ins only. Make like a local and slurp Korean Army Stew ramen as you watch the world go by. Interesting burgers add to the fun.
Dinner
Sofitel’s on-site restaurant Garçon Bleu can be found on level nine. The team, led by chef de cuisine Gianni Delogu (former Vue de Monde and Grossi Florentino) serves up modern French fare with a touch of drama. Kick things off at the bar with a glass of bubbles and crisp whitebait, before perusing the wall of wine and making your way to a table with a bird’s-eye view of the city. The fit-out is classy but there’s nothing stuffy about the delivery. Bon appétit.
Staying longer? GT’s guide to the best resturants in South Australia will keep you busy.
Explore
Art is at the heart of Adelaide, especially during festival season throughout February and March, when Fringe, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide are in full swing. Catch a show at the many venues across town, or indulge in retail therapy at The Adelaide Remakery for repurposed gifts and handmade clothing. Bluey Boronia (presents Perch) is also within walking distance and sells a delightfully colourful array of treasures – all with positivity at heart. Sofitel’s art tours also explore local street art and the hotel’s own visual delights.
The Sofitel, Adelaide
108 Currie St, Adelaide, SA
Facilities: Prices from $320 per night for a superior room
Gym/pool: Yes
Hotel bar: Yes
Restaurant: Yes
Free wifi: Yes
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