Kara Rosenlund 
Kara Rosenlund Refitted retro motels are all the rage these days, but few match the acuity of Halcyon House. The reimagined 1960s surf motel meets Slim Aarons’ poolside cool to solidify the hotel as one of Australia’s defining beachfront properties, a decade after it first opened its doors.
The rooms
Each of the 22 rooms — including three spacious suites — dishes up its own idiosyncratic edge thanks to the bold and deft flair of Brisbane-based designer Anna Spiro. Resplendent, vibrant bedheads pleasingly juxtapose the patterned textile wallpapers, eclectic art is hung salon-style above custom-upholstered couches, and antique treasures add timeless allure to ensure each guest room is a world of its own.
Food & drink
Ice-cold Margaritas by the pool are the name of the game here, followed by a languid lunch at on-site restaurant Paper Daisy. From the complimentary breakfast to dinner and bar snacks, the menu is easy, breezy and reflects the hotel’s coastal locale through closely sourced and native Australian ingredients.
For aperitivo hour, No.35 Kitchen and Bar, located just across the road, has an excellent (and decently priced) happy hour. And if time permits, a trip to Murwillumbah and Pottsville will see you dining at two of the state’s top restaurants, Bistro Livi and Pipit.
The service
With Halcyon House’s easy-going charm and eye-line view to the picturesque Cabarita surf break, it’s no wonder the staff have sunny, affable natures to boot. The complimentary minibar is well stocked, too, while the sumptuous Frette robes, nightly turn-down service and pillow menu ensure dreamy slumbers.
Ideal for: Laid-back luxury by the beach
Why we love it:
- The location. Set right on Cabarita Beach with direct beach access and a salty sea breeze, Halcyon House is a slice of paradise catering to the luxury jet set.
- The design. Move over crisp white linens and beige timbers; this bold and whimsical approach to beachside design is fun and fabulous.
- The pool. Fringed by lush pandanus palms and plush striped daybeds, this sparkling turquoise pool is as idyllic as it gets.
- The Halcyon Spa. Nothing sets the holiday tone quite like a post-surf self-care moment, so book a soul-soothing massage or retreat to the dome-shaped steam room and slip into beachside bliss.
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