Set sail for sunsets ashore as Hemingway’s Port Douglas unveils new bar

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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The passionate team behind SAILS by Hemingways. Picture: Newsport

Calling all sunset chasers, wine lovers, and cheese fanatics. SAILS by Hemingways has opened its doors at the scenic Port Douglas marina, offering a unique experience that will make you feel like sailing into the sunset without stepping onto a boat. 

To truly grasp the name of this brand-new bar, savour a glass of high-quality wine or cocktails with a Swiss cheese board or kingfish ceviche while the sun sets behind the Daintree, turning the marina waters red and gold.

SAILS offers irresistible cheese boards combined with comprehensive cocktails. Picture: Newsport

Roman Haslinger, Head of Hospitality at Hemingway’s Port Douglas, has been the driving force behind this new high-end destination at the SuperYacht marina. 

“We wanted to bring back the original vibe of the marina when it was first developed,” he told Newsport.

“So much time and effort went into the design and creation of everything involved. What we need now to make this all worth it is having guests in to enjoy it as much as we do.”

Signature drinks

With a diverse range of over 60 exclusive wines, cocktails, spirits, and award-winning fresh local beers, SAILS offers an intimate and relaxed high-end setting.

Mr Haslinger emphasised that the carefully selected wine list, curated by CEO and founder Tony Fyfe, will delight any wine connoisseur in town.

“Our cocktail list was thoughtfully crafted by our skilled staff, aiming to showcase top shelf spirits with a classic yet innovative touch, keeping the essence of tropical Far North Queensland in mind.

“Our spirit selection is comprehensive, ensuring everyone finds something they'll enjoy. Especially in the whiskey, bourbon, gin and tequila section some of our key employees and hospitality professionals made a clear mark. 

“Additionally, we proudly offer our core range of Hemingway’s beers, along with exclusive brews like the barrel-aged porter co-lab with Devils Thumb Distillery, available only at SAILS.”

Tempting tapas

Complementing the bar’s beverages, the food menu at SAILS features tapas-style and share plates. 

“Visitors can expect mouthwatering seafood dishes like kingfish ceviche, seared sashimi tuna, and tableland beef carpaccio, along with terrines, artisan cheese, charcuterie boards, and delightful sweets,” Mr Haslinger said.

“And don't miss out on our Swiss-cheese or chocolate fondue served in authentic cast iron fondue sets from Europe.

“Our food menu was created to compliment the beverage offering and I dare you to come in and try it out without the urge to try it all.”

Captivating events

The new venue will also host in-house events, including mixology and blending classes with qualified bartenders and distillers, wine and food tastings with winemakers from various regions, and food and beverage degustation events featuring different spirits.

Additionally, there will be weekly unplugged acoustic live music sessions for guests to enjoy.

“The main purpose of SAILS is to be a place to enjoy quality food and beverage in a relaxed and exclusive setting with the best view in town,” Mr Haslinger said.

SAILS will be open for a la carte service on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM until late. The space is available for private functions any day of the week, including Monday and Tuesday.

Witness breathtaking sunsets from the balcony at SAILS without stepping onto a boat. Picture: Newsport

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