Holidaying locally or 'staycations' are becoming popular as our airports install more and more intrusive and time-wasting security measures. I want to go on a holiday to relax not to disrobe in public and have a stranger grope my body with a cold rubber glove. (If I wanted that kind of holiday I'd stay home in my inner city suburb of Kings Cross.)
Mark and I want our weekend getaway to be simple, relaxing and eco-conscious. No ozone-destroying airflights. No foreign currency. No foreign languages to massacre.
Just a $20 return ferry ticket from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf and in one hour we're on glorious Manly beach with the sand between our toes breathing in the salty ocean air.
It's hard to believe we're still in the same city.
Every day feels like a holiday in Manly . Does anyone actually work here?
We're staying at the refurbished Sebel Manly Beach which sits under the long avenue of Norfolk Pines as close to the beach as you can get.
Our ocean-view room on the fourth floor is comfortably designed to maximise that glorious vista.
... our own private balcony to enjoy a sun-downer on. The Sebel is a destination hotel. Luxury and location in a perfect package.
There's a well-stocked kitchenette for those who want to stay a little longer...
.. and a stylish bathroom with a great shower..
After we unpack we hit the short coastal walk to Shelley Beach. Dinner is at Pilu's at Freshwater and then a deep sleep with the balcony doors wide open to let in that invigorating oxygenated air, with the waves crashing in the darkness.
We couldn't have pre-ordered better weather for the next morning.
After another long beach walk we try out the breakfast offerings downstairs at Manly Wine. It's just had a makeover as well.
We try the fresh juices, baked croissants ....
.... and Mark tackles the Big Brekkie. All worth a trip on their own.
I need to be back in Sydney for a Monday lunch-time meeting. So it's back on the ferry and back to Circular Quay with time to spare.
Now that was a holiday. And not a rubber glove in sight.
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Saucy Onion stayed as a guest of the Sebel Manly Beach.
