Wanderlust Union Appointed PR Agency for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Wanderlust Union is delighted to announce our appointment as the PR agency for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, a landmark in luxury hospitality and an icon of French elegance in Australia’s most cosmopolitan city.

This new client partnership further consolidates our work at the intersection of luxury, travel, destination marketing, and lifestyle communication; and reinforces Wanderlust Union’s position as a leading luxury hotel PR agency in the region.

Nestled in the heart of the Sydney CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a heritage-listed hotel renowned for its timeless architecture and storied history. Following a $77M dollar refurbishment in 2024, the hotel is now the epitome of sophistication and modern luxury.

As the hotel enters a new era, Wanderlust Union has been engaged to support a communications strategy that reimagines the property as not just a place to stay, but a cultural, wellness, and lifestyle destination in its own right.

Our scope of work includes strategic storytelling across the hotel’s wellness offering, in-room experience, and brand partnerships, while continuing to position Sofitel Sydney Wentworth as a key player in Sydney’s luxury hotel landscape.

At Wanderlust Union, our work is rooted in place-led brand storytelling that resonates with the modern traveller through experiential luxury. Our shared commitment to Art de Vivre makes Sofitel Sydney Wentworth a perfect partner and a proud addition to our growing travel and destination marketing portfolio. 

WANDERLUST WRITES: ALONE BUT NOT LONELY, The Rise of Solo Travel

Once considered niche, solo travel is now one of the fastest-growing movements in tourism, and as a travel PR agency, we’re seeing firsthand how this trend is reshaping the way people explore the world.

More travellers than ever are choosing to travel on their own terms, prioritising freedom, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

Google searches for “solo travel” have more than doubled in the past five years, and 1 in 4 travellers globally say they plan to take a solo trip in the next 12 months. Women now make up almost 65% of solo travellers worldwide.

Their top motivations? Adventure (52%), personal growth (45%), and cultural immersion (39%).

Far from being lonely, today’s solo travellers are part of a growing global community that’s redefining what it means to experience the world. From wellness retreats to culinary journeys and bucket-list destinations, going solo doesn’t mean going it alone, it means travelling at your own pace, on your own terms.

For Wanderlust Union Founder, Sophie Baker, that journey began ten years ago with a solo trip to Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, a self-sustaining haven on New Zealand’s South Island. Between sunrise yoga, subalpine hikes, and nourishing plant-based cuisine, it was an immersive experience that became a powerful catalyst for personal change.

Sophie returned home reset, recalibrated, and inspired to launch Wanderlust Union, a purpose-led travel PR agency in Sydney helping tourism brands tell stories that truly connect.

Wanderlust Writes: Where Does Travel Live After the Trip Ends?

In the travel industry, most storytelling happens before the trip: glossy campaigns, perfectly timed influencer posts, and carefully worded press releases. But there’s a missing piece in most travel PR strategies, what happens after the journey ends?

The truth is, the real story begins once the traveller comes home.

The way someone talks about a destination, in conversations, Instagram captions and Reels, TikTok’s, or shared photos, becomes part of that place’s public narrative. These post-trip stories often carry more weight than any ad or article. They’re personal. Authentic. And they spread.

For any travel PR agency serious about building long-term brand equity, this moment is a missed opportunity. Too often, we focus on pre-trip buzz and ‘in-the-moment’ content, but overlook the most valuable form of publicity: word-of-mouth!

This is where the smartest travel brands are shifting focus. They’re designing more experiences that live on in memory, and making it easy for travellers to share those memories meaningfully. This is modern travel storytelling. And it’s the foundation of truly effective travel PR.

Helping travellers tell better stories, and ensuring those stories align with brand values, is the new frontier. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about resonance.

At Wanderlust Union, we’re a travel PR agency that believes the most powerful campaign doesn’t end at check-out. It lives in the stories your guests tell next.

Slowness is the New Luxury: Why the Future of Travel Isn’t in a Rush

There was a time when luxury travel was defined by velocity - private jets, jam-packed itineraries, and the ability to tick off five countries in a week. But somewhere between burnout and border closures, a quiet shift began. One that’s less about collecting stamps, and more about collecting meaning. 

