Lido Atelier -
Lido Atelier blends the idea of a seaside lido with an atelier — a studio where experiences are thoughtfully made — meaning coastal days that feel curated, effortless and distinctly local.
Lido Atelier is an elegant coastal retreat concept by designer Paula Fletcher, offering private half-day coastal experiences in Sydney for couples, families and mixed groups (2–6 guests) — alongside a signature 7-day immersive retreat for women only, crafted for those drawn to the restorative rhythm of the ocean.
Rooted in considered design, natural beauty and saltwater ritual, Lido invites you to step into a slower, more sensorial way of being.
From calm, confidence-friendly swims in Sydney’s iconic ocean pools to curated coastal walks and local dining, each private experience is tailored to your group’s pace and preferences — with every detail handled.
Sydney’s ocean pools are public seawater pools built into the coastline and a much-loved NSW tradition. Summer is warmest, while winter swims are often beautifully clear and calm—just cooler (a light wetsuit is optional).
For women seeking deeper connection, our week-long South Coast gatherings create space to swim, wander and belong. We also host bespoke coastal days for women in leadership and corporate teams — harbour walks, ocean-pool dips, long lunches and expert-led conversations on burnout, clarity and sustainable pace.
Experience's we offer - Sydney half day
Coastal Rock Pools · Northern Beaches
Boutique elegance. Coastal rock pools.
Follow Sydney’s wild Northern Beaches between sea-fed rock pools, headlands and open ocean. A private 4-hour experience with morning tea by the water and optional dips (conditions permitting), finished with a smooth return to your hotel.
Coastal Rock Pools · Bondi & Icebergs Pools
Boutique elegance. Iconic coastline. Icebergs. Rock pool ritual.
Experience Bondi the way locals do — the Icebergs setting, cliff-top views, and time at a sea-fed rock pool. A private 4-hour experience with morning tea by the water and optional dips (conditions permitting), with private return transfers.
Harbour Slow Luxe · Sydney Harbour
Boutique elegance. Harbour beauty. A day designed to restore.
Slip into a slower harbour rhythm with iconic foreshore views and a calm ocean pool moment. A private 4-hour experience with a luxe picnic-style morning tea and private transport back to your hotel.
Shelly/Bower Guided Swim · Manly Iconic swim.
Marine reserve beauty. Safely hosted.
One of Sydney’s most iconic swims — Shelly Beach to The Bower — hosted as a private morning with professional water safety. Finished with coffee and a luxe picnic-style morning tea, then private transport back to your hotel. (8:00am start.)
Experience's we offer - Signature Week Retreats
Lido Escape: The South Coast Edition 7 Days
Two coastlines. One deeply restorative week.
Seven slow days across two shorelines. Spend three nights on NSW’s South Coast swimming ocean pools, wandering headlands and savouring long, local lunches, then three nights in Manly with harbour swims, rock-pool dips and easy coastal rituals. A considered escape for women who crave space to reset, reconnect and return home lighter.
International — Coming 2027
Portugal and Sicily are on the horizon for 2027 — slow coastal days, saltwater ritual, and design-led stays in beautiful places. Join the waitlist for early details and release dates.
Our harbour and coastal half day experiences are private for up to six guests. They work beautifully as small offsites for teams, client hosting or women-in-leadership days — just mention corporate booking in your enquiry and we’ll tailor the format around your group.
Lido Atelier — Created by Paula Fletcher
A boutique coastal experience and lifestyle brand, shaped by a lifelong love of the sea.
I’m Paula — a building designer, mother and former accountant who found her true rhythm in the ocean. I’m not a competitive swimmer; I don’t swim for pace, I swim for peace.
The sea is where the noise in my head drops away and I can just be. I scream underwater, laugh on empty headlands and dive in even when it’s freezing, because if I stay away too long, my soul starts to ache.
Lido Atelier was born from that pull to the coast: to create slow, salt-soaked days for women who feel the same — women who need space, silence, design, nature and a moment to feel whole again.
We walk the headlands, swim in rock pools, eat well, talk softly and laugh loudly. Along the way, many of us rediscover a lightness we thought we’d lost.
Our retreats are rooted in the coastlines that have shaped my life — from years of family holidays on the South Coast of NSW to countless mornings in Sydney’s ocean pools — and in the places I hope to spend more and more time in the years ahead.
Lido Atelier Coastal Rock Pools · Northern Beaches Experience
Indulge in a beautifully curated half-day along Sydney’s wild northern coastline, where sculpted rock pools, open headlands and the rhythm of the Pacific come together in effortless harmony.
This private, bespoke experience begins with a gentle guided wander between a select few of the Northern Beaches’ most loved rock pools and lookout points — unhurried, scenic, and paced to suit you. Along the way, we pause for an optional dip (or simply to sit and take it all in), followed by morning tea by the water: coffee or tea and a light coastal snack.
