Mon Tresor by VAQUAY
A Gem you can Bank On…
As we all know, life has a magical way of introducing people into our lives, and I pleasantly discovered this last year. Through a serendipitous encounter, I met two very hardworking and driven individuals Panagiota and Mike Manukau, owners of boutique luxury accommodation ‘Vaquay’. As we spoke over coffee, I instantly could feel their passion for wanting to make a difference in their field and this drew me in. I listened excitedly as they told me how they want their guests to have a connection with their properties from the moment they enter, and more importantly that it leaves a lasting impression with them, long after they check out! I knew then and there that I wanted to work with Panagiota and Mike as we share the same passion when it comes to leaving everlasting experiences, and twelve months later (earlier in 2021), our successful association began.
Earlier in March this year I was asked to attend an onsite meeting with Panagiota, Mike, and our client at the former Bank of Australasia building in the heart of the city of Melbourne. I knew the 394 Collins St location very well as I have admired this corner for many years. This is the traditional heart of Melbourne’s financial precinct, with the stoic 19th Century banks on three corners. As I walked towards the Treasury on Collins building as it’s known now, I excitedly wondered what the interiors of such a building would be like. I wasn’t disappointed. The foyer with its over imposing Doric columns and the beautifully soaring height of the ceiling with its ornate painted cornices and centrepieces were what I was hoping to see, and it was this plus, so much more!
In a world, as a designer I often am confined to work within a brief of modernity or restrained opulence, I was determined that this apartment was not going to fall into this trap. I had a vision for this gem and now had the opportunity to showcase this to my client. He couldn’t quite grasp how on heavenly earth this one-bedroom apartment could be brought to life, as depicted in our mood board but gratefully trusted me, nevertheless.
Pat and Mike believed in my vision and were excited to see the plan come to fruition in only three short weeks and a moderate budget. I wanted to use colours to evoke emotion and turned to my ever-faithful friends in emerald, chartreuse, navy, and gold. I incorporated sensual textures to create a few focal points, and a magnificent traditional rug to tie it all together. Firstly, the beautifully crafted velvet drapes adorned the three-metre window were held off the frame with detailed tiebacks, reminding us of an era gone by.
As homage to our client, I included a photo wall including Hercules and Socrates in gold frames, as I remembered him saying in our meeting how much of a prolific Philhellene, he is… this struck a chord with my ancestral roots and I knew I wanted to install this for him, and needless to say, he was blown away when he saw the finished result.
Boutique accommodation ‘Vaquay’, meticulously plan to the smallest detail, including all the refined utilities and amenities for their guests. They sprinkle their magic when planning the apartment to be guest-ready, adding the wine to the wine glasses on the welcome tray, ensuring Google Alexa is programmed, double-checking the beautiful linen is creaseless and spotless, making for a luxurious stay. All ‘Vaquay’s’ properties have a distinctive personality, they also are referred to by name, appropriately this gem is called Mon Tresor, ‘subtitled My Treasure’.
I remembered as we finish the installation, I am the last one to stand at the door one more time, elated and exhausted but proud of what we have achieved in such a short time span!
Onwards and upwards for this power duo who have set out to raise the benchmark for luxury in short-term accommodation. I am grateful they entrusted me, to come along for the ride and create something truly magical together!
Vaquay: www.vaquay.com
Photographer: Andrew Paranavitana – 0402 840 862
Interiors: Anna Giannis Interiors- https://www.annagiannis.com.au/
Written by Anna Giannis
Editor in Chief Melinda Sullivan