Welcome to the era of slow travel - where luxury is no longer about how fast you go, but how deeply you experience.

At Wanderlust Union, we work with brands at the forefront of luxury travel, lifestyle, wellness, and design, and the message from the modern traveller is clear: slow is seductive. It’s not about doing less - it’s about doing better. With intention, immersion, and emotional resonance.

You see it in the revival of the Orient Express, poised to glide through the Italian countryside in all its restored Art Deco splendour. This isn’t just a train - it’s a moving work of craftsmanship, a return to the romance of the journey itself. Onboard, guests won’t rush to their next destination. They’ll dine, dress, converse, and watch the world unfold. 

Beyond Italy, Belmond journeys continue through the Scottish countryside, where luxurious accommodations blend local tradition with contemporary elegance. Artfully designed by Scottish creatives, with personalised touches including a Dior Spa, butler service and private transfers, ensuring every moment of the journey is savoured.

That same desire for stillness and depth is also fuelling the rise of luxury wellness retreats - properties that have shifted from offering ‘escapes’ to creating environments of real transformation. From Ayurvedic immersion in Sri Lanka to breathwork in Tulum and medical wellness programs in the Swiss Alps, today’s retreats are no longer add-ons - they are the destination.

What we’re seeing, increasingly, is a recalibration of values. Time has become the ultimate status symbol. And those who can afford the best are choosing to invest in moments, not movement. A two-week stay at a boutique hotel where design, food, and service reflect the rhythm of the land feels far more indulgent than a whirlwind itinerary. 

It’s a philosophy echoed by brands like Six Senses, Aman, and even smaller design-led villas and lodges that understand that storytelling and slowness are not just desirable - they’re defining.

And for those of us behind the scenes - the PRs, marketers, and storytellers - this shift matters. Because it changes how luxury brands must communicate. At Wanderlust Union, this is more than a trend - it’s a transformation. Our work with boutique hotel, heritage experiences, and high-end wellness brands is grounded in this belief: that great travel is about depth, not distance.

So here’s to slowness. To the long, late breakfasts, to watching landscapes unfold from a train window. To travel that doesn’t promise a quick fix but offers a slow return to self.

Haclcyon House hosts guests for a Steve Cordony Masterclass by the Sea

Steve placing bespoke place cards at table setting - Wanderlust Union Luxury PR Sydney

Over a year in the making, it’s been incredibly exciting to see this collaboration with Wanderlust Union Client  Halcyon House and Interior Stylist Steve Cordony come to life.

Last week, Steve hosted his first-ever styling masterclasses outside of his iconic Rosedale property - set against the dreamy coastal backdrop of Halcyon House. 

Masterclass by the Sea was more than just a workshop; it was an immersive experience that brought together a like-minded community for a couple unforgettable days of design, connection, and coastal charm.

Guests were treated to a cocktail workshop with Husk Farm Distillery, a beautiful welcome dinner at Paper Daisy, and of course, hands-on styling sessions with Steve himself. Pure magic - sunshine, shared stories, exquisite food, and (yes) a whole lot of pineapples.

Steve is a long-time friend of Wanderlust Union and a valued industry collaborator. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely together on various creative projects, and this partnership continues to reflect a shared passion for delivering considered design, storytelling, and elevated experiences. 

Wanderlust Writes:

Quiet luxury isn’t just a fashion trend — it’s reshaping how we tell travel & lifestyle stories.

In a post-aspirational world, today’s travellers aren’t chasing status. They’re seeking a sense of place, substance, discretion, and depth - the feeling of being in-the-know, not just being seen.

And that shift is showing up across the luxury travel & lifestyle PR and marketing landscape. Loud superlatives and glossy ‘influencer moments’ are being replaced with storytelling that feels more authentic, more textured, more personal.

Think:

• The provenance of a ceramic in the room

• The family behind a boutique vineyard

• The stillness of arriving somewhere remote where few others have.

