Halcyon House, 21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach, NSW, Australia
December 2019 was when Unique Boutique Travel had the pleasure of staying at Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach in NSW, Australia. It was formerly, known as The Hideaway, a classic Australian surfing motel. In 2011 it was purchased by sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle with the intention of creating a refuge to house their families on holidays. They soon decided to share this beachside gem with others and Halcyon House was born. In 2015 it opened after intensive renovations. It is now recognised as one of Australia’s premier boutique hotels. It has a spectacular beachside location where guests their day’s sipping cocktails by the pool, dining in the chic in-house restaurant Paper Daisy or just relaxing in one of Halcyon’s 21 uniquely designed rooms and suites.
Location
Halcyon House is a scenic two-hour drive from Brisbane and just 15 minutes south of Gold Coast Airport with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar flying daily. The flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast is approximately one hour. Byron Bay is only 30 minutes south by car. Return airport transfers can be arranged with Halcyon House when placing a booking. Alternatively, car hire is available from the Gold Coast Airport. The drive option is probably the best choice as it will give you the flexibility to explore the region.
Halcyon House
Halcyon House has undergone an amazing transformation from its early days as The Hideaway. Once a tired old motel, in a sleepy NSW surf town, Halcyon House has become a major boutique destination for the discerning traveller. A blue and white motif runs throughout the property. Even the staff are decked in blue and white uniforms. It’s a little bit like the French Riviera had been imported into a sleepy little coastal town. The décor is the work of British designer, Anna Spiro, who has introduced an eclectic and quirky style. Each of the 21 rooms is different, showcasing Spiro’s whimsical approach. There are bold patterns on upholstered walls and mismatched artworks and antiques. The result is visually busy, but somehow remaining uncluttered.
Accommodation
We stayed in a Master Suite featuring a luxurious king-size bed, a spacious lounging area and a grand bathroom compete with English tapware, marble vanity and a deep bath for ultimate relaxation. The suite included a private balcony with extensive oceans views. It’s easy to imagine spending a lazy afternoon enjoying the view from the balcony whilst on a complimentary drink for the minibar.
Dining
Paper Daisy is a noted NSW food and drink destination. It offers casual fine dining with locally sourced ingredients, simple preparation and amazing flavours. There are monthly changes to the menu, so it will never get tired. The creative menu includes affordable sharing plates, but look out for things like macaroni with king prawns, linguine with clams and Black Angus striploin. Breakfast is just as delicious, with dishes such as a Corn-meal English muffin with a fried egg, bush tomato and smoked leg ham washed down with locally grown coffee. Paper Daisy boasts an impressive beer, wine and cocktail list with international and local offerings.
Service and facilities
The staff are immediately identifiable by their blue and white uniforms, which matches the colours of the furniture and wallpaper. Service is friendly at the reception, the restaurant and the bar. Facilities include a complimentary mini-bar, pillow menu, an outdoor terrace and pool, surfboards and vintage bicycles that guests can take for a spin (blue and white, naturally). We enjoyed an afternoon cycling north along the bike paths just in from the dunes. We passed several seaside towns on the way before returning and cycling along the sand just above the waterline. The combination of seawater and sand probably wasn’t great for the bikes, but the ride was exhilarating.
The heated seawater swimming pool is amazing. It is framed with teak, fringed by palms and lined with blue and white striped day-beds. The bar is just metres away if you are in need of cool refreshments in between dips.
- Bar
- Beach
- Laundry
- Restaurant
- WiFi
- Free parking
- Pool
- Spa treatments available
Recommended nearby
Cabarita Beach remains a sleepy little town. There are a few cafes and restaurants nearby, but nothing that will offer the quality cuisine you can get at Halcyon House. The Cabarita Beach Hotel is a short walk away, which is fine for a cold beer and a change of scenery. Byron Bay is only thirty minutes away by car and is a must-see destination if you have never been before.
Summary
As a boutique hotel, Halcyon House sets the gold standard. The dining experience is unbelievable and the service is first class. Cabarita Beach is stunning and is the perfect setting for a boutique travel experience. The blue and white décor suits the movie-star vibe of the hotel, it’s virtually impossible to fault any part of the experience. Visit Halcyon House, because you won’t regret it.