Could Melbourne's new Docklands hotel be the greenest luxury stay in Australia?

Australians are not too familiar with the 1 Hotels brand, but the hospitality group's Down Under foray in Melbourne is about to change that. Steeped in sustainable ethos, the world's first 1 Hotel opened on Miami's South Beach in 2015, before spreading its wings to 14 other locations around the world - from Cabo San Lucas in Mexico to London and Copenhagen. Its Melbourne outpost has taken over a disused heritage-listed cargo shed on the banks of the Yarra, transforming the site into a 18-storey tower that not only marries striking architecture with exquisite interior design but is also an audacious example of sustainable hospitality.

1 Hotel is located in Melbourne's Docklands, about 20 minutes' drive from the airport and about 15 minutes' walk to the CBD. During my stay, I had full intentions of taking the riverside walk to the city's buzzing Southbank precinct and then to the CBD for some retail therapy. But as soon as I walk out of the hotel, I spot the DFO on the other side of the river, and end up spending the best part of the day there instead.

More than 7000 plants breathe inside the walls of this property, lined with over 2000 kilometres of reclaimed timber. Granite offcuts, which would have otherwise gone to landfill, line a feature wall in the lobby; bluestone pavers from the original precinct are used in the concierge desk; and, a few steps away, the reception desk is made of a fallen tree found in nearby Flagstaff Gardens. The palette is mostly neutral, supported by lashings of greenery and vast windows that flood the space in natural light.

There are 277 rooms at the hotel - from 35-square-metre City King to 149-square-metre River Penthouse Suite. I'm staying in a 44-square-metre River Reserve, where a structural column next to the bed obstructs the waterviews and somewhat takes away from the spaciousness of the room, which is otherwise imbued with luxuries such as a separate sitting area, a large work desk, and a lovely ensuite with good lighting and rainshower. There are at least half a dozen plants in the room and I can't help but notice sustainable touches in every corner, including the set of carafe and glasses made of recycled wine bottles.

Located just off the lobby, the bright and airy Crane Bar & Lounge is a great spot to hang out with a drink, and not just for hotel guests. Mac-toting locals can often be spotted here "working from the hotel", with takeaway coffee - made with fair-trade, organic beans - from the property's Neighbours Cafe. One floor up is the Upstairs Bar, but the ultimate eating and drinking den here is From Here By Mike restaurant, where waiters bring the specials menu on a giant blackboard to the table and famous chef Mike McEnearney serves up dishes like twice-baked goat's-cheese souffles and whole roast baby snapper.

There's a state-of-the-art gym on level three, as well as a stunning pool with a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi that's adults-only after 5pm. For the ultimate indulgence, though, book a massage at the hotel's heavenly Bamford Wellness Spa.

There's a small hourglass in the shower - a reminder that hot, running water is a resource that shouldn't be used beyond the point of necessity. I'm convinced my daily ritual will outlast the egg timer, but I was well and truly done before my four minutes and 30 seconds were up.

The writer was a guest of the hotel