• The pristine natural environments, like polar bear safaris in Norway or tracking snow leopards in

• The Himalayas, offer a sense of adventure & connection with nature

• The airlines like Singapore Suites and Four Seasons Private Jet offer discreet service and thoughtfully designed private cabins, emphasising comfort & privacy

Quiet luxury can also involve choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local communities, and reducing the environmental impact of travel.

In this space, understatement is a strategy. The brands doing it well aren’t shouting — they’re inviting. And every element of their presence (copy, design, visuals, partnerships, press tone) speaks the same refined, quiet confidence.

At Wanderlust Union, we’re helping brands embrace this shift — crafting narratives that cut through with calm, and resonate with an audience that values nuance over noise.

Because in 2025, true luxury isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being exactly where you want to be.

THE PENINSULA LONDON SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE LAUNCH NEW WELLNESS OFFERINGS TO ENHANCE PERSONALISED WELLBEING

21 June 2025 – As the season turns and guests look to refresh, recharge, and refine, The Peninsula London Spa & Wellness Centre is introducing two new wellness partnerships designed to prepare the mind and body for summer: exclusive treatments with luxury longevity brand Ricari, and personalised fitness with ONE: Personal Training, a leading, private studio, based in Mayfair, offering client-first performance training.

These transformative, forward-thinking collaborations reflect The Peninsula London’s strategic commitment to delivering more tailored and personalised wellbeing experiences.

Ricari Studios Available exclusively in the UK at The Peninsula London, The Ricari Method combines state-of-the-art technology with expert manual techniques to sculpt, tone, and rejuvenate. Ideal for pre-holiday preparation, post-travel recovery, or a simple reset, Ricari treatments address everything from puffiness and inflammation to skin elasticity and lymphatic health.

Guests experience both immediate and cumulative benefits, from refined contours and visible glow to improved sleep, digestion, and circulation, making it the perfect foundation for the summer months. Treatments incorporate non-invasive tools including the Icoone Multi Microstimulation System, Ballancer Pro Compression Therapy, LYMA Lasers and infrared PEMF, complemented by Margy’s advanced skincare.

Ricari’s adaptive treatments integrate seamlessly into the dynamic lifestyles of The Peninsula’s discerning guests, whether booked as a one-time reset or a consistent practice daily, weekly, or monthly. Non-resident guests booking a Ricari treatment also receive full access to The Peninsula London’s spa facilities, including the 25m heated swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and state-of-the-art gym.

“We are delighted to bring The Ricari Method to The Peninsula London, an ideal setting for this personalised, regenerative experience as guests prepare to look and feel their best for the season ahead.” Anna Zahn, Founder, Ricari.

This June, ONE: Personal Training brings its bespoke performance programmes to The Peninsula London. Founded by former professional athlete Henry Barratt, ONE is known for a refined, client-first approach that focuses on long-term strength, mobility, and body awareness. Private 60-minute sessions, available in The Peninsula’s Technogym-equipped studio, include strength and resistance training, functional movement, boxing, and Pilates. Whether refining posture, building stamina, or rebalancing after travel, ONE’s expert trainers craft personalised sessions aligned with each guest’s summer goals.

“We are proud to partner with The Peninsula London, bringing our premium Personal Training, Injury Rehabilitation, and Pilates services to their distinguished guests. This collaboration unites two brands committed to excellence, an exciting partnership with great promise for the present and the future.” Henry Barratt, Founder of ONE: Personal Training.

A Culinary Celebration by the Sea at Halcyon House Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford Unite for an Exclusive Winter Dining Experience

This winter, boutique hotel client of Wanderlust Union, Halcyon House invites guests to experience By the Sea — a two-day coastal dining event featuring a collaboration between acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford, Executive Chef of Halcyon House’s award-winning hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy. Unfolding over two intimate candlelit sittings, the event promises a seasonal celebration of local produce, creative synergy, and authentic culinary expression, and is one of a handful of special experiences planned throughout the year to mark Halcyon House’s milestone 10 th anniversary.

The events showcase a unique city-meets-regional chef collaboration through a three-course menu paired with Louis Roederer Champagne and celebrates the region’s diverse network of local producers and sustainable food sources.

