Manly is a gorgeous seaside suburb of Sydney, located on the Northern beaches. It is best reached by a ferry from Circular Quay or it would take you 30-minutes by car from the city centre. Even though it is so close to the city, it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Sydney-siders move to Manly for a slower pace of life, surfing, water sports, cafes and beach lifestyle. Once you get to Manly, you wouldn’t want to leave or even use your car, as everything you need is at your doorstep.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MANLY

We recommend two beachfront hotels – Novotel Manly Pacific and Sebel Manly. Both are part of the Accor group, so members can earn points here while relaxing and enjoying gorgeous views and wonderful location.

Novotel Manly Pacific

Novotel is in a prime location, right in the middle of Corso on the beachfront.  The views from all front facing rooms are spectacular – uninterrupted ocean vista from all windows. We love the two-bedroom suites, they are fitted out in older style, but have lots of space, that is so important for families. They feature a master bedroom with a king bed, second bedroom with two singles, two full bathrooms, spacious living room and a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. The suite is perfect for a longer stay or family holiday.

Bistro Manly, hotel’s signature restaurant, has been recently renovated and looks like a cozy French bistro picked out from the middle of Paris. It serves fantastic a la carte breakfast with a seasonal menu of eggs and pancakes, coffees and juices. For dinner it is one of my favourite places in Manly – dimmed lights and delicious menu with unmistakable French twist make it a ‘must visit’ in Manly. Some of my favourite dishes are Chicken liver pâté éclair, Wild mushroom bourguignon and Steak frites.

Rooftop pool adds to the charm of the hotel, but if you prefer salty water pick up your beach towels from reception and head on over to the sandy beach, steps away from the hotel’s entrance.

The Lux Traveller loved a little gift in the suite, bottle of wine and a signature candle, and excellent warm service throughout our stay.

Sebel Manly

Sebel Manly is another fantastic option for your stay in Manly. Seafront building has been fully renovated in 2020 and offers guests a selection of beach facing studios and one-bedroom apartments. Apartments offer all comforts of home with a spacious living room with a fold out sofa, balcony or terrace facing the sea, dining area, little kitchen and even a laundry to make a long stay extra comfortable.

The suites are designed in a ‘Coastal style’ with subtly infused textures and patterns that offer guests an atmosphere of beach chic. Modern furniture, light walls, natural timber look are incorporated in the design to emphasize the feel of relaxed luxury.

Gorgeous lobby boasts a coffee table book library, while the roof top pool area is a great place to soak up the sun on a warm day.

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but it doesn’t take away from the experience, as there are so many beautiful cafes in the area. Vice versa, it is a reason to venture out and enjoy more of Manly.

Hotel’s location is excellent, in the southern end of the beach, close to Shelly Beach, a flat swimming beach tucked away in a little bay, 5 minutes walk from the front door.

The Lux Traveller loved the modern design, warm service, ‘home away from home’ facilities like kitchen and laundry. Of course it goes without saying, the views and the location are superb.

BEST PLACES TO DINE IN MANLY

There is a multitude of great coffee shops, acai bowl cafes, breakfast places and fancy restaurants in Manly, but here are just the three of our favourites that you can’t miss on your next visit.

Garfish – fancy fine dining seafood restaurant, well known in Manly amongst the locals, as it has been in the harbour-side location for ages. The atmosphere is romantic, price tag high, food – delicious. Ask for a window table for two if you are planning a romantic dinner out.

My favourite dishes are blue-eye trevalla & lobster raviolo and Morton bay bugs in lemon butter sauce.

If Japanese is more your thing try Sake Manly. Sydney-siders might have visited Sake in Circular Quay or Double Bay and in the end of 2018 Sake has arrived in Manly and quickly became a hot spot.

The atmosphere is buzzy, food – mouth watering, price – high, yet totally worth it. Try miso glazed toothfish, new style sashimi and wagyu strip loin – these dishes are not to be missed.

For a more casual, fun, modern Asian experience head to Daniel San located on the ground floor of the Novotel. Excellent beachfront position, casual friendly atmosphere, lots of yummy share dishes like King Salmon Crispy Tacos, Pork Buns, Sushi & Sashimi make Daniel San a great venue for a group night out. We love the authentic décor and old fashioned games that bring you back decades.

The Lux Traveller thoroughly enjoyed a staycation or holiday in Manly – it is a beautiful part of Sydney with lots on offer – activities, dining, beaches and lovely people. Enjoy!