In this edition of Voices, we head to Sydney to meet with Kartik Kapoor, the warm and thoughtful General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. With sweeping views of the city’s iconic harbour and an insider’s knowledge of its coastal energy, Kartik shares what makes Sydney so magnetic—from sunrise hikes and hidden beaches to cutting-edge cocktails and cultural musts. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, his tips will help you see the city like a Sydneysider.

What makes Sydney special to you, and how would you describe its unique energy?

One of Sydney’s defining features is its endless harbour fronts and beaches—you’re never far from the shore. It’s a city where nature and cosmopolitan living coexist beautifully.

If someone only had 24 hours there, what are the must-do experiences?

• Start with the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk at sunrise, followed by breakfast at a beachside café.
• Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia—just steps from the Hotel.
• Enjoy a craft cocktail at Grain Bar, then dine at Mode Kitchen & Bar.
• Cap the night with a performance at the Sydney Opera House—regardless of what’s playing, the experience is unforgettable.

Hidden gems that even frequent visitors might miss in Sydney?

• Shopping at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), full of modern labels and indie designers.
• Café-hopping and bar-hopping around Sydney’s walkable neighborhoods.
• Relaxing at Newport Beach, a quieter gem north of the city.
• Experiencing Vivid Sydney (May–June), a city-wide light and art festival.
• Visiting Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich First Nations and colonial history.

Beyond the hotel, where do you love to dine? And what about at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney?

At Four Seasons, Mode Kitchen & Bar showcases Australian produce and wines under Executive Chef Gaurav Bide.

Outside the hotel, Margaret by Neil Perry and Saint Peter by Josh Niland offer truly standout dining. For something casual and authentic, the Asian eateries in Chatswood are packed with flavor and charm.

What local tradition or cultural experience should every visitor take part in?

Living outdoors—Sydney’s culture revolves around the beach, BBQs, coastal walks, and café culture.

What’s your favorite time of year in Sydney, and why?

Summer is the best—especially because Christmas happens in the sunshine. It adds a refreshing twist for anyone visiting from the Northern Hemisphere.

What’s the best way to explore Sydney?

On foot. The city is safe, walkable, and full of vibrant neighborhoods to discover.

What’s the one must-do at your hotel?

Savor a curated wine and dining experience at Mode Kitchen & Bar. And don’t miss a stop at the Concierge—our team has the best recommendations for every kind of traveler.

How does the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney reflect the city’s character?

Our unbeatable location—steps from the Harbour—and the warm, welcoming energy of our team reflect the heart of Sydney: iconic, friendly, and full of life.

Anything exciting coming up at the hotel this year?

We’re launching a new menu and refreshed interiors at Mode Kitchen & Bar. Plus, The Art of Cake collection is returning this May and June, offering guests luxurious takeaway cakes—a delicious way to take a piece of Four Seasons home with you.

Voices is where we sit down with the world’s top hoteliers, explorers, and luxury lifestyle insiders to uncover what’s new, next, and not to be missed in hospitality and travel. Last time, Yves Giacometti, gave us insider tips for planning a trip to Cairo —did it have you dreaming of a stay at the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza?