If you’re yearning for the “5-9” after your “9-5”, day-in and day-out or anxiously counting down how many hours are left before your Sunday ends, dreading your Monday alarm, you could be experiencing burnout. One in three Australians do. It’s not uncommon, but there is ways to stop it in its tracks.
Your friends will tell you to “Take a break” or “Go on a vacation”, but sometimes that’s just not a viable option for everyone. There are things to consider — annual leave, finances, work responsibilities and more. But it goes without saying that the positive impact of travel on your mental health is undeniable and a helpful step to getting out of your funk.
Related: How Travel Alters Your Brain Chemistry
“Travel can also reduce stress and promote relaxation and mindfulness by allowing individuals to temporarily escape from their daily routines and responsibilities,” says Ryan Holiday, Stoic philosophy advocate and author of best-selling book The Daily Stoic.
Fighting burnout doesn’t require grand travel plans. It can be as short as a weekend away to another state or a “hush trip” to a local hotel to soak up a dine-and-stay package, while continuing your work. At the very least, you need a change of scenery.
Our suggestion? A midweek dine-and-stay at Hotel Indigo in Potts Point (that includes dinner at French-Japanese restaurant, Luc-San).
Hotel Indigo — Potts Point, Sydney
From just $329 per person, you’re in for a night of luxury at one of Sydney’s boutique hotels and favourite fusion restaurants, brought to you by Luke Mangan.
Located in the heart of Sydney’s once-upon-a-time nightlife district, Hotel Indigo is an homage to the hustle and history of the suburb. Stepping through the front doors you’re greeted by a seamless mixture of modern and retro art pieces, furniture and a sense of familiar wonder. It feels like you’ve been there before.
The interior design choices, modelled off the quintessential style of Darlinghurst’s Griffin Theatre, create an atmosphere of grandeur. Think long, red drapes, distressed brickwork and actor portraits lining the walls with spotlights illuminating their faces.
Each room is full of character with bubble chairs, neon surfaces and unique artworks with their own story. The vibrancy of the entire space and proximity to some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions make it an ideal place to escape your normal routine, for a moment.
Luc-San — Potts Point, Sydney
Now, let’s talk food! Luke Mangan’s restaurant, Luc-San playfully marries French and Japanese cuisine. The earthy and red tones of the restaurant are calming, providing a romantic backdrop to indulge in good conversation and explore flavourful bar bites.
In an effort to momentarily forget about your responsibilities, we highly recommend trying these menu selections. Start with the Wagyu Tartare, served on a crisp brioche and wasabi leaf, to get a feel of the intense but well-executed flavour profile. Try the Pork Sansho, fresh from the grill — it melts in your mouth. The agedashi tofu has an element of tartness that will cleanse the palate. And for your main event, the half duck with burnt orange is spectacular, with crisp skin and hints of sweetness.
Finish off your dine-and-stay evening with a bit more relaxation and a Japanese Milk Bread Brulee. Its delicate flavours will soothe some of your dread of going back to work.
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