Sun, surf and soul

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(Photo courtesy of Tourism New South Wales)

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(Photo courtesy of Tourism New South Wales)

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(Photo courtesy of Tourism New South Wales)

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(Photo courtesy of Tourism New South Wales)

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(Photo courtesy of Tourism New South Wales)

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Sydney's 'perfect getaway' tag is getting a boost with some extraordinary settings - strictly for the super rich.

When one envisions the playgrounds of the rich and famous, the image one conjures is of waves as blue as azure lapping gently on the fringes of white sun-kissed beaches.

While rich business tycoons and beautiful celebrities lounge around chatting to one another, bodyguards remain on the lookout for annoying fans and paparazzi, while valets scuttle cocktails here and there.

The reality of the situation though is that when the rich want to get away, they prefer to vacation in private confines, away from the madding crowd. Although, lounging by the poolside or on sun-drenched beaches while observing other people, for a change, is an emphatic benefit.

Exclusivity

That is why Australian and international jet-setters flock to Balmy Palmie, Sydney's answer to St. Tropez. Palm Beach, or Balmy Palmie in true Australian lingo, Pearl Beach and South Coast, all boast celebrity owners such as Nicole Kidman and Australian media mogul James Packer or Russell Crowe and Kylie Minogue.

Kalua, home of Hawaiian businessman Ian Joyce, is a favourite rental holiday destination of the super rich and famous. Before purchasing her own piece of holiday heaven here, Nicole Kidman used to rent the property at US$40,000 per week. Another celebrity who has enjoyed this relaxing getaway by the sunny beaches of Sydney is comedic legend and founder member of Monty Python: John Cleese.

Sydney is one of the few cities in the world that offers a bustling metropolis just 20 minutes from the beach. For celebrities such as Greg Norman who prefer a city getaway there are exclusive penthouses in the heart of the city which offer stunning vistas.

If you prefer the convenience of a hotel then there are numerous five-star hotels dotted along the beach or in the central business district. With exclusive valet and personalised attention you can be assured of your privacy and anonymity for the duration of your stay in Sydney.

Sydney Opera House

The Opera House is the most recognisable landmark in Sydney. Built in 1957 by Danish architect Jørn Utzon this wonder of the world has an iconic curved sail-like roof construction which is considered a miracle of modern engineering. No visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Opera House and with 1,500 world-class performances held every year the true culture connoisseur will be spoilt for choice.

The High Tea experience at the Opera House is a unique opportunity for the affluent visitor to sample a signature menu created by celebrated chefs, followed by an inspiring opera recital or symphony. The concept of High Tea at Bennelong restaurant captures the spirit of Sydney: bold, stylish and contemporary.

Guests are welcomed with a glass of fine Australian wine, a selection of canapés, French pastries, and petit fours. From the elegance of Bennelong's, with its food created by chefs such as Guillaume Brahimi, to performances by the opera world's renowned performers, a visit to the Sydney Opera House will satiate the soul of the true culture aficionado.

Harbour Bridge

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of another Sydney landmark this year by taking a walk across the bridge, which offers stunning views of the Harbour. Exclusive tours allow the intrepid tourist to walk along one of the curves to the top of the bridge, across the peak and back down the opposite curve.

For a truly unique experience it is advisable to be at the top of the bridge at twilight, when the city of Sydney starts to light up and a sea of twinkling lights emerge as the golden sun sets in the distant horizon.

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