Win A Luxury Stay In A Unique Australian Hotel!

Not only were the 170-year-old bluestone buildings given a new lease of life with the Adina Apartment Hotel, restaurants, bars, retail store, cinema (and, in the case of Hell Division, a National Trust Tour Site), moving in, but the site itself has been reinvigorated and filled with light and laughter, ready for its next chapter.

“This is a place where the modern architecture and design reflects the provenance and history of the site,” says GM Christian Price.

“We don’t shy away from what the site was, instead we celebrate what it has become – a beautiful destination that Australians can enjoy for the next 100 plus years.”

Of all the changes at the former jail, perhaps the most visually stunning was the adaptive reuse of reclaimed prison cells in the B Division block, into The Interlude – an immersive 19-room retreat where guests can relax, unwind and escape the everyday.

The antithesis of its original purpose, The Interlude design team has transformed former prison cells into hotel suites which connect guests to the history, culture, wellness, food, drink, and stories of the region in a unique historic setting.

Each of The Interlude suites were reimagined by knocking openings through the thick bluestone walls to link four, and sometimes five, original jail cells together.

The barrel-vaulted bluestone ceilings and stone walls have been transformed and softened by modern design and contemporary finishes, that create an exciting contrast between the new and original elements.

The Pentridge redevelopment is one of the largest bluestone restoration projects ever undertaken in Australia and one of just 40 prison hotel conversions worldwide.

Unlike modern day builds, the restoration team had no blueprints to work off and likened the 170-year-old Bluestone building as a “Pandora’s Box at every twist and turn.” Accordingly, they needed to reverse engineer many aspects of the project like the air conditioning units which couldn’t fit in the ceilings, so are under the bed

The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the subterranean relaxation pool – which took three months to dig out – and a Reflection Garden (in the prison’s former exercise yards) that invites guests to disconnect from the outside world with a ‘Story of Place’ and local wines and produce.

Fine food and wine also play an important role at The Interlude, with the hatted North & Common restaurant serving up a produce-forward menu by Chef, Abhi Dey, in the prison’s former Mess Hall.

Adjacent to North & Common, Olivine wine bar is a modern and sophisticated space – again crafted from reclaimed prison cells – with a 500-plus international wine list that allows guests to relax in their very own cosy, plush quaffing nook.

Bespoke itineraries, in partnership with local producers and businesses like Impala & Peacock, are also integral to The Interlude experience. And, beyond the hotel, lies a thriving local precinct, neatly contained in the bluestone walls.

What’s clear is however they choose to stay, guests at The Interlude will be immersed in the flavours, colours, sounds and stories of Coburg.

theinterlude.com.au

THE PRIZE & SPECIAL TRAVELTALK OFFER!

We’ve got a fantastic three-night stay for two people at The Interlude up for grabs valued at $2,067.

The prize includes: Three nights’ accommodation at The Interlude for two people with welcome glass of sparking on arrival, daily al a carte breakfast, dinner in North & Common (to the value of $300), $30 daily mini bar inclusion, access to the subterranean pool, complimentary car parking, and an Unwind with Wine experience for two including wines and a selection of cheese and antipasti.

Special Offer

But wait, there’s more! The Interlude has a special offer just for Traveltalk readers. Enjoy an overnight stay in one of suites including a $40 dining credit per stay and breakfast for two. This offer is priced at $370. Booking period is from now until June 30, 2025, for stays from now until June 30, 2o25. Terms and conditions apply.