Capella Sydney, recently recognised as No.12 in The World's 50 Best Hotels, today unveils Winter Rituals, a seasonal expression of the hotel as Sydney's winter sanctuary for culture, wellness and considered luxury.

At a time when the world feels increasingly fast moving and uncertain, Sydney offers something rare, space to breathe. In winter, the city settles into a quieter rhythm, where light sharpens, the pace softens and everyday moments feel more intentional. This season, many Australian travellers are also rediscovering the depth and richness of experiences closer to home, where travel feels seamless, familiar and deeply rewarding.

Within this shift, Sydney emerges as one of the world's most compelling winter destinations, a city defined by cultural energy, natural beauty and a sense of calm clarity that invites pause and perspective.

At the centre of this seasonal experience is Capella Sydney, a heritage landmark reimagined as the city's premier urban sanctuary, located in the historic Sandstone Precinct moments from Circular Quay.

At Capella Sydney, winter is expressed through a series of considered experiences that bring together wellness, gastronomy and cultural discovery in a single connected rhythm of stay.

At Auriga Spa, restorative treatments, vitality experiences and seasonal wellness journeys reflect the slower cadence of winter. Dining evolves with the season, from the tarot-inspired Arcana + Alchemy experience in McRae Bar and Winter Afternoon Tea in Aperture beneath the kinetic floral installation Meadow, to The Little Stars Family Table experience in Brasserie 1930, each shaped by warmth, comfort and time well spent.

“Winter in Sydney brings a different kind of beauty, defined by stillness, light and space,” said Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney. “At Capella Sydney, we respond to the season by creating experiences that allow guests to slow down and connect more deeply with both the city and themselves.”

Within the hotel's heritage walls, winter is defined by restoration and ease. The atmosphere invites immersion, from the indoor vitality pool and wellness facilities to the warmth of The Living Room fireplace, a quiet focal point for pause and connection, to softly layered guestrooms featuring custom Italian Frette linens, deep soaking baths in select rooms, and considered in-room comforts designed for unhurried stays.

At the heart of the season is Capella Sydney's Culturist team, storytellers and cultural guides who shape each guest journey through an intimate understanding of the city. Through Capella Moments and Curates, guests are invited into experiences that move beyond the expected, from Sydney's sandstone heritage to its contemporary creative precincts, neighbourhood discoveries and cultural encounters shaped by those who know the city best.

Seasonal moments extend beyond the hotel through Capella Curates: Whale Watching at Capella, a winter experience designed for families seeking wonder, connection and a sense of adventure on Sydney Harbour. This immersive journey offers an intimate view of the annual humpback whale migration along Sydney's coastline.

Capella Sydney also connects guests to the cultural energy of the city's winter calendar. From Vivid Sydney to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia's major winter exhibition, Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir, the city becomes an extension of the stay, interpreted through the lens of the Capella Culturist.

For families, the Little Stars programme introduces its own seasonal rhythm, with in-room teepees, storytelling, creative workshops, and the hotel's signature soft toy mascot, Cappy the Whale, designed to keep younger guests entertained and engaged. Thoughtfully curated dining moments extend the experience, from dedicated children's menus across the hotel to the Little Stars Afternoon Tea, reimagining the season as a shared moment of discovery for guests of all ages.

Winter Rituals is supported by a series of seasonal hotel offers designed to extend the experience of the city. For Australian and New Zealand travellers, the Sydney Escape Web Exclusive Package invites guests to unwind in refined comfort, with a guaranteed 4.00pm late check-out. Designed for stays of two nights or more, the offer encourages a slower, more spacious experience of Capella Sydney across the winter months.

Package inclusions:

• Overnight accommodation
• Guaranteed 4.00pm late check-out
• Exclusive guest-only access to The Living Room and complimentary Capella Moments programming
• Non-alcoholic beverages from the personal bar

Rates start from AUD $890 per room per night. Minimum two-night stay. Available exclusively via the Capella Sydney website. Terms and conditions apply.

“Capella Sydney was designed as a true urban sanctuary, offering guests a sense of calm within the heart of the city,” said Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney. “In winter, that feeling becomes even more present. Winter Rituals is our invitation to slow the pace, embrace the season, and experience Sydney in a way that feels quietly transformative.”

For more information on the Winter Rituals campaign and the hotel offers available please visit our website.

For media enquiries please contact:
Florence Rocca
Director of Marketing and Communications
Capella Sydney
Florence.rocca@capellahotels.com

ABOUT CAPELLA SYDNEY
Capella Sydney in Australia transforms one of the city's most treasured heritage landmarks into a contemporary sanctuary of culture and luxury. Set within the restored sandstone Department of Education building, the property's 192 guestrooms and suites showcase soaring ceilings, bespoke furnishings, and an extraordinary collection of artwork. Situated steps from Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, the hotel invites guests to experience the city's architectural grandeur and creative spirit firsthand. Having opened in March 2023, Capella Sydney marks a remarkable debut for a property so young, already celebrated for redefining Australia's luxury landscape. Conceived as both an urban retreat and a cultural gateway, it stands as a place where design, history, and modern sophistication converge to create a deeply enriching stay.

Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. 192 spacious guestrooms and suites and an unsurpassed wellness offering are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage outlets and a collection of bespoke function spaces. Original characteristics are celebrated throughout the hotel, with reimagined interiors unfurling to reveal commissioned and collected artworks, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d'art– all within footsteps of the glistening harbour foreshore, the famed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

For more information, visit capellahotels.com/sydney IG: capellasydney FB: capellasydney 

ABOUT CAPELLA HOTEL GROUP
Capella Hotel Group elevates hospitality through stewardship and artistry. From Singapore, our two luxury brands—Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts—transform heritage sites into living culture and conscious travel into meaningful connection. Recognised globally for excellence, we craft hospitality icons and embed care for people and place throughout our portfolio. www.capellahotelgroup.com

ABOUT CAPELLA HOTELS AND RESORTS
Capella Hotels and Resorts embodies excellence in the craft of hospitality. Our constellation spans Asia Pacific with future openings in the Middle East and Europe. Each property is a custodian of heritage, reflecting meticulous restoration and unseen artistry to offer experiences that illuminate travel. Named World's Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure for three consecutive years, Capella combines the highest levels of craftsmanship with personalised service to create bespoke luxury. Auriga Spa, our signature wellness sanctuary inspired by lunar cycles, brings holistic wellbeing to each destination. www.capellahotels.com