What do you get when you combine coastal luxe, retro surf vibes, a beach pretty much all to yourself and a passionate Italian General Manager, who was born into the luxury hotel industry and here in Australia direct from the Isle of Capri!?
You get Australia’s chicest boutique hotel, Halcyon House!
Since it’s opening in 2015, it’s been on our wish list to visit and one that our clients are loving too, so we finally took a day to venture North and check it out for ourselves.
The Location
Located just North of iconic Byron Bay, Cabarita Beach is reminiscent of what Byron Bay was probably like 20 years ago. A sleepy coastal surf village with empty white beaches, low key holiday parks and a classic ‘Ma & Pa’ style fish and chip shop (and not too much else). BUT, with the seriously chilled vibes Halcyon House is a destination in itself.
Much more than just an Instagram lovers dream, it’s the perfect long weekend escape or addition to your next Australian travel itinerary for a few days of R&R.
So, a bit about the hotel…..
The Rooms
With 19 rooms and two luxurious and spacious 2 Bedroom suites, every room is individually styled.
Bespoke elements including colourful upholstery, antique furniture, retro photo frames and handmade floor tiles, help to bring the property to life. Along with it’s blue and white colour palette, it gives it that European flair and true uniqueness that is fairly uncommon for hotels here in Australia.
Each room also features a stunning balcony, with ocean glimpses and views over the pool, as well as complimentary mini bar (including some alcohol!). We poured ourselves one of their signature Ink Gin’s and were delivered rosemary and lemon to accompany it…. Seriously, delicious!
The Dining
Paper Daisy is the properties signature restaurant and destination dining experience. Open for residents and non-residents alike, we can see why it’s basically full every weekend (and reservations are essential).
With coastal luxe styling and the sound of the waves, kissing the shore behind you, the setting at Paper Daisy, along with the flawless culinary offerings is what dining on holiday’s is all about.
Your toughest decision of the day will be deciding whether to go for the 2, 3 or 4 course menu, but trust us…. go for at least 3 courses!
From their Coal roasted fish to the Glazed lamb or Blue pea flower granita….. every dish is designed to showcase the finest of the regions produce, and it’s absolutely mouth-watering.
With Paper Daisy, Halcyon House prove (yet again) that every detail is well thought out, and offer a dining experience that gives you a true sense of place with every dish.
The Spa
Recently opened, the Halcyon Spa is a magazine worthy, design lovers delight and it has to be one of Australia’s most impressive spa’s.
Interior designer Anna Spiro (who also did the hotel) has created a space that is both ridiculously instagramable, but also SO serene and blissful, that you will WANT to shut off your phone (after taking an appropriate number of snaps) to immerse yourself wholly into one of their treatments.
They utilise products from Australian skincare range, Sodashi, as well as their own custom aromatherapy oils and it’s also 100% organic. #lovethis
Whilst we didn’t personally have an opportunity to try one of their treatments, word on the street is that their all-over exfoliating Soothing Jojoba Polish is pretty special, so returning to Halcyon House to splurge on a treatment of our own is definitely on the list. But even just seeing this beautiful spa has pretty much spoiled us for life.
The Experiences
While Cabarita and the other beaches of Northern NSW are often over shadowed by Byron Bay, we have fallen in love with this pristine location, and there are plenty of experiences for you to enjoy should you wish (or we also highly recommend relaxing poolside with one of their signature Gin cocktails).
With complimentary bikes for you to take out to explore, board games and lawn games available to play and beach furniture available (which will be set up for you) so you can spend the day basking in the sun, the concierge team are at your service.
Other local activities like Yoga, Horse Riding and Hot Air Ballooning are all available too!
Book your stay with us
As a Virtuoso partner hotel, we work closely with Mauro and his team to ensure that your experience is second to none, with added value and little extras for our lucky clients, including:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary A La Carte Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Welcome Cocktail on arrival, Prosecco and Chef’s Plate in room on arrival
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
So please make sure you let us know if we can help plan your visit to Halcyon House – Email us here
Thank you
Thank you to Mauro and his incredible team for our short (but very sweet stay). We are thrilled to have been able to experience the property for ourselves, and can’t wait to send our clients your way (and of course, return there ourselves sooner, rather than later).
Kate xx
PS – We are thrilled about their nomination in the CONDE NAST Traveler readers choice awards. They’ve got our vote and you can give them yours at http://cntraveler.com/vote
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