It’s a calm, design-led way to experience this stretch of coastline — without the guesswork, the crowds, or a full-day commitment. You’ll return to your hotel feeling sun-warmed and restored, with a sense you’ve seen the Northern Beaches in the way locals do.
What’s included (private experience)
Private 4-hour experience curated and hosted by Lido Atelier (no shared groups)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Sydney metro)
Guided coastal walk linking a curated selection of rock pools and viewpoints
Morning tea (coffee/tea + a light coastal snack)
Optional self-directed swim in rockpool (conditions and comfort dependent)
Optional upgrade: Long Lunch Extension
If you’d like to stretch the morning into a longer, more indulgent coastal day, add a hosted long lunch. We’ll curate the venue, secure the booking and take care of payment — you simply arrive and exhale.
Add-on: +2 hours
Includes: set menu + one drink (dietaries accommodated)
Walking & pace
This experience includes a coastal walk of approximately 4–6 km with some stairs and uneven paths in parts. We move at an unhurried pace with plenty of pauses for views, photos, coffee and (if you wish) a dip.
Perfect for guests who:
Want a private, local-led Northern Beaches experience that feels calm and elevated
Love ocean pools, headlands and open coastline (swim optional)
Prefer a curated route with thoughtful pacing and beautiful details
Are visiting Sydney and want something iconic, but not touristy
Lido Atelier Coastal Rock Pools · Icebergs & Bondi Experience
Indulge in a beautifully curated half-day along Sydney’s most iconic stretch of coastline, where cliff-top paths, sea-fed rock pools and the unmistakable Bondi Icebergs setting come together in effortless harmony.
This private, bespoke experience begins with a gentle guided wander along the coastline, taking in sweeping ocean views and the energy of Bondi — without the crowds and guesswork. We pause at the Icebergs promenade for that classic Sydney moment: waves breaking below, swimmers moving through turquoise water, and the quiet theatre of the coast. From there, we continue to a nearby sea-fed rock pool, where there’s time for an optional dip (or simply to sit, breathe, and follow the tide).
It’s a calm, design-led way to experience Bondi — part iconic, part local — finished with morning tea by the water. You’ll return to your hotel feeling refreshed and sun-warmed, with the sense you’ve experienced the Eastern Suburbs in the way locals do.
What’s included (private experience)
Private 4-hour experience curated and hosted by Lido Atelier (no shared groups)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Sydney metro)
Guided coastal walk with curated viewpoints and the Bondi Icebergs setting
Time at a sea-fed rock pool (swim optional)
Morning tea (coffee/tea + a light coastal snack)
Optional self-directed dip in the rock pool (conditions and comfort dependent)
Optional upgrade: Long Lunch Extension
If you’d like to stretch the morning into a longer, more indulgent coastal day, add a hosted long lunch. We’ll curate the venue, secure the booking and take care of payment — you simply arrive and exhale.
Add-on: +2 hours
Includes: set menu + one drink (dietaries accommodated)
Walking & pace
This experience includes a coastal walk of approximately 4–6 km with some stairs and uneven paths in parts. We move at an unhurried pace with plenty of pauses for views, photos, coffee and (if you wish) a dip.
Perfect for guests who:
Want a private, local-led Bondi experience that feels calm and elevated
Love iconic coastal scenery, sea-fed rock pools and the Icebergs atmosphere (swim optional)
Prefer a curated route with thoughtful pacing and beautiful details
Are visiting Sydney and want something famous — without feeling touristy
Lido Atelier Harbour Slow Luxe · Sydney Harbour Experience
Indulge in a beautifully curated day along Sydney’s iconic harbour foreshore, where luxury meets nature in the most effortless way.
Our boutique experience begins with a gentle coastal walk and a refreshing swim at historic MacCallum Pool, followed by a lux picnic-style morning tea with iconic harbour views. From here, we continue along leafy headlands, hidden coves and sweeping vistas at a pace that suits your group.
Choose a half-day escape, ending after a restorative harbour walk, or extend into a full-day experience with additional swims in tucked-away local spots and a long seaside lunch at one of Balmoral’s renowned waterfront restaurants, before private transport back to your hotel.
Every detail is thoughtfully considered — from private bespoke intimacy to personalised hosting, meaningful connection, and the restorative power of saltwater rituals. Whether you're visiting Sydney or seeking a unique local escape, this experience offers a taste of slow luxury in one of the world’s most spectacular coastal settings.
Walking & pace
This experience can be tailored to your group, with around 3–4 km for a gentler half-day or up to 8–10 km of guided coastal walking for a fuller harbour wander. There are stairs, inclines and some uneven paths, but the day is broken up with a harbour swim at MacCallum Pool, a lux picnic-style morning tea, rest stops and (for full-day guests) a long seaside lunch at Balmoral. It’s best suited to guests who feel comfortable walking at a relaxed pace for a few hours with breaks.
Who this retreat is for
Love the idea of a gentle coastal walk and harbour swim, rather than a hardcore fitness day.
Appreciate good food, beautiful views and thoughtful, design-led details as much as the swim.
