Growing up on the Northern NSW, the coastal town of Cabarita Beach was an endless summer.
Many afternoons were spent on the picturesque beach and riding bikes along the bitumen tree-lined streets. The smell of salty air and gumtrees are still so distinct.
Tucked away on the coast and nestled between the bustling Gold Coast and the popular Byron Bay beaches is Cabarita. It’s a haven for surfers, locals and out-of-towners – a place to get away or simply enjoy its natural beauty. The rippling turquoise waves that roll through the headland are not unique, but somehow this part of the coast maintains the quiet charm that the more well-known neighbouring beach locations don’t.
Images: Halcyon House, Kara Rosenlund
Today, Cabarita is a destination for holidaymakers looking for a luxe escape. Yet, it continues to capture the idyllic Australian lifestyle.
Brisbane-based sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle, along with their husbands, have transformed a former surfer motel into the luxurious beachside boutique hotel, which they’ve appropriately named Halcyon House.
It’s a world class hotel that rivals internationally renowned properties like The Parker in Palm Springs, or a Limestone palace sitting atop a cliff in Mykonos. With its own international flavour and some impeccable staff hailing from Italy, you will be excused for daydreaming and thinking you are in Capri or even Santorini for the duration of your stay.
It’s in prime location, set back from the pristine turquoise water and Pandandus Palms line your view from your room. It’s mere meters until your toes are hitting the golden sand and you are diving into the Pacific ocean.
But if you are more about relaxing poolside, they have you covered; the pool is a central feature with all 21 rooms on the property surrounding its edges. It is practically a hop, skip and a jump until you are reclined on the chic navy and white lounges, cocktails at the ready.
Images: Halcyon House, Kara Rosenlund
The décor is a highlight at Halcyon, and is impeccably styled and designed by renowned interior decorator Anna Spiros. The feature colour is blue, with all shades you can possibly imagine.
The imported fabrics, linens and antique furniture and art are sourced from all over the world in an array of ethnic prints that are clashed together which makes her work genius.
Walls have been upholstered with blue and white handmade tiles and lime-washed timber flooring has been used throughout as well as brass fixtures and hardware. No two guest rooms are the same, creating a wonderful, unique atmosphere for guests.
Images: Halcyon House, Kara Rosenlund
Upon arriving at Halcyon you are immediately fixated on the exterior; a white besser brick wall, and arched pillars with pendant lamps line the top floor hallways, giving this old 70’s building such charm. With garden beds of paper daisies, this location is the ultimate instagrammer’s delight.
Upon entering the rooms you can’t help but be taken with the clever use of colour and print, the walls, bead heads, cushions, floor tiles, and artwork are discordant – but in the best possible way.
Each room has its own unique palette and feel. Blue is still the colour of choice, but this time mixed back with neutrals, soft yellows and pale pinks. It really is a sensory overload. There are 6 room types from the Classic Suites to the Halcyon Suites ranging in prices from $550 per night.
Images: Halcyon House, Kara Rosenlund
Halcyon House was the perfect backdrop for our November fashion shoot; a swimwear themed shoot in a very fitting palette of blues and whites, layered shirt dresses over full piece and retro bikini styles.
We were treated to shoot in one of the Master Suites, and all around the boutique property. Being short of a location was not an issue.
Images: Halcyon House, Kara Rosenlund
Our second resort shoot was a mixture of the ultimate resort cover-ups, utilising the beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces to really give a different scenario and transform us to a totally new oasis.
November Main Fashion Shoot Photographer: Damian Bennett, Styling: Mattie Cronan
After our shoot the crew were treated to a delicious dinner in the famed restaurant Paper Daisy.
Paper Daisy’s menu is the brainchild of one of Australia’s most inspiring young chefs Ben Devlin (Queensland’s Chef of Year 2014, ex-Noma and Esquire) with some of the produce sourced from local farms and markets, it is truly a culinary delight.
My advice is to ask your waiter to make selections on your behalf as they do not get it wrong.
Photographer: Damian Bennett, Styling: Mattie Cronan
At Halcyon you are not short of things to do, activities can be arranged through the hotel, and the use of the bikes or lawn games are highly advised. Or if surfing lessons are more your thing ambassador and world champ Joel Parkinson is on standby to get you world-champ ready.
As the sun sets, the amber glow of the late day makes you reflect the true meaning Halcyon House.
Halcyon days. noun. a period of peace and happiness; an idyllic time… And that it is.
For more information visit halcyonhouse.com.au .
Instagram: @_HalcyonHouse
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