We ducked over to Manly for a sourcing trip and based ourselves at Manly Pacific—in a suite that floated above that divine ribbon of sand and Norfolk pines. Waking to the soft hush of the surf set the tone: calm, unhurried, and utterly coastal. From the front-row position on North Steyne to a magnesium rooftop pool, the hotel is purpose-built for beach-mood living with a luxe finish.

First impressions: a design language that listens to the coast

What struck us immediately is how quiet the interiors feel (in the best way). The hotel leans into a pale, ocean-washed palette and natural textures—think light oak timbers and layered neutrals—so the hero remains the view. That restraint lets in the breeze, the light, the shimmer. It’s a masterclass in getting out of nature’s way.

Our suite overlooking Manly Beach

Our suite opened to the horizon: a generous living area and balcony framing the beach. The detailing is considered rather than flashy; everything is scaled for exhale. Even entry-level ocean-facing categories here prioritize the outlook with balconies and big panes of glass—exactly what we want when we travel for inspiration.

Design features we loved (and why they matter to designers)

**Material honesty & warmth**
The consistent run of pale woods and soft neutrals provides continuity across room types and public spaces. It’s a palette we often reach for at The Designory because it won’t date—and it lets clients layer personality over time.
**Heroing the outlook**
Suites and ocean-facing rooms are planned around the view (terraces, balconies, wide openings). That “plan for the vista” approach is central to coastal design—capture light first, then furnish.
**Flagship craft moments**
We toured the **Infinity Residence** to peek at the top-end detailing: marble surfaces, a refined black-and-white beach palette, even an indoor fireplace—proof that coastal can be both relaxed and architectural. (Designed with **Coco Republic**.) While we didn’t stay in this one, it shows the project’s design intent at full volume.
**Wellness woven into the interiors**
Beyond that magnesium rooftop pool and sundeck (with those glass-balustrade ocean views), the hotel layers in **infrared sauna** sessions and even **in-room Peloton** options in select categories—amenities we love to see because they extend how a space is *used*, not just how it looks.

Eating & sipping (with a design eye)

Bistro Manly pairs French-leaning dishes with floor-to-ceiling light and beach outlooks—timber, marble accents and soft upholstery create a room that feels daytime-bright and evening-glow in equal measure.
For aperitivo hour, 55 North leans into a classic lounge-bar vibe, with an inventive cocktail list and a DJ program later in the week—nice energy without drowning out conversation.

Why Manly Pacific worked so well for us

As designers, we’re always hunting spaces that balance feeling with function. Manly Pacific does this by: keeping the material palette timeless (so the sea speaks), planning for view lines (so you live to the horizon), and integrating wellness (so routines travel with you). It’s thoughtful, liveable luxury—the kind we champion in our own projects.

A final note on accolades

It’s no surprise the property has been named among the world’s most beautiful hotels by the Prix Versailles program—recognition that mirrors what we felt on site: an elegant, contemporary take on Australian coastal living.

If you go (designer’s quick tips)

Book ocean-facing—the palette is made for morning light.
Schedule rooftop time—sunrise laps, sunset spritz.
Wellness add-ons—Peloton or infrared sauna to reset between beach walks and showroom visits.

Book your stay here