Episode 19: Five Star Luxury

Tiffany & Co
Suzie goes five star with a shopping trip and history lesson at the iconic Tiffany & Co. It all started in 1837 when Charles Tiffany took a thousand dollar advance from his father and travelled from New England to New York with his schoolmate John B. Young. They opened a stationery and fancy goods emporium, which later became Tiffany and Company. Tiffany's made headlines in 1877 when it bought a 128 carat yellow diamond, which is still on display in New York today. Another of their famous innovations was their china dinner service, which entered the White House when it was commissioned by US First Lady, Mrs 'Lady Bird' Johnson. In 1950, Truman Capote's novel Breakfast at Tiffany's was published, and in 1961, when it was made into a movie starring Audrey Hepburn, the store was forever immortalised.

Tiffany & Co
267 Collins St, Melbourne
Ph 03 9639 7788
www.tiffany.com

Grossi Florentino
When it comes to five star luxuries, it doesn't get much better than Grossi Florentino's. And when it comes to big personalities they don't get much bigger than Guy Grossi. This is a man who is very passionate about his work. He loves food and he's constantly looking for ways to make it better – using changing seasons and new ingredients as his inspiration. Grossi Florentino's has been a Melbourne icon and part of the streetscape in Bourke Street for the past 80 years. And whether you're dining in the grill, the cellar bar or in the restaurant – as soon as you step inside, you know you're in for a treat.

Grossi Florentino
80 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9662 1811
www.grossi.com.au

Hotel Penthouses
Perched high in the sky, on the 5Oth floor, is the Sofitel's Imperial Suite. This castle in the clouds is fit for royalty. Prince Edward was quite at home, when he stayed for over two weeks during the Commonwealth Games. As it's the highest luxury suite in the city, it has stunning views.

With six rooms, the Grand Royal Suite at the Hotel Windsor is more like a house than a hotel suite, so there's plenty of room for your entourage. If you're after old style grandeur, this is the place for you. The rooms are like something out of a palace, with their gorgeous antiques and silk drapes.

In the Park Hyatt's Presidential suite, the luxurious surfaces of marble and rosewood whisper money. This is as rock 'n roll as it gets, and the suite even comes with its own baby grand piano, which has been played by the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, U2, Bon Jovi, and the Rolling Stones.

If you want to splurge like a billionaire and stay in one of Melbourne's hottest suites, then check out each of the hotel's websites or give them a call.

Sofitel
Ph 03 9653 0000
www.sofitelmelbourne.com.au

Park Hyatt
Ph 03 9224 1234
www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com

The Hotel Windsor
Ph 03 9633 6000
www.thehotelwindsor.com.au

The Pole House
Victoria's Great Ocean Road is the gateway to some of the state's most scenic drives, making it the perfect place to take your Ferrari for a spin. One of Victoria's most amazing homes can be found in seaside Fairhaven. The Pole House took three years to build, completed in 1978, and is recognised as a precious piece of Australian architecture. Supported by a solid concrete pedestal, it stands 40 metres above sea level. Inside, it has an authentic seventies feel, with exposed bricks and kitsch light fittings. The star attraction is the view, and no matter which way you turn, on every corner of the balcony, the 360 degree views will take your breath away.

The Pole House
Ph 03 5220 0200
www.greatoceanroadholidays.com.au

Blazing Saddles
Ph 03 5289 7322
www.blazingsaddlestrailrides.com

Melbourne Sports Car Rentals
Ph 03 9826 6990
www.melbournesportscarrentals.com.au

Lake House
The Lake House is a dream come true. If you've been lucky enough to visit you'll know its lakeside position is absolutely magical, and that the restaurant is acclaimed as Victoria's best outside of Melbourne. The public face of the celebrated restaurant is Alla Wolf Tasker and the man behind the art hung throughout the establishment is her husband, Allan Wolf Tasker. Gorgeous art is only one of the things this place has to offer. Set on six acres of manicured gardens, there are 32 rooms and suites to choose from. You can robe up and head to the Salus Day spa to soak in one of the private tree-top mineral spas. Here at the Lake House you don't just bathe in natural spring water. They also bottle it, so you can cleanse inside and out.

Lake House
King St, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3329
www.lakehouse.com.au

What's On

Annual Eastern Subaru Shortest Lunch
Next weekend, head to the Yarra Valley and visit some of the region's smaller wineries for the annual Shortest Lunch, held on the shortest weekend of the year.
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 21–22 June
More: Ph 03 5962 4800 or visit www.yarravalleysmallerwineries.com.au

Circus Oz's 30th Birthday Bash
Come along and celebrate the 30th Birthday of Circus Oz and see their whiz bang performance under the big top at Birrarung Mar until 13 July.
Where: Birrarung Marr
When: 18 June – 13 July
More: Call Ticketmaster on 136 100 or visit www.circusoz.com

The Age Run Melbourne
And if you're feeling energetic then sign up for next Sunday's Run Melbourne – Victoria's newest major fitness event.
Where: Starting at Federation Square
When: 22 June
More: Visit www.runmelbourne.com.au