Are visiting Sydney — including cruise passengers — and want a hosted, local, non-touristy harbour experience.
Feel drawn to the idea of slow luxury by the harbour more than a big, busy beach scene.
Shelly/Bower Guided Swim · Manly (Private)
Begin your day with one of Sydney’s most iconic saltwater rituals — a private, guided ocean swim in the protected beauty of Manly’s marine reserve.
This private, bespoke experience starts with an 8:00am pick-up and a calm swim briefing before we head into the clear, turquoise edge of Shelly Beach. Supported by professional water safety, we swim the much-loved route from Shelly Beach to The Bower, moving at an unhurried pace with a strong focus on comfort, conditions and confidence in the water.
After the swim, we linger over coffee and a luxe picnic-style morning tea — a warm, restorative finish that feels distinctly Sydney. You’ll return to your hotel clear-headed, sun-warmed, and quietly energised.
What’s included (private experience)
Private guided swim experience curated and hosted by Lido Atelier (no shared groups)
8:00am start with hotel pick-up and drop-off (Sydney metro)
Pre-swim briefing and conditions check
Professional water safety support throughout the swim
Guided swim route: Shelly Beach to The Bower (conditions dependent)
Coffee and a luxe picnic-style morning tea post-swim
Unhurried pacing and hosted support throughout
Water & conditions note
Ocean conditions vary day to day. We’ll confirm the route and swim plan based on conditions to ensure the experience remains safe and enjoyable. Guests should be confident in open-water swimming and comfortable swimming continuously for the planned distance.
Timing & pace
Duration: approx. 4 hours door-to-door (including transfers, briefing, swim and morning tea)
The swim is paced gently with safety-led oversight and regular check-ins.
Perfect for guests who
Want an iconic Sydney swim hosted privately, with safety and local knowledge
Are confident open-water swimmers and enjoy a calm, unhurried pace
Love the clarity and beauty of a marine reserve swim
Prefer a premium, fully handled morning — from pick-up to post-swim coffee
Lido Atelier Escape 7 day retreat
Begin your Lido Atelier journey with an enchanting three-night escape to the unspoiled South Coast of New South Wales.
Swim in crystal-clear rock pools.
Unwind at boutique vineyards.
Dine exquisitely and explore the coast by paddleboard and foot — all in the embrace of raw natural beauty.
Daily yoga and additional guided practices (for example breathwork, meditation or sound), shaped to suit the group and the season.
Visit charming local coastal towns.
Luxury accommodation meets coastal elegance: bespoke furnishings, sweeping views, and serene interiors. Your stay includes personalised service, yoga, breath work and meals curated by renowned chefs — all designed to create moments of stillness, connection, and quiet delight.
This is a space to slow down, immerse in saltwater ritual, and gently shift into the rhythm of retreat.
From the South Coast, we head north to Sydney for a joyful three-night immersion in its most iconic coastal experiences.
Based in the laid-back elegance of Manly, you’ll explore the city’s iconic rock pools — swimming, wandering, and soaking in the sunlit calm of the shoreline.
Evenings bring exceptional dining at Sydney’s finest coastal establishments, creative cocktails by the sea, and shared laughter with like-minded guests.
You’ll stay in five-star beachfront luxury, where every detail is curated to elevate, restore, and celebrate the art of living slowly.
This intimate women-only retreat is limited to 12 guests.
To enquire about availability, inclusions, private group bookings or future dates, get in touch. We’d love to welcome you.
FAQs
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Rock pool dips are optional, and you don’t need to be a strong swimmer — just comfortable in the water and able to manage pool steps/ladders. The Shelly/Bower Guided Swim is for confident open-water swimmers; we’ll confirm suitability before booking.
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Absolutely, there will be plenty of opportunities for longer ocean swims with water safety, ocean conditions permitted.
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Yes we can, after booking there will be some boring form filling to complete and everything will be covered
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Nope but I do insist on a dip
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Our harbour day is designed as a half day experience
Optional upgrade: Add the Long Lunch Extension (+2 hours) — a hosted waterfront lunch prepaid by Lido, with private transport back to your hotel.
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Optional upgrade: Add the Long Lunch Extension (+2 hours) — a hosted waterfront lunch prepaid by Lido, with private transport back to your hotel.
If you’re interested in a full-day coastal experience, just mention it in your enquiry and we’ll tailor the day to suit your group.
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Yes. Our Sydney day retreats are ideal for cruise passengers and short-stay visitors. Just share your ship’s arrival and departure times in your enquiry, and we’ll let you know which options fit comfortably within your schedule.
Let’s Begin
At Lido Atelier, we believe luxury should feel effortless. Our retreats are designed to restore, reconnect, and elevate — with every detail thoughtfully curated, so you can simply arrive and exhale.
Whether you're interested in joining a scheduled retreat, exploring private group options, or just want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
This is your invitation to pause, wander, and belong.
Let’s craft something beautiful, together.
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