Luxury Property Concierge Monika Tu’s Guide to Sydney
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If there’s one person who knows what to recommend when asked for the best places to eat, stay, and visit in Sydney, it’s real estate tycoon Monika Tu. The Chinese-born, Sydney-based super agent is the owner and director of Black Diamondz Property Concierg
Luxury Property Concierge Monika Tu’s Guide to Sydney
If there’s one person who knows what to recommend when asked for the best places to eat, stay, and visit in Sydney, it’s real estate tycoon Monika Tu. The Chinese-born, Sydney-based super agent is the owner and director of Black Diamondz Property Concierge, which she founded in 2009 with her husband Jad Khattar. Monika and her company also facilitate strategic lifestyle and business relationships for her international clientele, acting as a bridge between cultures.With a client list consisting of high net worth foreign buyers, the majority of whom hail from her home country of China, the luxury property specialist understandably needs to be “in the know” when it comes to advising her clients on the harbour city’s best attributes. And as the owner and founder of a company boasting an annual turnover of more than $200M, there’s no doubt that Monika is highly adept at selling Sydney to her clients and promoting its lifestyle.In addition to her status as the go-to agent for ultra high end, luxury and prestige Sydney properties, Monika is also a committed philanthropist. Not only is her company a community partner of Australian Red Cross, but Monkia herself is a Founding Patron of Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders. She also contributes to Australia’s charitable sector by advising her clients on how they can become valuable members of Australian society through charitable and philanthropic endeavors.Monika recently took time out of her busy schedule to tell BLOUIN ARTINFO about her tips for Sydney’s best spots to eat stay, and visit. See her recommendations below.What are your recommendations for must-visit places in Sydney and why?Sydney is world renowned for its iconic scenery, spectacular culture, kind people, and breathtaking views. There is far too much beauty to experience in only one trip, so the most valuable advice I can give to any visitors is to be sure to come back again soon!Interestingly, some of the most special places in Sydney are not necessarily found on general tourist information. All inbound travelers know about the sweeping Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, but to experience the true beauty of our harbour, I recommend visitors find time to view the picture perfect harbor beaches that spot the waterway.Only locals will ever find the time to discover each of these hidden gems, but for those here for only a short time, I highly recommend dipping your toes in the water at Nielson Park Vaucluse, Lady Martins Beach Point Piper, and Balmoral Beach Mosman. You won’t be disappointed!What restaurants, bars, and cafes would you recommend in Sydney and why?For travelers who appreciate broad options for dining out, Sydney’s food scene is thriving. The city has refined fusion eating and a number of chic, elegant, cool, and contemporary eateries with sexy cocktail lounges that are readily available and sure to feed the soul. Sydney’s dining scene easily leaves even the most particular foodies satisfied.My personal standouts and favorites include:China Doll, Woolloomooloo: Indoor/outdoor luxury dining built right on top of Sydney Harbour in the iconic Woolloomooloo suburb next door to the city’s Royal Botanic Garden. Friday lunch times are ideal for viewing Sydney’s who’s who.Sake at The Rocks is a Japanese bar and restaurant, exquisitely decorated with a funky atmosphere and sexy cocktails.Longrain in Surry Hills serves uber trendy Thai and was established long before any of its competitors. Don’t forget to head downstairs where their in-house mixologists can whip up the ideal pre or post dinner chaser.Mr Wong in Bridge Lane offers plush colonial Chinese dining and has brought Cantonese cuisine back in vogue.However, my personal favourite and number one booking for international guests is always at The Century. Located within The Star entertainment precinct in Pyrmont, The Century offers modern traditional Chinese food and the service in the private dining rooms is exceptional.Interestingly most of the dining options I’ve mentioned above offer built-in cocktail and bar options for pre dining. This is to accommodate Sydney’s appetite for good food, good wine, good cocktails and great company, all under one roof.Where would you go and what would you do if you had a free morning or afternoon in Sydney?My personal and professional schedule is always action packed. Heading up the Black Diamondz Group I oversee three separate companies; Black Diamondz Property Concierge, Black Diamondz Recruitment Concierge and Black Diamondz Marketing and Events. On the very rare occaission I have a free morning or afternoon, I enjoy a powerwalk with my husband Jad around the Eastern Suburbs. My passion is for Sydney luxury properties so the footpaths of Bellvue Hill, Point Piper and Vaucluse are scenic time for me.Where would you head to in Sydney for the best shopping and what would you buy?Sydney’s shopping scene is fabulously fun. Young Australian designers have really emulated and cornered the market for casual chic and the international brands available in Sydney offer personalized service that takes shopping to a whole new level.Right now I’m loving Bulgari’s current collection. Ask for Bulgari manager Brian and I can guarantee your shopping day will be too much fun! Where would you recommend people stay (hotels etc.) when they visit Sydney?The InterContinental in Double Bay has recently been refurbished and reopened to much fanfare. Beginning its life as a Ritz Carlton, the new InterContinental boasts a rich history and many VIPs and notable international celebrities have all slept under that roof. Bill Clinton and George Bush Senior stayed here, Elton John played the lobby piano, and even the People’s Princess Diana has been in residence.Double Bay is a cosmopolitan area with great food, great fashion, great people and a great view from the Intercontinental’s rooftop pool.Where would you take an important client to show them a good time in Sydney?I take VIP clients house shopping! Sydney is my favourite city in the entire world, and you really must live here to find the time to experience the wealth of wonderful adventures it offers.I also always ensure my VIP clients visit the Art Gallery of NSW. Opened in 1847, the gallery is undoubtedly the most important public gallery in Sydney and the architecture of this cultural space is breathtaking.What projects are you currently working on/involved in?The Black Diamondz group has recently launch Black Diamondz Recruitment Concierge BDRC, specializing in placing bilingual talent within the Australian workforce in companies with international aspirations. This has been a passion of mine for quite some time. The immediate success of the company has been humbling and evidence that the mission of the company was created to fill a very obvious market demand.In addition to Black Diamondz Real Estate, Recruitment and Marketing & Events, philanthropy and charity are near and dear to my heart. While I personally assist wherever and whenever possible, my number one charity is The Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders. I am a founding patron of the organization, my company is a corporate sponsor of their work and a number of my clients are doing and have done much to assist the cause. The Society of Women Leaders is by women, for women and Children. I am inspired each day by the difference we are truly making and the sisterhood is made up of some of the most aspirational women I know. Read more
