Tradewinds Hotel is creating destination holiday feeling without the hassle of a passport
Finding that holiday feeling
From the family Bali holiday to a wine-soaked summer in France or even a winter escape to the snowy tops of the Stirling Ranges, all these holidays have the foundation of travelling away. But what if there was a way to recreate the feel of a destination holiday without travelling anywhere? Join Western Australia Wedding & Bride’s Alice O’Brien as she speaks with Belinda Gertig, conference and events manager at Tradewinds Hotel, about how this boutique riverside hotel encapsulates this feel.
Written by Alice O’Brien
IS THE HOLIDAY FEEL PURELY DESTINATION BASED?
The destination holiday. Even just imagining a destination holiday, from sandy beaches to cloudy forests, washes a sense of pure bliss over us. But the reason we feel that longing towards a destination holiday holds more psychological weight than just being relaxed. Rather, this feeling is deeply rooted in many, often complex and intertwined factors, from the need to escape everyday life, pursuing a sense of adventure or connection, to experiencing something new. This is why places resonate and interweave with our memories and emotions, attaching itself to the title of a destination holiday. Through unpacking our psychological attachments to the appeal of destinations holidays, what is apparent are the feelings we have. It’s not the beauty, the temperature, or the fact that the buffet is all inclusive. It’s our emotions tying all destination holidays together.
“A destination feel means stepping into a space where everyday life fades into the background,” Gertig explains.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean palm trees and passport but it’s about being immersed in an environment that feels distinct, indulgent and removed from routine.”
As Gertig articulated beautifully, a destination holiday doesn’t even require you to leave the very state you live in; you just need the feel of leaving it all behind for a while. This is what Tradewinds Hotel is known for. Overlooking the Swan River where the Fremantle sun reflects off the water, and the ocean scent weaves through the air, it’s the subtle background of music during a sunset, paired with relaxed laughing and the clink of glasses where the atmosphere of a holiday comes to life. As Gertig explains “these layered sensory cues … offer the psychological benefit of escape without the stress of airports, planning or long-haul travel.”
HOW DOES TRADEWINDS HOTEL DO IT?
With a destination holiday coming down to the feel it creates, it’s important to understand how Tradewinds Hotel fosters but also maintains such a feeling throughout your stay.
“From the moment guests enter … the open, airy design, combined with warm, genuine hospitality, immediately sets the tone,” Gertig says.
It all comes down to the synergy of each unique element that makes Tradewinds Hotel, well, Tradewinds, and here is Gertig to explain how:
- Appearance & Design
“Neutral tones, timber textures and contemporary coastal styling create a refined yet relaxed aesthetic … this visual calm sets the holiday tone.” - Dining Experience
“Long lunches overlooking the water, sunset cocktails on the terrace; dining becomes an occasion … encourag[ing] guests to slow down and savour the moment.” - Accommodation
“Rooms are designed as sanctuaries and allow guests to disconnect from home life and immerse themselves in the present.” - Food & Beverage
“Fresh, seasonal menus paired with curated wines and crafted cocktails reinforce indulgence … sharing plates, celebratory bubbles, and social dining elevate the escape.” - Location (as an added bonus)
“The Swan River provides a rare combination of tranquillity and vibrancy … [and] the port city’s creative energy, historic architecture, café culture and coastal proximity contribute to the sense you’re somewhere layered and interesting.”
But the most important role on sowing the seeds of the destination feel is planted by Tradewinds Hotel staff; the central beating heart of the hotel. From their constant warm presence to remembering a guest’s favourite cocktail, all adds to the guest feeling cared for. As Gertig gracefully puts it: “These human touches turn a beautiful setting into a meaningful stay.”
SHOULD WE HAVE OUR WEDDING HERE?
Given the emotional significance a destination holiday feeling holds, it seems almost perfect to pair it with a wedding day, as it holds its own sentimental importance. To declare love and a commitment to share forever, the experience deserves a powerfully matched venue location. A location where the rest of the world can fade behind as they say, ‘I do.’ This detachment from reality should extend to loved family and friends who’ve come in celebration. Creating a world within a world is only possible at a venue where the destination feel is already present.
“It allows couples and guests to be fully present, celebrating without distraction, almost as though they’ve travelled away together,” Gertig says.
At Tradewinds Hotel, the couple and guests can actually travel together as the venue doubles as accommodation.
“There’s no commuting between venues or rushing across town … everything happens in one beautifully curated location,” Gertig explains.
The rooftop terrace is the ceremony location where views of the Swan River frame the scene. Celebrations continue in the sunlit heritage style Palm Room or the grand Plympton Room with waterfront views. Finally, instead of saying goodbye and having the harsh realities of life seep back in, continue in bliss for a weekend wedding getaway with seamless integration of a hotel stay.
Our world is vast and wide, and every corner of it has a new secret untold, but despite the excitement travel adventure holds, when it comes down to taking time for ourselves it’s the destination holiday feelings wanting to be upheld. You can encapsulate this pure idyllic atmosphere without stepping foot out of your city. Look to the local Tradewinds Hotel for a world of paradise, forgetting the realities of your own, whether you’re a soon-to-be wedded couple or looking for a simple solo reconnect.
Images courtesy of Tradewinds Hotel