Saturday, 5 July at 6:30PM – candlelit dinner

Sunday, 6 July at 12:00PM – long lunch

Returning to Halcyon House for a second time, following her sell-out gourmet weekend in 2018, Danielle Alvarez is one of Australia’s most respected culinary voices. Known for her produce-driven ethos, deep respect for seasonality, and classical training at Alice Waters’ legendary Chez Panisse in California, Danielle brings a thoughtful, elegant approach to modern Australian dining. Formerly at the helm of Fred’s in Sydney, she continues to shape the food conversation through her writing, events, and ongoing kitchen collaborations.

Together with Paper Daisy’s Andrew Milford — known for his elevated coastal cooking and dedication to showcasing the region’s finest growers and producers — By the Sea will offer a soulful, sensory experience grounded in place, season, and shared creativity.

“The provenance of ingredients and seasonality is an important part of our philosophy at Paper Daisy. We love sharing the story behind each dish and this collaboration with Danielle and myself allows us to take guests on a journey when they dine with us.” commented Paper Daisy’s Andrew Milford.

With limited seats available for both sittings, By the Sea is set to be a highlight in this year’s winter calendar.

DETAILS:

• $145 per person - includes a three-course dining experience curated by

• Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford

• Candlelit Coastal Dining Experience

• Roederer Champagne on Arrival

• Halcyon Candle Keepsake

Bookings essential. For reservations and further details, visit halcyonhouse.com.au.

Halcyon House Named One of Australia’s Top 10 Boutique Hotels by Gourmet Traveller

At Wanderlust Union, we’re proud to partner with brands that shape the future of luxury travel – and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate our client Halcyon House, recently named one of Gourmet Traveller’s Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Australia. Alongside Halcyon House’s remarkable vision, impeccable service, and stunning property, we see this recognition as a celebration of the power of consistent, brand-led storytelling in luxury hospitality.

Located on the coastline of Cabarita Beach, Halcyon House has redefined what boutique accommodation in Australia looks and feels like. Once a 1960s surf motel, it was transformed into an elegant coastal retreat that balances maximalist design with laid-back luxury. With its signature patterned walls, vintage furnishings, and Mediterranean flair, it continues to be one of the most photographed and beloved boutique hotels in the country – and for good reason.

But Halcyon House is far more than just visually iconic. From its acclaimed restaurant Paper Daisy, known for its local produce and refined beachside cuisine, to the intimate guest experience and attention to detail throughout the property, every part of the brand has been built with thought and intention.

This year, Halcyon House celebrates 10 years of boutique excellence - a decade of bold design, elevated hospitality, and a brand story that has remained as relevant and inspiring as ever. As a PR agency focused on luxury travel, lifestyle, food, wine and design, we’ve worked closely with the Halcyon team to ensure their brand message resonates in the right markets, at the right time.

We have championed Halcyon House even before its doors officially opened. A decade on, we are proud to continue handling their PR and communications, helping to cement their reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated boutique hotels. This long-standing partnership is a testament to what we do best as a luxury travel PR agency: shaping perceptions, building enduring brand equity, and creating narratives that resonate with discerning travellers around the world.

Their inclusion in Gourmet Traveller’s Hotel Guide is a well-deserved honour and a timely reminder that great hospitality is both an art and an experience. Congratulations to Halcyon House for continuing to lead from the front.

Wanderlust Union client Basq House named in Travel + Leisure Co. Top 100 New Hotels in the world

We are thrilled to celebrate Wanderlust Union client, Basq House, for their inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 New Hotels in the World – one of only three Australian hotels to make the cut in 2024 – a huge honour and a powerful moment for this bold little boutique hotel in Byron Bay.

A powerful reminder of how smart storytelling and strategic PR can put independent brands on the global stage.

From pre-launch planning to media relations and targeted famils, Wanderlust Union led the communications strategy for Basq House – and it’s been an absolute privilege to partner with hotel operators JEREMY & JONES on such a creatively rich and rewarding project.

For small boutique, design-led hotels, accolades like this are more than just a headline – they’re a business-shaping asset, driving bookings, brand equity, and international credibility.

