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AUSTRALIA: We love Coogee! (Hint: To fit in with locals, pronounce the 'oo' as a short sound like in the word 'book' so you get Coog-ee). Somehow this seaside suburb manages to combine the buzz of the eastern beaches with a laid-back vibe. And spending time here allows you to soak up the good life and the energizing salt air, and let all the stresses of everyday life drift away on the sea breeze.  For the best of both worlds in this little patch of paradise, we recommend you split your time between enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline in the early morning, indulging in good food and great coffee by day, and letting your hair down in the playful bar and pub scene when the sun sets. 

Facing east over the Pacific Ocean, Coogee’s seaside location provides the perfect motivation to get up early and catch the sunrise or to lie in your hotel bed and watch the sky change through the window. For the energetically minded, one of the best ways to start the day is joining a Pilates or yoga class on the deck at Wylie’s Baths or enjoying a few laps in the ocean pool below,  You’ll be mixing with locals who regularly frequent the baths to enjoy its tranquil surroundings and retro style décor, so it’s the perfect time to learn the local haunts.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the pool, there are several truly great cafes and restaurants - most of which are located along the main strip, Arden Street.  The Little Kitchen  is always a good choice for a morning coffee and has one of the friendliest baristas in town.  For absolute beachfront heaven, head to Barzura  (they’ve got convenient chargeback facilities if you’re staying with us at Adina Coogee) where the food and views are both impeccable, and the rolling menu has something to satisfy at any time of day. One favourite is the nasi goreng, closely followed by the muffins baked fresh from the oven onsite. The wine list is also excellent, and you can purchase some of Australia’s best boutique producers by the glass, so swing by later in the afternoon or evening.

At the other end of the beach you’ll find an institution in these parts – the famous Coogee Pavilion. A masterpiece of multipurpose spacing, the Pavilion offers something for every age and occasion, serving up Will & Co coffee and tasty brunch faire, with fresh seafood, pizza and gelato throughout the day or a delicious Mediterranean menu and cocktails on the rooftop deck at twilight.  

The absolute must-do in on any visit to Coogee Beach is the coastal walk – you’ll find a mix of locals, visitors and Sydneysiders who file in from the western suburbs and northern beaches to soak up the views. You can head south to Maroubra or north to Bondi, stopping off at any number of beaches along the way. We can highly recommend Gordon’s Bay, the first inlet to the north of Coogee. Tucked away between two headlands it has a lovely secluded feel, with small fishing boats clustered along the shore, an abundance of marine life and a distinct lack of people. 

If you continue the coastal walk a little further, the Clovelly Bowling Club is also worth a stop. The club’s prime cliff front real estate means its greens offer some of the country’s best views, perfect for an afternoon game of barefoot bowls with a local beer in hand.

There’s so much going on in this little beachside haven that you’d be mad not to book a night or three at the Adina Apartment Hotel Coogee Beach Sydney. While the name takes a wee while to say, the hospitality is first-class, the self-catering apartments are spacious, and the beachside vibe is second to none.