After seeing a snippet of the Ivy in Elle Magazine last year, I added it to my To Do list for a future Sydney trip, which happened to be this most recent one. Luckily my long-time girlfriends selected it as our catch-up spot so I not only had the best company but also a chance to ogle the design and décor of this pool house and bar. It reminded me a little of the Viceroy in Palm Springs, with a vintage Kelly Wearstler-esque glam vibe. But I think now we’ll have to watch out for the designers of Hecker Phelan & Guthrie, who hail from Richmond, Victoria. When I grow up I would like to be half as talented as these designers, just by seeing the Ivy in person and browsing through their portfolio.

These bespoke Chesterfields are the perfect spot to lounge while chatting with your friends, that is if you go there on any other night than Friday or Saturday. It’s a little noisy and would probably look even better in the daylight.

A glass of wine in the Ash Street cellar is also a good option.

We had some outrageously expensive hors d’oeuvres in the lounge but would have preferred to eat dinner in the Mad Cow Restaurant or in Sushi Choo, which is the home of a sushi train. My sister loooooves sushi trains!

To quote Tim Gunn, the zebra carpet in the ballroom is, “a lot of look.” But somehow it works!

This was one of my favorite rooms at The Ivy. I loved the bamboo chairs and black cabinets behind the bar.

Unfortunately it rained that night so we did not get to see the outdoor dance floor in action, which is supposedly right next to the Terrace. I would love to sip some lemonade there, perhaps on a summer week day evening when it’s not so crowded.

Image credits: Hecker Phelan & Guthrie