Our Halcyon Days

This spring, gracing the cover of Locale Magazine, Halcyon House celebrates a decade at the pinnacle of Australia’s boutique hotel scene. Since opening in 2015, it has come to embody a distinctly Australian interpretation of coastal luxury, one that marries design excellence with an atmosphere that feels relaxed, personal and deeply connected to place.

Image credit Rebecca Rottcher Photography

Now poised like a graceful dame beside the ocean at Cabarita Beach, Halcyon began life as a humble 1960s surf motel. Emerging at a moment when travel was shifting away from uniformity towards individuality. The transformation was visionary. With just 22 guest rooms, a hatted restaurant and interiors that capture the joy of a seaside sojourn, it reimagined what an Australian beachside hotel could be.

Much of Halcyon’s allure lies in the inspired work of interior designer Anna Spiro. Her richly layered aesthetic fuses antique treasures, bold textiles and unexpected colour pairings with an intuitive sense of comfort. The result is a space that feels curated yet lived-in, each corner telling its own story. At a time when beige minimalism reigned supreme, Halcyon’s exuberance was a breath of fresh sea air. Within months, it was among the most photographed hotels in the country, but the reality was even better than the pictures.

Over the years, Halcyon has evolved in step with the way discerning travellers now explore the world. Guests seek more than a beautiful room – they want connection, experiences, and a sense of belonging. Halcyon has answered this with a program of curated events, from long weekends with celebrated chefs to an artist-in-residence initiative that invites creatives to interpret Cabarita’s coastal beauty in their own way.

Its reputation now extends far beyond Australian shores. Vogue Living has called it “the epitome of beachside elegance.” Condé Nast Traveller includes it among “the world’s most beautiful hotels with a soul to match its style.” The Australian Financial Review describes it as “a benchmark for boutique hospitality in Australia.”

Image credit Rebecca Rottcher Photography

“When we opened Halcyon House, our vision was to create the kind of place we would want to stay ourselves,” says co-owner Elisha Bickle. “It had to be more than just beautiful. It needed warmth, personality and a sense of soul. That’s what has made it resonate for ten years.”

More recently, Halcyon has expanded its wellness offering, recognising that luxury is as much about restoration as indulgence. The newest addition ‘Hot and Cold Therapy Suite’ offers a state-of-the-art sauna, dedicated cold plunge pool, and steam room as well as treatment spaces for signature therapies. Whether it’s a bracing morning plunge or an afternoon cocooned in the sauna, guests are encouraged to reconnect with self and sea.

Paper Daisy, Halcyon’s celebrated restaurant, remains an essential part of the experience. Under Executive Chef Andrew Milford, the hatted dining room — open to both guests and locals from 12pm daily — champions regional produce and the bounty of the coast. The relaxed à la carte menu caters to every appetite, whether you’re seeking refined dishes or simply your favourite prawn sandwich. For those after drinks only, the bar opens daily from 3pm. While bookings for lunch and dinner are preferred, they are not always essential, welcoming locals and visitors alike with warmth and ease.

Halcyon’s accolades are many: a place in the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List for the world’s best hotels, regular appearances in the Readers’ Choice Awards for the top hotels in Australia and the South Pacific, and national acclaim for Paper Daisy. Yet, for General Manager Laura Proctor, the secret is simpler.

“At the heart of Halcyon’s success is our incredible team,” she says. “Their genuine care, creativity and attention to detail make every stay truly memorable. Halcyon House isn’t just a hotel – it’s an experience guests carry with them long after they leave.”

Perhaps this is why Halcyon has endured, and thrived, in a decade of shifting trends. It is not defined solely by its location, its accolades or its aesthetic, but by the belief that a getaway should be transformative rather than transactional. That beauty gains depth when paired with warmth. That true luxury is found in the small, unforgettable details.

Spring feels the perfect moment for the celebration. The Pacific light catches on the whitewashed walls and cobalt shutters, the gardens burst with colour, and the salt-tinged air promises long, unhurried afternoons. Mornings might begin with a barefoot walk on the sand, followed by lunch on the terrace and an evening beside the pool with a glass of something cold. Every moment is designed to be savoured.

A decade on, Halcyon House remains a destination that effortlessly blends high style with barefoot ease. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and immerse yourself in a beautifully crafted experience. This tenth anniversary is not simply a milestone – it is a reminder of what happens when vision, warmth and place unite to create something truly timeless.

halcyonhouse.com.au