Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
The Calile
THE CALILE
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND • HOTEL • SLEEPS 2 | 1 BEDROOM | 1 BATH
Hands down my favourite city hotel in Australia. The Calile (pronounced 'Kal-isle') is like nothing else we have in this country - more like something you would find in other hot weather cities such as Miami, Palm Springs, Rio De Janeiro or Mexico City.
"Whereas Australian city hotels are traditionally pitched to a corporate market, focused on the conference facilities, rather than on the pool — The Calile Hotel has changed that" says architect Adrian Spence, of Richards & Spence. And I couldn't agree more. I love it here so much.
The Calile Hotel is perfect. Seriously, I find it very hard to fault. With its beautiful minimalistic design - pink marble, natural wood, cork floors, 100% natural jute mats, custom linen robes, Grown Alchemist organic amenities, a locally sourced mini bar, motorised blackout blinds, a knock-out pool and cabanas, the most heavenly Lobby Bar (I spend a LOT of time here), the Hellenika restaurant, the KAILO day spa, a cute little boutique called MOST (Museum of Small Things), not to mention the super friendly and professional staff - this is the real deal.
This tiny hotel has literally changed the perception of Brisbane as a city. There is literally no reason to leave the James Street Precinct (or bubble as we call it). With its beautiful tree-lined streets, lovely stores, unbelievable restaurants (SK, Bianca, Same Same are my absolute favourites), Agnes bakery, and so much more, you have everything you could possibly need in this tiny radius.
I recommend always booking the Poolside King Rooms (on a higher floor if possible). They are so spacious and lovely and have great views over the pool and out across Fortitude Valley.
Why I love it
As mentioned above, I love everything about this place. I really do.
From the minute you arrive, the staff are so warm and welcoming. They will help you with your car or your bags, direct you to reception, call the lift for you, whatever it takes. Non-fussy, friendly and professional. Donned in their matching, mono uniforms, nothing is ever too much trouble. I should send a special big thank you here to the wonderful Louisa who always ensures I have the most amazing stay. I'm obsessed with the design (can we talk about the incredible dark pink marble in the Lobby Bay brought in all the way from Rajasthan?!! Amazing). The architecture is as timeless as it is enduring. I love the way air flows through each of the floors - capturing natural breezes and the sun's golden glow. I love the white brick work and concrete forms that are softened by curves and accented with marble, brass and timber. You will always find me sitting at the Lobby Bar with a coffee in hand, or with my laptop working away. I love it down there. I also love lounging by the pool (of course) and munching on Hellenika's zucchini chips or delicious cocktails. And at night you'll likely find me at SK Steak & Oyster downstairs (the interior of which reminds me so much of something you would find in New York City, I just love it) having the best steak of my life.
This is an incredibly hotel experience and one I can't recommend more highly.
About the owners
Hotel owner Brothers Cal and Michael Malouf are behind The Calile, which is managed and operated by TFE Hotels under their Collection by TFE Hotels brand.
"At the turn of the 20th century, an effervescent young man named Calile Malouf had a thriving transport business in Lebanon. But in 1892, he, together with his wife Ada, indulged his curiosity and set sail for Australia — a land unknown, yet full of promise.
Paying homage to his spirit of adventure, the Malouf family has passed Calile’s name down through each subsequent generation and finally on to this landmark hotel, as a reminder that fortune does indeed favour the brave. His zeal for life is evident at every turn within The Calile Hotel, but it’s the meaning of his name that best describes the true essence of our urban retreat:
Calile n. A friend or companion." - Nick Earls.
What to do nearby
A drink in the
Lobby Bar
Dinner at SK
Steak & Oyster
Visit Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
What to bring
Sunglasses
Dress
