Melissa Femia

Our Manly: How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?

Melissa Femia: My entire life, I was born in Manly hospital and bred in the area.


OM: Tell me about living on the Northern Beaches, what do you love
about it?

MF: It's like living a holiday everyday. Well, at least before and after work! I love that I can go for a run in the morning along one of the most stunning beaches in the world, then a swim, dry off while chatting to a local, go home get ready for work and be in the city with 30 minutes. If you love the outdoors and are a little beach bum like me, then there's no
better place on the planet!


OM: If you had to choose, where would you say is THE BEST place to eat on the Northern Beaches?

MF: I've dined at Garfish a few times lately, across from Manly Wharf, and fell in love with their seafood platter. And then for the dessert head to Chill Bar on Dee Why Beach- it's seriously the best gelato outside of Italy.


OM: If you're at home what do you enjoy cooking?

MF: After a long run I always make myself a massive omelet and I love them because I can pretty much throw anything and everything in. It normally sounds like this: three egg whites, tomato, baby spinach, mushrooms, avocado, Spanish onion, grated cheese... yum!


OM: Where is the best place to party on the Northern Beaches?

MF: There's no better place to be on a Sunday arvo than Manly Wharf Hotel. Wind down with the sun setting, catching up with friends with a couple of wines. Oh and did I mention it's a great perve too?


OM: When you go away what is the number one thing you miss about the
Northern Beaches?

MF: I spent three years in Melbourne recently and the number one thing I missed was the  natural beauty of the Northern Beaches. We are so spoiled here with gorgeous beaches, scenery and also just how friendly the locals are.


OM: Where on the Northern Beaches do you go for beauty treatments?

MF: Honey Body Salon in Manly and Sanctuary on the Mall.


OM: What's your ultimate indulgence?

MF: That would be a table with a view, a three-course meal, a bottle of good wine, plenty of seafood, a very naughty dessert, followed by a dessert wine. If I can't get that, then a tub of "cookies and cream" ice cream will do it!


OM: What are you passionate about?

MF: Life. My goal is to get the most out of it everyday.


OM: What perfume do you wear?

MF: Not really a perfume girl. What I am into is my Coconut Body Butter from The Body Shop. It's honestly like wearing a tropical holiday everyday!


OM: What are your favourite CDs? 

MF: Foo Fighters "The Colour and the Shape",  Blondie "Blondie's Greatest Hits", "Dirty Dancing" Soundtrack and Paulo Nuttini "These Streets". And anything by Bob Marley, Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Bon Jovi, Blink 182... Ummm can I keep going? I have hundreds upon hundreds of CD's.


OM: What do you do in your spare time?

MF: I love the outdoors and am obsessed with keeping fit, so I combine them both pretty much everyday. You'll most likely find me running and then in for a swim along Dee Why/ Long Reef beach, or Harbord to Manly beach. Then meet with my girlfriends for a bite to eat or a few fruity cocktails.