By Ian Neubauer

Accor’s Swiss Grand Resort & Spa on Bondi Beach last night (Apr 23) hosted the 22nd annual Cleo Bachelor of the Year award.

Held on the hotel’s expansive rooftop area, the event saw 50 tuxedoed bachelors and a 250 strong crowd congregate under a Bedouin tent, with endless flowing wine and caprioska cocktails and a five-foot cake supplied by Planet Cake.

A panel of celebrity judges, including Erika Heynatz, Sami Lukis, Lyndsey Rodrigues, Lizzy Lovette, Bianca Dye, and Kathryn Eisman, made the final call on the winner after taking into consideration the number of votes bachelors received through online polling.

Winner Axle Whitehead (left) and runner-up Tom Bunting

Winner Axle Whitehead had tough competition from local Tom Bunting of Bondi Rescue, who won the Cleo staff members’ special prize, while Channel V presenter Danny Clayton brought along his puppy to gain extra support.   

“I’m incredibly excited to announce that Axle Whitehead is the most eligible man in Australia for 2009,” said Cleo editor-in-chief Sarah Oakes. “Axle has the perfect combination of good looks, charm, talent and charisma.”

The after-party was held at the Cream Tangerine, an independently run, open-air licensed premises club located within the hotel complex.

Richard halt and alex whitehead pic