04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Take me back to the '70s: why nostalgia holidays are on the rise
1. Ovolo South Yarra, Vic: Whether you sleep in a Go Go Room or Rockstar Suite, ( Boogie ) nights spent at Ovolo South Yarra provide a trip back to a time of mini skirts and moon landings. Award-winning designer Luchetti Krelle conjured the groovy interiors, which are liberally lavished with pop art and primal hues.
2. Tangerine Dream, SA: Tucked into bushland just outside Deep Creek National Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula, this humble shack has an unmistakable '70s soul. Pop on a record, sink into the corduroy lounge chair, and ditch devices to bond over vintage board games or around the firepit.
3. Hillcrest Merimbula, NSW: It wasn't just the '70s construction bones that were retained during the renovation of this NSW South Coast motel. The free-wheeling spirit of the place remains in the drive-up brick building and the reinstated tennis court, even with the addition of every mod con you could wish for.
4. Casita Motel, NSW: Another NSW South Coast time traveller reborn, the recently opened Casita motel sings to a '70s song sheet with its painted brick walls, striped window awnings and retro signage. Even the outdoor shower - with its bold maroon arch painted on old-school block-work - screams vintage surf shack in the best possible way.
5. The EVE Hotel Sydney, NSW: A bold new arrival on the edge of Sydney's CBD, The EVE mixes '70s disco flair with modern polish. Expect velvet lounges, terrazzo floors and mood lighting that nods to Studio 54 - all set against a palette of bottle green and burgundy. Outside, the pool area with its matching loungers and sun shades could have been plucked from the pages of a Slim Aarons book.
6. The Shores Miami, Qld: While the revamp of this '70s motel was dictated by a vision more Melrose Place than Simon and Garfunkel, the original pool remains and so does the spirit of a simpler Gold Coast. Led by serial motel makeover designer Jason Grant (also responsible for Chalet Motel, Brunswick Heads and the Blue Water Motel, Kingscliff, both in NSW), the retro-inspired stay opened for a new generation of guests in January.
7. '70s Glam Studio at The Star Sydney, NSW: Neon signage, a circular love bed, a sparkling disco ball and your own private karaoke lounge await in this extravagant themed suite at The Star. Go full method actor with this one.
