Idea: Let’s take a lead from the residents of that other purpose-built capital city – Dubai – and go full luxe in this week’s heat. Because if we’re going to sweat, we might as well do it in style, right?
Here’s how to pretend you live in Dubai (and not Canberra) during the heatwave.
1. Dress like you’ve just stepped off an Emirates flight.
Photo: Virgimal Donado.
Think crisp whites, designer slides, silk headscarves and sunglasses that double as windshields. Bonus points for linen from Momento Dezigns.
2. Only travel by air-conditioned vehicle (preferably a white SUV).
Photo: Abdulwahab Alawadhi.
I’ve got a white 2017 Toyota Kluger – winning. If your Corolla doesn’t cut it, just call an Uber Premier and pretend you’re being driven to a diplomatic function and not Kippax Woolies.
3. Relocate your afternoons to luxury hotel bars.
It’s not quite the Dubai skyline but it’ll do. Head to The Howling Moon, Canberra’s first rooftop bar, to escape the heat. Photo: Facebook.
Canberra’s answer to rooftop glamour? Layla Bar, Howling Moon or QT Lounge. Make sure you sit inside in the aircon, order a rare vintage of Dom and spend the afternoon judging people.
4. Make Canberra Centre your Dubai Mall.
Main photo: Chanel. Inset: Reza Mohannadi.
You’re not “escaping the heat” – you’re just repositioning your aesthetic. Try on perfume you’ll never buy at Mecca and pants that cost more than your first car at Viktoria & Woods. Let that security guy at Chanel question how long is too long “just browsing” in a store without buying.
5. Book a pool pass (but make it elite).
Lounging by the pool at the Hyatt? Yes please. Photo: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
Go where the towels are fluffy and the cocktails are strong. Think: Hotel Realm, the Hyatt, or that friend of a friend with a pool in Red Hill who owes you a favour. (Richard Luton, I’m looking at you.)
6. Take sunset photos like you’re on a marina.
That could easily be Lake Burley Griffin in the background, right? Photo: Elizaveta Chayko.
1. Go to Lake Burley Griffin.
2. Stand in front of the water.
3. Turn slightly.
4. Tilt head.
5. Filter it until it looks like you’re in Abu Dhabi.
7. Only run errands in the very early morning.
Photo: Maryna B.
6 am Coles dash? Yes. By 10 am you’re back in your climate-controlled haven in Bonner, curtains drawn, resting like a queen between negotiations.
8. Adopt an accent (any accent). But say “darling” a lot.
The Dubai skyline just needs a Telstra Tower silhouette in the mix to be perfect. Photo: Aleksandar Pasaric.
You don’t live in Canberra: you’re just based here temporarily while finalising a property deal in Dubai. Lie to yourself. Lie to others. It’s survival.
