As I pulled up in front of the iconic MACq 01 Hotel, I wondered what I had let myself in for. After all, I’d never stayed at a ‘storytelling hotel’ before. Would the wall paintings start chatting to me, Harry Potter style? With the building site boasting an illustrious history from a bustling wharf market to a gigantic shipping shed, there was certainly a distinct possibility that some historical spectres could be waiting to whisper at me through the walls.
But stepping inside the doors of the luxurious five-star MACq 01, all thoughts of gloomy dark staircases were swiftly forgotten. Perfectly positioned overlooking Hobart’s stunning waterfront and just a short stroll from Salamanca Bay and Battery Point, the hotel may be founded on preserving and promoting Tasmanian’s wild and winding past, but the design is gloriously modern.
The reception area overlooks the circular lounge area, built around a stunning open fire crafted with storytelling in mind. The distinctive wave pattern of the lighting installation above, ‘Kelp’, is inspired by Tasmania’s underwater kelp forests, its form and arrangement suggesting the flowing, organic movement of underwater fronds – and is just one example of how storytelling is woven into the fabric of every aspect of the hotel.
Heading down a long (and decidedly ungloomy) corridor to my Premium Waterfront Suite – an incredible oversized space featuring a huge private balcony with breathtaking views of the River Derwent, kunanyi / Mt Wellington and Hobart’s Old Wharf – I can’t miss the captivating artworks of a wide variety of characters that adorn every door. Yes, the door of each of MACq 01’s 114 stunningly crafted rooms and suites tells a tale of the legendary folk who have shaped the Apple Isle. These characters from both past and present fall under five different personality types, with the unique decor and fitout of each suite reflective of this. (You can even take a fun quiz in your room to find out which character type you most resemble – colourful and quirky? Hearty and resilient? Curious and creative?)
You can learn more about some of the iconic characters behind MACq 01’s doors on the hotel’s daily 114 Doors Tour, led by one of their passionate storytellers. It’s one of four complimentary tours provided to guests at the hotel. I also attended the Hidden Hobart: The Viewfinder Tour, a walking tour of the streets of Hobart. Along the way, I peered through retro viewfinders to see historic scenes of how the streets looked in bygone eras. Being able to stand on a street corner and witness the old buildings that once occupied the space, all while hearing colourful and moving tales of those who came before, was memorable and surprisingly moving, thanks in no small part to my wonderfully entertaining storyteller. (Each member of the storytelling team has been carefully chosen as scholars of Tasmania’s past with a gift for fascinating delivery.)
Back at the hotel, the immersive historical and storytelling experience extended to the mouth-watering offerings at the Old Wharf Restaurant, which champions classic dishes featuring fresh local produce, and the hotel’s two bars – the Story Bar, complete with newspaper adorned walls, and Evolve Spirits Bar, which not only offers rare spirits from around the world but also Tasmania’s largest private collection of fossils, including a humungous cave bear – yes, really.
How storytelling enhances wellbeing
As well as providing a fascinating insight into the past and offering a fresh perspective on the Hobart of today, the art of storytelling has been known to offer a unique pathway to mental wellbeing. An essential mental, social and emotional artform, it can help us navigate the landscapes of our minds, validate and understand our emotions, encourage empathy and connection, and lead to personal growth, as we find new avenues to access and understand our emotions. I certainly felt much more connected and also very grateful for all we have today, as I listened to the stories of Tasmania’s past.
Of course, if you prefer to have your wellbeing delivered in a more traditional format, MACq 01 also has you covered. Relaxation in my room came readily, courtesy of the oversized bathtub, complete with Appelles bath salts, state-of-the-art sound system and movies on demand, but the hotel also currently offers a Stay and Spa package in collaboration with Lavada spa, runner-up in the Best Spa in Australia category in the 2023 Spa & Wellness Awards. The package offers 10 percent off MACq 01 accommodation, free breakfast for two, an exclusive rate for a full-body Lavada massage treatment and a take-home mini Subtle Energies wellness kit featuring natural skincare products.
Lavada Spa is just a short stroll from the hotel along the Hunter Street Precinct, a charming cultural hub that’s home to cafes, bars, restaurant, art galleries, The Henry Jones Art Hotel and more. And as I learnt on my walking tour, this area – just like the MACq 01 hotel and the rest of Tasmania itself – has a past that is as alluring as its present. Take a trip down memory lane and discover for yourself.
To find out more, head to macq01.com.au.
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