HALCYON DAZE

Images courtesy of Halcyon House

Tucked away in Cabarita Beach, flanked by pandanus palms with the sand mere steps away, lies one of Australia’s best and most unique beachside boutique hotels.

Stylish living meets nostalgic coastal charm at awardwinning Halcyon House, with an idyllic setting to entice you to stay and play a little longer. Halcyon House arrived on the Northern Rivers scene in 2015 following a complete overhaul of the former surfers’ bolt, the Hideaway Motel by sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle, who worked with architect Virginia Kerridge and fabled Brisbane-based interior designer Anna Spiro on its reimagining. Designed to be more than your average boutique hotel, Halcyon House is an entire experience, with its distinctly Australian tone a homage to the hotel’s surf-and-sea history and the region’s laidback ‘endless summer’ lifestyle. The luxe, layered and colourful spaces that are the hallmark of Halcyon House have Anna Spiro’s signature all over it — the designer is a maven of mixing unexpected patterns and styles with the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. Each of the hotel’s 22 individually designed rooms and suites are curated and different to the next, furnished with wall upholstery, luxurious king-size bedding, beautiful English tapware, marble vanities and handmade floor tiles. Prints and colours clash and collide, while curios, art and antiques — all personally sourced by the Bickle sisters on their travels abroad — inject a whole lot of fun and a touch of European chic. Halcyon House is the perfect base for exploring the area’s many delights (have an exclusive experience tailored for you by their lifestyle concierge or grab one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes and surfboards to really live like a local!). Though, chances are, once you’ve checked in, you’ll be hard-pressed to pull yourself away. Guests can spend their days in a blissful Halcyon daze, lounging poolside, sipping cocktails and supping on oysters, relaxing at Halcyon’s on-site spa, and enjoying sundowners to a soundtrack of crashing waves (the hotel has direct access to the beach).

The hotel retains a carefree summer vibe thanks to its former life as a surf motel

Halcyon House Bar sets the scene for lovers of gin

Jason Barratt, Head Chef at the hotel’s restaurant, Paper Daisy

You’ll have a meal to remember when dining in the hotel’s award-winning hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, which is headed by one of Australia’s most exciting chefs, Jason Barratt (formerly Head Chef at Raes on Wategos). Synonymous with sophisticated simplicity, the menu offers satisfying and thoughtful dishes, all served up with views of the resort pool and the surrounding pandanus trees. Local, ethically sourced food takes centre stage here, and you’ll want to set aside some quality time to wine and dine so that you can sync with the Paper Daisy vibe of relaxed yet refined pleasures. It’s all perfectly in tune with the ease and inspiration that makes this hotel such an intoxicating treat. Settle into pre or post-feast drinks at the Halcyon House Bar, open to external guests from 3pm each day as well as dinner. Home to the largest selection of Australian-made gins in the country, it’s a world-class experience right here in northern New South Wales. There’s plenty of local love on the gin menu, too, with some regional distillers showcased (try the Negroni featuring Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin, or the Ink Old Fashioned with the distinctive purple-hue of Husk Ink Gin). For a menu that’s a little more “metime”, retreat to the divine sanctuary that is Halcyon Spa for some indulgent relaxation. With its stunningly appointed treatment rooms, a tranquil relaxation area, and a unique domeshaped steam room, you can embark on a personalised spa journey that ranges from soul-soothing treatment rituals to restorative facial therapy. There’s also a Locals Love Benefits program with discounts for Tweed Coast residents on treatments every Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays) and access to Halcyon Spa steam room, usage of relaxation areas with complimentary refreshments. It’s easy to see why one visit to Halcyon House is rarely enough — the hotel is an extraordinary and unique experience for discerning guests, with many devotees who return time and time again. With its clever nod to the heyday of surfer’s motels and all the laidback luxe one could ask for, it’s the ultimate indulgent seaside holiday.

Discover more at halcyonhouse.com.au

Each Master Suite features a large private balcony with expansive ocean views Paper Daisy’s native oysters with finger lime and beach horseradish