Earlier than it closed for renovation (introduced ahead by lockdown), Melbourne’s Lyall Lodge & Spa counted a particular visitor amongst its regulars. The privately-owned South Yarra boutique property, which first opened in 2002, was frequented by Olivia Newton-John, who got here to be a superb good friend to house owners, Rowina and Peter Thomas.
“It was dwelling to her,” displays Rowina Thomas. “As a result of my husband and I are within the resort and it is very private, not a chain-type operation, we had been capable of kind of snap to consideration and simply make issues occur for her. As an illustration, when 60 Minutes rang and stated, ‘We wish to are available in and interview her this afternoon’, we simply made it occur.”
A reminiscence Thomas will cherish was being hosted by Newton-John in her prime flooring suite “with tea and scones and pretending we had been English” as they watched the 2018 wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on tv.
cr: Petrina Tinslay (handout picture equipped through journalist, no syndication)A Lyall Signature Room (52 sqm) Picture: Petrina Tinslay
That is the sort of place the Lyall is: a pied a terre for out-of-towners (residents of the Mornington Peninsula are additionally regulars), a discreet haven for the well-known just like the late Newton-John, and an genuine slice of South Yarra life for guests looking for one thing a bit completely different.
Now, with a full renovation, they, and the brand new associates the Lyall is certain to make, are in for a deal with by way of low-key luxurious that includes bespoke furnishings designed by Thomas and luxe gentle touches courtesy of Warwick Materials, the Warwick household being associates of the proprietors.
Because the Lyall opens once more to friends on September 1, Thomas hopes non-hotel friends will come and benefit from the downstairs expanded bar and restaurant.
“Australians do not use resort bars and eating places as a lot as they do in Europe,” says Thomas. However she says with the close by part of Toorak Street having fun with a resurgence and South Yarra remaining considered one of Melbourne’s most elegant neighbourhoods, to not point out the revitalised property being “Melbourne’s most lovely resort and doubtless Australia’s greatest city resort” as Thomas proudly places it, maybe the Lyall’s al fresco tables would be the place this coming summer season. And an ideal spot to make a toast to Livvy.
See thelyall.com
