This boutique beach hotel was so good, it ruined our itinerary
One of Australia's sexiest hotels celebrates its 10th birthday.
Hotel Review: Halcyon House
Where: 21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach, NSW
How much: Rates start from $650 per night. Breakfast at Paper Daisy is included. Onsite spa Halcyon Wellness has just launched a hot and cold therapy suite and is offering a complimentary and exclusive session with every hotel room reservation.
Explore more: halcyonhouse.com.au
THE BACKSTORY
We planned a heap of fun activities. E-biking around town, popping into Cabarita's funky cafes and boutiques, a day trip to a waterfall that in-the-know locals raved about. But here's the thing about Halcyon House. Even when we ducked out for a meal, a surf, or a swim in the wild ocean just beyond, we felt Halcyon's magnetic pull. Every time, we cut our adventures short and headed back to our stylish sanctuary. It's that kind of place. Halcyon House was dreamed up by Brisbane sisters Elisha and Siobhan Bickle, who, back in 2011, bought a tired 1960s low-slung red-brick motel called The Hideaway and, over a few years, transformed it into one of Australia's most sought-after seaside stays. Ten years after opening, it's a chic, soulful sanctuary with friendly local staff and seriously good food.
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THE LOCATION
Just 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Cabarita Beach is a secluded enclave that feels a world away. On one side: the famous Cabarita surf break. On the other: a cute little town. Halcyon - appropriately named for an idyllically happy and peaceful time - is perfectly placed to tune out from life's mundanities. Our first attempt to visit was cancelled thanks to the northern NSW flooding and a power outage. When we made it, the surrounding bush and beach still bore scars from recent storms, but the welcomes were warm and the rooms pristine.
THE STYLE
The sisters (with architect Virginia Kerridge and designer Anna Spiro) have created a sexy but laidback mansion-meets-beach club vibe. Think unapologetically Hamptons-esque - towels, crockery, the bathroom tiles, and even the gin at the bar (from nearby Husk Distillery - yes, the same one Margot Robbie famously sipped at her hen's party, as seen on Instagram) are blue.
THE ROOMS
The 22 suites are each individually styled with antiques, bold colours, quirky art and plush bedding atop luxurious beds. We stayed in a suite with a big balcony overlooking the marvellous pool. Design inspo is everywhere: fabric-upholstered walls, an artfully curated gallery of mixed-sized frames, everything hung just so.
THE FOOD
We were happy regulars at Paper Daisy, the excellent onsite hatted restaurant headed by chef Andrew Milford. The Tweed is a renowned food bowl with fabulous foodie options nearby - time your visit for Savour The Tweed, the region's food and drink event in October this year. One tip: many local restaurants close on Mondays and Tuesdays. We found ourselves at nearby Barrow for Taco Tuesday - they also host a live mic night on Thursdays and regular live music - with a cool locals' vibe.
THE ACTION
Stroll to the beach for a swim (but be warned: there were tricky rips when we visited ... and one stark-naked local frolicking in the shallows), and continue the walk along the beach to Norries Headland for sweeping views. Guests can borrow bikes and surfboards, or pop into the onsite spa for a very indulgent treatment (and stylish shopping at the very chic boutique).
UNFORGETTABLE
The pool! Even in winter, it's the heart of the hotel. A giant, comfortable and - of course - stylish end-to-end sun-lounger, an overflowing magazine rack, $15 cocktails, great snacks and five-star service from the world's best hostess, Rani. You'll lose hours here. Joyfully.
The writer was a guest of Halcyon House
My all-time favourite destination is ... Sri Lanka. It was two decades ago, but I still haven’t forgotten the smells, sights, sounds and tastes, plus the wonderful people, of that diverse country. Closer to home, the coastal town of Yamba never fails to please.
Next on my bucket list is …The Galapagos or Greenland - both evocative countries that will expand the mind!
My top travel tip is … Get lost! Take the unexpected path - you never know what you’ll find.
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