HOME SWEET HOLIDAY
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Look, we’d all love to pack up the whole house for the holidays — the favourite pillow, the coffee machine, the kids’ must-have toys and maybe even the dog’s bed. Because it’s those everyday comforts that make switching off instant and easy. No hunting down a laundromat. No squeezing everyone into one hotel room. Just space to spread out, slow down and settle in.
That’s the magic of a holiday home. You live like a local, relax like you mean it, and still get that “I’m on holidays” feeling. Airbnb nailed it with Travel Like You Live There — and we’re making it even easier. Here are a few of our favourite home-away-from-home stays to inspire your next escape.
Lazy Days on Shaws Bay | East Ballina
Lazy Days on Shaws Bay is all about waterfront calm with a side of coastal cool. Overlooking the ever-changing moods of Shaws Bay, this collection of beautifully styled apartments sits in one of East Ballina’s most sought-after waterfront pockets. Perfect for families, extended weekends with friends, or romantic escapes, the apartments blend luxury with laid-back coastal living. Pet-friendly options mean no one gets left behind, and you’re just moments from beaches, cafes and waterfront walks.
There are four apartments in total — here are our picks.
The Penthouse
Four Bedrooms | 180° Water Views
Front-row seats to one of the best views in Ballina? Yes please. The Penthouse sits high above Shaws Bay with uninterrupted views stretching from the Richmond River to the Pacific Ocean. Inside, it’s light-filled and luxe, with open-plan living, a private balcony, a statement kitchen and a deep soaking bath made for long, lazy evenings. It’s polished without feeling precious — exactly how a holiday home should be.
Why we love it: Sleeps 8, insane views, luxe but laid-back.
Seaview
Two Bedrooms | Elevated Bay Outlooks
Relaxed, light-filled and perfectly positioned, Seaview is ideal for smaller groups or families chasing an easy coastal stay. With two bedrooms, open-plan living, a fully equipped kitchen and access to a communal garden and BBQ area, it’s all about comfort and simplicity. Add in pet-friendly perks, free Wi-Fi and parking, and you’ve got a fuss-free base for exploring Ballina.
Why we love it: Sleeps 4, pet-friendly, bay views, easy coastal living.
Also available: Salt and Sand — two additional apartments perfect for couples or solo escapes.
Kingscliff Holiday Homes | Kingscliff
If your dream holiday involves rolling in late, keys waiting, beds beautifully made and not a single thing to organise, Kingscliff Holiday Homes has you covered. This boutique, family-run agency curates standout coastal stays that feel genuinely welcoming — not just good-looking on Instagram. Every property is thoughtfully maintained and professionally managed, so all you have to do is arrive and exhale. Locals Lauren and Leanne have lived in Casuarina for more than 17 years, and it shows — they know exactly what makes a Tweed Coast holiday unforgettable.
Dune House – Pottsville
Absolute Beachfront | Pool, Spa & Direct Sand Access
At Dune House, your morning commute is five steps from bed to beach. This breezy, absolute beachfront stunner is spread across three light-filled levels, with room for up to 10 guests. Perfect for big families or multi-generational holidays, it offers multiple living zones, bathrooms on each level and the option to close off the upper floor for extra privacy.
Outside, it’s all about long, lazy days by the lap pool, sunset spa sessions, and kids playing on the grass while the ocean sparkles in the background. Inside, you’ve got all the mod-cons — ducted air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen ready for entertaining.
Ocean views stretch all the way to Byron Bay Lighthouse, whether you’re inside or out. Pop your feet up and fully embrace that beachside rhythm.
Why we love it: Sleeps 10, absolute beachfront, pool + spa, big holiday energy.
Coastal Luxe – Kingscliff
Hampton-Style Glam in Salt Village
This is the holiday of morning swims, long lunches and interiors you’ll want to photograph. Just steps from Salt Beach and the buzz of Salt Village, this Hampton-inspired home blends relaxed coastal living with polished design.
There’s space for everyone, with multiple living zones, a media room for movie nights, and an outdoor entertaining area that steals the show — think a 14-metre saltwater pool, fire pit, BBQ and lounge seating made for balmy evenings. Four generous bedrooms sleep eight, including a luxe master suite that feels like a boutique hotel all on its own.
Add ducted and split-system air-conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi and a gourmet kitchen, and every stay feels seamless. Walk to the beach, wander to dinner, or explore nearby Byron Bay with ease.
Why we love it: Sleeps 8, epic pool, beach access, walk-everywhere location.
Barrels – Kingscliff
Beachside, Big & Made for Groups
Barrels is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Sitting directly across from the patrolled beach and moments from Salt Village, this five-bedroom holiday home is designed for easy-going, memory-making stays. There are three separate living areas (so everyone gets their own space), a huge backyard for kids to run free, and a resort-style 10-metre pool for all-day lounging.
From BBQ dinners to slow mornings and sandy afternoons, Barrels nails that relaxed holiday rhythm. It’s spacious, welcoming and comfortable — exactly what you want when everyone’s finally off duty.
Why we love it: Sleeps 10, big pool, beachside, family-friendly and fun.
28 Degrees | Byron Bay
Now let’s talk adults-only!! Taking slow luxury up a notch is 28 Degrees — Byron Bay’s boutique hideaway for grown-ups who want luxury with a side of laid-back ease. Designed by owner and interior designer Deb Garske, this serene, eco-conscious sanctuary has been intentionally crafted with luxury in mind. Think plush King beds with organic Italian linens, outdoor plunge pools, mini bars stocked with local goodies… and no TVs. Because you’re here to relax, unplug and fully unwind.
Tucked just minutes from Byron’s world-famous beaches and vibrant town centre, 28 Degrees is perfectly located for walking, biking, or lingering over a slow morning coffee before hitting the sand.
Adults-only privacy, eco-conscious touches (hello Grander water system), and breakfast provisions you actually want, all set the tone for a slow-living reset. Wander to the beach, pedal to Wategos, enjoy dinner at one of Byron’s many restaurants, then come home knowing your bed is the best part of your day.
Rooms & Retreats
With 13 private rooms in total, each space feels personal and distinctive. Choose your vibe:
Plunge Pool Rooms – Groundfloor escapes with your own private plunge pool and deck surrounded by tropical garden vibes. Ideal for slow mornings with a coffee on ice and a good book.
Lighthouse Rooms – Upstairs suites with romantic clawfoot tubs and views toward Byron’s iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse — perfect for sunset soaks.
Main House Rooms – Classic or Luxury options that share access to the communal lounge, gourmet kitchen and a peaceful plunge pool. Book all three
Main Rooms and you get exclusive use of the whole Main House — your friends’ getaway dream come true.
All rooms come with daily service, complimentary organic-style breakfasts (think local granola, organic yoghurt and fresh berries), Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and thoughtful touches like ceramic diffusers with natural volcanic rock, boutique bath products, and comfy lounges that practically beg you to stay in just a little bit longer.
Extras & Experiences
Want to go next-level? 28 Degrees has you covered. Pre-book in-room massages, French champagne, or celebratory platters for honeymoons, babymoons, or special occasions. Each stay is designed to be indulgent but effortless — you just show up, kick off your shoes, and soak it all in.
Why we love it: Adults-only, eco-conscious, meticulously designed, private plunge pools, boutique cool with barefoot charm.
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