FIVE STAR TASMAN LOCALE
HOBART will have a new five-star hotel and a new drinking venue with the opening of the Tasman Hotel, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. The Tasman will be the first Australian showcase of the Luxury Collection brand; a global collection of 110 hotels and resorts in over 30 countries.
“The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations, so it is wonderful to introduce the brand to Australia and put the rest of the world on notice to the charms of Hobart and our most southern state,” said Sean Hunt, area vice president for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International.
“The opening of The Tasman will signify the importance of Tasmania as a global destination for luxury travellers and we are confident visitors will see this as a wish list experience for interstate and international travellers (once international travel resumes).”
Connecting Salamanca Place with an elegant frontage on Murray Street, The Tasman forms part of Parliament Square, a new lifestyle quarter for Hobart just steps from the famous Salamanca Markets, St David’s Park and the vibrant waterfront of Sullivan’s Cove.
Guests will have a rare opportunity to experience three eras of design within the 152-room hotel.
Renowned Tasmanian chef Massimo Mele will act as culinary director at the hotel’s signature restaurant, showcasing his passion for championing local producers.
Mary Mary - an intimate and sophisticated cocktail bar within the original sandstone building - will offer "an old-world bar experience reimagined for modern times" with a cocktail menu celebrating indigenous Tasmanian ingredients.
"We look forward to bringing the unique Tasmanian character to life for our guests and hope to leave them with an expanded perspective that will last beyond their visit,” said general manager Stephen Morahan. “Our blend of personalised, genuine and anticipatory service will mark the charming, yet refined experience of a stay at The Tasman.”
Mary Mary will be run by cocktail and spirits creatives Proof & Company, with awarded drinks slinger Charlie Ainsbury behind the bar. The name Mary Mary stems from the origin of the building in which it resides, the former St Mary’s hospital dating back to the late 1800s, now reimagined as part of The Tasman and Parliament Square, located in the heart of the city. Ainsbury will bring over 17 years' experience in some of the top cocktail bars across the world, including This Must Be the Place, Eau de Vie and Bulletin Place in Sydney and The Diamond in Vancouver.
“Hobart’s food and drinks culture has long commanded global attention and attracts a discerning customer seeking a compelling experience, which offers us an impressive foundation to build upon,” Ainsbury says.
“Mary Mary will be a celebration of and dedication to the abundance of exceptional ingredients, spirits and liquors of Tasmania and Australia, with an experience curated for the appreciator of a fine beverage.”
WINTER WINE LUNCH
RATHMORE House, one of Tasmania’s finest country house hotels, runs a series of winter wine lunches in the Derwent Valley, just down the road from Invercarron Wines. Wines from producers like Bream Creek, Roslyn 1823 and Meadowbank are showcased alongside meals cooked by former Smolt chef Scott Heffernan from Flint Kitchen.
Guests enjoy bubbles and canapes to start and then, over lunch, winemakers talk about their wines and answer questions. The lunches are held in either the Stables or the Barn.
For guests who want to make a weekend of it, Rathmore offers packages including Saturday and Sunday night stays with a hearty soup supper being served up on the Sunday after lunch.
Accommodation options include lovely rooms in the old homestead, a private
