A Winter’s Tale in Double Bay: InterContinental’s Chalet Domes Are the Season’s Chicest Escape
Flickering candlelight. Faux fur. The soft clink of alpine glassware. This winter, a new kind of intimacy arrives in Sydney—not in the mountains of Europe, but in the heart of Double Bay.
Sydney has never been short on sparkle, but this season, it’s glowing differently. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay has transformed its open-air courtyard into a quietly dazzling alpine haven with the unveiling of its Winter Chalet Dining Dome Experience—a celebration of cold nights, warm company, and culinary escapism.
Framed by twinkling lights and evergreens, the domes—yes, domes—are equal parts The Alps meets art direction. Think rustic luxury: ambient lighting, snow-dusted textures, and an unmistakable sense that something special is about to unfold. Here, you’re not just dining. You’re entering a story.
“We wanted to create something unforgettable,” shares Eugene Human, General Manager at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. “A moment of wonder in the everyday.” He’s not exaggerating. In a city known for its sunshine and sea views, these private dining domes deliver something rare: the magic of winter, styled to perfection.
A Menu Made for Firelight and First Sips
Crafted by Head Chef Alessio Madonia, the sharing-style set menu evokes the slow, sensual pace of après-ski dining—without the altitude. Guests graze through platters of Middle Eastern-inspired vegetables, artisan breads with dips, spit-roasted lamb, and to finish? A dessert fondue that is both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s the sort of menu that encourages lingering—designed for conversation, laughter, and a second round of drinks you didn’t plan for.
And the drinks? A triumph in their own right.
A Cocktail Affair by De Kuyper
photo supplied by Intercontinental Double Bay
In collaboration with Dutch liqueur house De Kuyper, InterContinental presents a seasonal cocktail collection as charming as the domes themselves. Priscilla Leong, the hotel’s master mixologist, has curated a flight of alpine-inspired drinks that do more than warm your hands—they spark connection.
“Each cocktail is a celebration of the season,” says Emily Prochazka, Brand Manager at De Kuyper. “We wanted to create flavours that felt layered, emotive, and designed for this exact setting—intimate, stylish, and indulgent.”
The result is a menu that plays with spice, stone fruits, and citrus—a symphony of warmth poured into cut-crystal tumblers. It’s cocktail theatre, minus the fuss.
How to Book Your Dome (Before Everyone Else Does)
Launching Tuesday 17 June, the Winter Chalet Dining Domes are strictly by reservation, with seating available Tuesday to Saturday at 6:30pm. Domes accommodate two to four guests or five to eight for more social affairs. Early bookings are not just encouraged—they’re essential. This is set to become one of Sydney’s most sought-after winter rituals.
Reserve your dome via OpenTable under “Experiences”
Why It Matters
Sydney rarely leans into winter. But InterContinental Sydney Double Bay has not only embraced it—they’ve turned it into a design-forward, delicious, and deeply romantic affair. Whether you’re celebrating something grand or simply craving a moment of beauty, the Winter Chalet Dining Domes invite you to dress up, slow down, and dine under the stars without the chill.
Because the most enchanting nights don’t always require passports. Sometimes, they just need a little imagination—and a glass of something warm in hand.
