Marvelous Melbourne
Four decades ago, my late father made a bold decision for our entire family—to migrate to Australia so we could hold a priceless privilege: permanent residence. Growing up in Melbourne, my siblings and I eagerly looked forward to our weekend visits to the Melbourne Zoo, which never failed to excite and amaze us. I vividly remember watching the animals—especially the curious half-squirrel, half-duck creature—move about and interact, a delight that made every visit feel special. The kangaroos, with their babies tucked safely in their pouches, were especially adorable.
There were also quiet moments spent at Captain Cook’s Cottage in the nearby Fitzroy Gardens. Stepping inside its ancient stone walls, one is greeted by a simple English home, carefully preserved—a living piece of Melbourne’s history that reminded us of stories far older than our own.
Together, these places marked the most beautiful days of our childhood. They were a blend of curiosity, learning, and discovery—feelings that stayed with us as we grew older. Every three years, we returned to Melbourne, our passports stamped not only with ink but with memories tied to every corner of the city. Those planned visits became treasured family moments, gentle reminders that no matter how far life took us, Melbourne would always welcome us back with open arms.
When I was given the chance to return to my second home, I could hardly contain my excitement—mixed with anticipation, longing and gratitude. This was not just another destination on a well-traveled passport. This was a homecoming.
Yet, the Melbourne I returned to had changed—and beautifully so. The city I once wandered through as a child had evolved. Gone was the gentle pace of my youth; in its place stood a Melbourne vibrating with energy and purpose. Innovation and technology had ushered the city onto the global stage of style, creativity and reinvention. From the moment I arrived, I could feel it—something bigger, brighter and bolder was waiting for me.
Old and new coexisted seamlessly. The city’s soul remained deeply rooted even as it grew more urban. Melbourne was no longer just a place to revisit, but a place to dream anew—from its hidden laneways filled with mouthwatering delicacies and unique shopping, to its vibrant festivals that continually light up the streets.
One of our stops was the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, a much-loved destination just outside the city. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, it offers handcrafted chocolates and artisanal ice creams, with free tastings, a café, and chocolatiers at work—making it a joyful pause along the Great Ocean Road and a favorite for families and sweet-toothed travelers alike.
We also returned to the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the country. Here, generations of families have passed through the lion gate, sharing the quiet joy of wonder. It is a place where nostalgia meets renewal—much like my own return.
And with this new Melbourne, one name stands out for those seeking not just a place to stay, but a place that speaks: W Melbourne. The W is not merely a hotel—it is a lifestyle. A whispered promise to every guest: Whatever. Whenever. What else? It’s where the everyday becomes extraordinary, where desires are met with a knowing smile and moments are transformed into memories.
There is a thrill in being anticipated, and that is exactly what W Melbourne delivers. It feels as though the city’s heartbeat has been distilled into a single address. From its striking interiors to the magnetic energy that hums through every floor, W Melbourne doesn’t just exist in Melbourne —it is Melbourne.
This is where dreams aren’t just welcomed; they’re styled, curated, and delivered. Whether it’s a late-night craving, a spontaneous celebration, or a memory waiting to be made, whatever you desire, W is ready.
For me, this journey was more than luxury—it was legacy. A reconnection not only with a city, but with the past that shaped me and the future that still calls. Because at W Melbourne, whatever you need, whenever you arrive, the only question left to ask is: What else could possibly surpass this?
