I'M certain if our hotel room was any closer to the sea it would be classed as a cruise ship cabin.
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Our room even boasts a balcony hovering over the waves, just like on cruise liners. And it's on that sun-kissed balcony that we're ensconced in our deck chairs, fixated on the mesmerising view. But it's hard to know what to focus on - the waves caressing the clifftops just metres below or our resort pool with its water seamlessly melting into the Pacific Ocean beyond.
So this is how the other half lives?
Our coastal hideaway is Bannisters by the Sea, which is perched, spectacularly, above the sea at sleepy Mollymook on the NSW South Coast.
Framed by gums and hugging absolute waterfront real estate, this luxury, boutique resort dissolves stress, slows your metabolism and makes you put your phone down. It's a tonic for the soul. And a lot of its magic comes down to that view. Even at night, the sea works its charms, with the soothing sound of the waves lulling you to sleep.
Bannisters was once a quintessentially bland '70s motel but in 2002 it was transformed, totally, into a luxury getaway for discerning city escapees who like their views paired with gin and tonics, sparkling wine and craft beer as well fine gourmet cuisine starring the best, fresh seafood on the NSW South Coast. Overseing the culinary offering is celebrity chef, Rick Stein, who gives the resort's waterfront restaurant its name.
in 2015, Bannisters opened a second property just up the road in Mollymook - Bannisters Pavilion - and more recently, a fading hotel in Port Stephens was transformed into a Bannisters property.
Back at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, dreamy days can be spent watching the sun rise over the sea, paying homage to the beautiful breakfast buffet, disturbing the ripples in the pool, soaking in the rays, grazing on your balcony (each of the 32 luxury rooms afford sea views), walking and swimming at the nearby beach and pampering your palate with amazing food at Rick Stein's elegant restaurant a few metres from your room.
You haven't visited the South Coast until you've tried the local prawns, oysters, crab and lobster - all enhanced by Stein's inimitable flavours. And you haven't been to Stein's until you've eaten the hazelnut and coriander-dressed scallops, lobster ravioli and chocolate fondant.
Bannisters Pavilion is a two-minute drive away. Sleek and stylish and nestled among lush, palm-studded greenery, the Pavilion also offers accommodation but we've gone straight to The Rooftop - a pool, bar and outdoor/indoor restaurant that resembles a casual, coastal version of Sydney's Ivy Bar.
Again, the pool here is striking and the hanging egg chairs beg your presence as you nurse a refreshing drink and soak in the relaxed ambience.
Sated by crispy skin salmon and vanilla hazelnut affogato, we hit the road to explore a little before heading home. The eclectic antique stores and cafes of Milton are not far away, as is tasting the local drop at Cupitts Winery near Ulladulla.
The more active can climb the birdcage-shaped Pigeon House Mountain. The blindingly white sands of Jervis Bay are tempting and the succulent oysters at Greenwell Point near Nowra are legendary but we take a scenic drive through winding lanes through verdant hills and valleys behind Kiama, marvelling at Eden-like landscapes, before stopping for an ice cream in Berry and motoring home chilled.