If you’re a boutique hotel or travel brand with big ambitions, we’d love to help you get the global attention you deserve.

Travel + Luxury: The Thinking Traveller Puglian polish

Powerful earned media at its best.

At Wanderlust Union, we believe in the power of storytelling—connecting the right journalists with the right experiences to create editorial that truly resonates.

Thrilled to see this stunning feature in Travel + Luxury by the brilliant Kerrie McCallum, spotlighting Wanderlust Union client The Thinking Traveller and one of their villas in Puglia. Known for their unparalleled service and voted the #1 villa rental company in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, The Thinking Traveller curates extraordinary villas with true soul, and Villa Montekore was no exception.

Through thoughtful PR strategy and a deep understanding of what inspires luxury travellers, we were able to facilitate this multi-page feature, showcasing not just a villa, but a destination, a lifestyle, and an unforgettable way to travel.

A huge thank you to Kerrie for capturing the magic so beautifully. And to Rossella Beaugié and The Thinking Traveller, for continuously setting the benchmark in luxury villa experiences.

Peninsula Hotels Hong Kong hosted gala to unveil the 2025 edition of Art in Resonance

On 24 March, during Hong Kong Art Week, Wanderlust Union’s luxury hotel group client, The Peninsula Hotels Hong Kong hosted an extraordinary gala to unveil the 2025 edition of Art in Resonance, The Peninsula’s acclaimed global art programme which continues to push boundaries, and celebrated an exciting new partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

With curatorial expertise from the V&A’s Dr Xiaoxin Li, the event showcased three specially commissioned works—including She’s Bestowed Love by Lin Fanglu—blending contemporary artistic innovation with cultural heritage.

An evening of art and elegance, the event welcomed over 500 guests, from leading collectors, curators, and creatives, including Jay Jopling, Kimberly Drew, Princess Alia Al-Senussi & Prince Kieran Ashanti-Reilly of Ghana, alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum and Vogue100, for an unforgettable showcase of artistic excellence. Guests dined at Felix and were treated to a surprise performance by rising Royal Opera star Alexandra Lowe.

With this milestone event, The Peninsula Hotels continue to curate immersive cultural experiences that go far beyond traditional five-star service and redefine what it means to be a luxury hotel—offering guests not just a place to stay, but a gateway to world-class art, creativity, and cultural dialogue.

The Australian Financial Review: Paradoor

We were delighted to see this real estate feature in The Australian Financial Review for Wanderlust Union client Paradoor.

Securing Tier A earned media coverage doesn’t happen at the click of a finger and can take time —it takes a strategic approach, consistent pitching, and a deep understanding of a publication’s editorial themes and direction.

Great PR is about crafting the right story, nurturing relationships with journalists, and following up with well-paced diligence and care. This piece is a testament to that process, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see it land for Oliver Howard and the Paradoor team.

Thank you to Michael Bleby, Deputy Property Editor for sharing with AFR’s loyal readers.

The Peninsula Hotel's host floral masterclass in collaboration with Hermetica Flowers

Thursday 14th November - Wanderlust Union had the pleasure of hosting luxury and travel media on behalf of our luxury hotel group client, The Peninsula Hotel’s, during their 2024 Australia Roadshow.

The Peninsula Hotel’s joined Sydney’s top florist, Hermetica Flowers, for a stunning floral masterclass.

Similar to The Peninsula Hotel’s properties - the evening was a perfect blend of luxury and craftsmanship, with bunches of blooming peonies, orchids and more at ones fingertips for creation.

The masterclass explored how scent, travel and artistry intertwine in the most beautiful way.

Smell is known to bring back memories better than any other sense – a mode of instant transportation to a specific place or moment in time.

The Peninsula Hotel’s know the most powerful of all the memory-triggering smells are those associated with travel, when senses are on high alert and we’re wide open to experiencing the new.

