Promising five-star hotel-like experiences, various high-density residential developments in world-class cities such as New York, London, and Hong Kong offer bespoke concierge services to its residents. The building’s management company often delivers these luxury services as an additional service, where building managers act as concierge managers and offer a suite of services.

This application is becoming increasingly common in Australia’s up-scale residential developments. However, its offerings are rudimentary.

Sydney-based integrated property development group Aqualand seeks to foster this five-star hotel experience in its $1B mixed-use apartment development AURA by Aqualand. Located in North Sydney, the luxury project will feature its own concierge service once it is complete in mid-2024.

Going above and beyond the normal concierge experience in AURA, Aqualand appointed Etymon Concierge to deliver a tailored concierge service onsite and premium bespoke lifestyle management – already a mainstay at their Milsons Point project, BLUE at Lavender Bay.

Lisa Hobbs, CEO of Etymon, said that concierge services like those delivered by Etymon Concierge are rarely seen in Australian property.

“Residents of BLUE have Etymon Concierge staff on hand 15 hours a day, seven days a week, catering to the practicalities of their modern lives by looking after deliveries, booking a one-of-a-kind experience, managing visitors, or helping with information about the area.

“A personalised and polished service is central to the beauty, convenience, and vibrancy of life at our residences.”

“In our experience, residential concierges must be experts at all of these as the requests they receive are as varied as the personalities and lifestyles of the people who call the building home,” Lisa continued.

“In a single shift, a residential concierge will cover the provision of general information, household management, working from home help, lifestyle, and personal assistance to the magical moments of personalised birthday cards for their special day.

“Like all professional concierges, all is done while demonstrating unflappable calm, the highest attention to detail, and impeccable presentation that signifies five-star service.

“Much like a New York penthouse, Etymon Concierge gives residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz or the Waldorf Astoria.

“It’s a 360-degree lifestyle offering driven by the needs and wants of our residents and members,” said Lisa.

Residents at AURA will have access to traditional concierge services such as reserving facilities within the amenities face-to-face or via a dedicated App. If they seek more, Etymon offers two more bespoke layers of services at an additional cost.

The second tier offering, Concierge Now, is popular with BLUE residents. It includes sourcing and managing specialist services such as organising dinner parties, curating a wine cellar, and providing executive assistant expertise.

Black Key is Etymon’s top-tier lifestyle management service. Truly exclusive, this tier is accessible by invitation only and provides the ultimate in bespoke personalisation. A range of everyday discrete services is available with Black Key, from having groceries delivered, pets fed or plants watered, dinners or snacks and coffees ordered and delivered, recommendations on touring cultural events, including ticket sourcing, right up to organising visas and airfares for international travel.

Penny and Les Grujic, BLUE residents and AURA buyers, said the Etymon Concierge team delivered excellent service throughout their two years living in BLUE.

“They’re always very pleasant and happy to assist with accepting deliveries, advice about what’s on around the area, anything that may affect our life here.

“They’re always up-to-date with issues affecting the building and residents, and the App is regularly updated and is very easy to use.

“The comfort in knowing the concierge is there looking after our best interests is completely reassuring.”

Black Key member Claudia Roberts said the concierge service has been an absolute game-changer in managing the chaos of her daily life.

“From handling mundane errands to orchestrating complex logistical challenges, the Black Key team has consistently demonstrated their knack for getting things done.

“Whether it’s coordinating dinner reservations, finding caterers, managing deliveries, or even finding my lost passport in the mail, their personalised service has allowed me to reclaim valuable time and energy.

“They take charge of tasks with precision and attention to detail, turning what might be overwhelming for me into a well-organised and stress-free process.

“Being part of the Black Key concierge service has not only simplified my day-to-day responsibilities, but has also provided a sense of reliability and trust.

“They even helped me find a nanny for my children, whom we adore.

“The nanny they recommended has become an invaluable part of our daily lives, providing exceptional care and creating a nurturing environment for our children.

“The Black Key team went above and beyond in understanding our family's unique needs and preferences.

“Their personalised approach to the nanny search was remarkable, ensuring that we not only found a qualified caregiver, but also someone who resonated with our family dynamics.

“Their attention to detail and genuine care in selecting the right fit for our household demonstrated a level of dedication that sets them apart.”

With Etymon Concierge now part of AURA by Aqualand, the North Sydney project brings a whole new meaning to luxury apartment living. As the final stages of construction are in progress, there is no better time to secure your place here and be part of this opulent way of life.

Ready to move in mid-2024, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences are still available at AURA, with one-bedders priced from $1,340,000.