VIVE LE Vivid!

Our picks for where to eat, drink and stay during the dazzling festival

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Winter's never a bleak affair in bustling Sydney, especially when the annual Vivid Festival lights up the spectacular city in all its beauty. Now in its 15th year, the event will take over the harbour city from May 23, featuring impressive illuminations, music, dining and performances over five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place and the CBD, Darling Harbour, and The Goods Line and Inner City. But there's much more to Vivid than stellar light displays. This year's theme, Dream, will give festival-goers a smorgasbord of events for music lovers, foodie fanatics and art gurus.

CAPELLA SYDNEY 24 LOFTUS STREET, CBD

Converted from the old Department of Education building into a five-star hotel, this heritage-listed icon is style and charm epitomised. Those visitors who are after a wellness break will appreciate the lush spa facilities, while those eager to start the foodie fun will find three venues, including elegant Brasserie 1930 and the McRae Bar on the ground floor. From this central hotel, it's a nice stroll through the city to the bustling harbour and Circular Quay area.

capellahotels.​com