Sustainable sanctuary

A unique blend of heritage, sustainability and modern luxury, Melbourne’s 1 Hotel sets a new standard for luxury accommodation in a city renowned for its hospitality offering. Opened in June this year, the striking structure perched on the banks of the Yarra River was once a humble warehouse, but Goods Shed No. 5, as it was originally known, has been transformed into the centrepiece for 1 Hotel’s first Australian property, an exquisite amalgamation of absolute luxury with genuine eco-friendly credentials and unerring attention to detail.

These shared values underpin a partnership with Audi Australia, which will see Audi use the property for a variety of events and activations in the future. It also sees Audi Australia supplying 1 Hotel with all-electric Audi Q6 e-tron vehicles as official hotel vehicles, the emphasis on zero-emissions and low environmental impact perfectly in keeping with both brands’ philosophies.

Far from being just another premium address in the heart of the city, 1 Hotel is a carefully orchestrated experience that feels both deeply rooted in Melbourne’s industrial past and refreshingly attuned to the future.

The long goods shed roots the otherwise modern structure to the area’s past, occupying more than 200 metres of river frontage across from Melbourne’s Conventional Centre complex and just a short stroll to the bustling Southbank precinct. The facia and numerous other elements of the original warehouse have been lovingly retained and integrated into the new structure at great cost and with a meticulous eye for detail. The original beams and supporting structures, even some of the original glass panes have been retained and incorporated into the new design, while outside even the original working crane from the height of the river’s shipping days is heritage listed and takes pride of place on the wharf side, right outside the hotel’s main lounge area.

Inside too, 1 Hotel’s sustainability ethos is on show in every detail, with recycled railway sleepers and original materials integrated along with the soft, muted tones of the design, fittings and furniture. Carpets are woven from recycled ocean plastics, art pieces are celebrations of natural materials for an overall atmosphere of calm and tactile beauty.

The lobbyist is more like a sanctuary than a reception area, anchored by lush greenery and filtered light. Living plants spill from walls and shelves, indeed there are literally thousands of plants throughout the hotel, in common areas and in all guest rooms and suites. Every detail has been carefully considered and beautifully executed — from the scent that gently infuses the air to the way the light falls across the textured surfaces. 

There is a truly intimate feel to 1 Hotel, yet its facility are world class, from its four cafés, restaurants, and bars, to the superb spa and wellness centre, fully-equipped gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and stunning indoor pool.

Its signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, showcases the talents of celebrated chef Mike McEnearney, whose ingredient-driven, low-waste approach echoes that of the 1 Hotel group, forging close ties with local providers to give guests seasonal menus that features the authentic flavours of the region, with wines from celebrated local makers, likewise a major feature of the extensive wine list. The bar, too, is a triumph of understated style, where regional wines again feature, along with botanically inspired cocktails are enjoyed amid soft lighting and reclaimed marble.

The 277 guest rooms, which includes 36 suites continue the feeling of understated luxury. Each is designed as a tranquil retreat, defined by organic textures, muted colours and an impressive sense of space. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame either city or river views and there is a genuine feeling calm in the layout and finish of the rooms. Again the attention to detail is extraordinary, with recycled timbers used to mount the room numbers outside each door, complete with holes and scars from years of use on the waterfront. 

Only filtered water its available n each room to negate the need for plastic bottles, with drinking glasses and carafes fashioned from wine bottles by a local artisan, while snacks and minibar offerings are likewise presented in stylish jars to remove the need for packaging.

Energy-efficient climate control adjusts subtly to the guest’s presence, toiletries are biodegradable and locally sourced – even the omnipresent hotel note pads are a thing of the past, with small chalk boards supplied on which to doodle or make notes. Every object, from the bespoke furniture to the curated art, feels as though it has been chosen with intent rather than simply purchased to fill a space, and the aforementioned plants which adorn every room and suite are lovingly cared for by a veritable army of horticultural experts to ensure that they thrive.

Since opening just months ago, 1 Hotel has only enjoyed tremendous attention from travellers, but has already built a loyal local following who come for evening cocktails or to enjoy the sumptuous culinary offerings. The 1 Hotel group is well known on the international stage, and yet its Melbourne property, while exhibiting all of the luxury infusions you would expect, still manages a sense of intimacy and calm.

A short walk to the bustle of Flinders Street and all that vibrant Melbourne has to offer, it also ticks the time honoured ‘location’ box, making it a perfect base for travellers regardless of whether their visit is business or pleasure.

The service, too, strikes exactly the right note: attentive without intrusion, confident without being aloof. Staff seem to anticipate rather than react, offering assistance in a way that feels organic. It’s this human touch — unforced and sincere — that completes the hotel’s identity. What really sets 1 Hotel apart is its ability to make environmental consciousness feel indulgent rather than dutiful. Sustainability here is not a marketing exercise, but an integral part of every feature of the hotel and its operation. Ultimately it stands as proof positive that luxury and environmental responsibility can not only coexist gracefully, but thrive in each other’s company.