Halcyon House Artist in Resident Exhibition with Eliza Gosse

With an Artist in Residency program that showcases female artists, Wanderlust Union boutique hotel client, Halcyon House was thrilled to host Sydney-based, Archibald Prize finalist artist, Eliza Gosse, culminating in a show entitled ‘Afternoon Hour When Sun Falls Like Honey’. The exhibition opens at Halcyon House on 12th October, with a special ‘Artist in Conversation’ drinks at Paper Daisy restaurant, hosted by Alison Kubler, Editor of VAULT magazine.

Eliza has created a series of work inspired by the hotel and local surrounds. An exhibition inspired by that perfect afternoon hour of an Australian summertime holiday when the sun dips, the air cools, locals exercise and vacationers enjoy a chardonnay. Gosse’s works are full of nostalgia, installing a sense of sentimentality for the fond memories the paintings hold.

‘Spending a week at Halcyon House drawing, swimming and walking in Cabarita was completely divine. I rarely get to spend so much time living within my subject and it allowed me to process and make notes in my sketchbook of all the small details. Shells on shelves, eclectic paintings on walls, wildflower bushes outside Cabarita shacks, glimpses of the pool through the archways and my husband Benj peeling an orange before the day's adventures. This body of work is a very intimate one.’ Said Gosse.

The opening drinks at Paper Daisy offers an intimate opportunity to explore Eliza’s creative process and gain insight into the stories behind her evocative works, all while enjoying a scrumptious seaside lunch in the heart of Cabarita Beach. Husk Distillers will be serving drinks.

The exhibition will run until 11 November 2024.

NEW ONE-OF-KIND GUESTHOUSE OPENS at the oaks ranch

Wanderlust Union boutique hotel client, The Oaks Ranch, the 14-room boutique hotel in Mossy Point, on NSW’s South Coast, has opened a stunning 3-bedroom boutique Guesthouse, nestled within the property’s 300-acre sanctuary with panoramic views of the untouched wetlands.

 In true Oaks Ranch style, the Guesthouse oozes a country coastal chic ambience, and its spacious yet intimate nature makes it the perfect destination for generational travel with family, or a much-needed weekend away with friends.

 A tranquil haven, the one-of-a-kind Guesthouse has capacity for nine, the generous bedrooms are finished with luxurious Cultiver linen bedding, while the milky terrazzo and natural timbers in the two bathrooms envelope the space in warmth. An indulgent outdoor bath beckons you to soak in the surround views.

 The beautifully designed and fully equipped kitchen, complete with a butler’s pantry, caters to all your culinary needs, and flows out to the wraparound deck where you can enjoy breakfast or an alfresco lunch while embracing the great outdoors.

 The property’s garden was designed by highly regarded landscape architect, Karen Ruthven, who seamlessly blended the country house into the natural surroundings and complete with a firepit to accompany a glass of local wine as the day turns to dusk.

The Guesthouse also offers access to The Oaks Ranch’s many experiences including their 9-hole golf course, magnesium pool with sunlounges and cabanas, with views of tall gums spanning to the Deua Mountain Ranges and below, and their very own restaurant, Arlo, which showcases South Coast quality produce brimming with flavour. In true Australian spirit guests may even spot a Kangaroo or two as they travel freely throughout the expansive grounds.

General Manager of The Oaks Ranch, Josh Tyler commented “More and more we are seeing growth in the generational travel market, with the launch of The Oak’s Ranch Guesthouse we can provide our guests with a unique experience. From a reconnecting family vacation to celebrating special occasions and group weekends away, the Guesthouse offers the perfect escape.”

The Oaks Ranch runs from the Tomaga River in Tomakin to Candlagan Creek on the northside. A four-and-half hour drive from Sydney or just over two hours from Canberra if you’re keen on a road trip. Otherwise it’s a quick 40-minute flight to Moruya airport (10 minutes away), from Sydney.

BASQ HOUSE OPENS ITS DOORS IN BYRON BAY

Located in idyllic Byron Bay, and on Bundjalung Country, Wanderlust Union client Basq House is a 32-room boutique hotel has officially open their doors.

Distinctly eclectic this hideaway is a landing pad for those seeking privacy and peacefulness in a tucked-away laneway in the heart of Byron’s village centre. A hotel from where you can explore the bucolic hinterland, vibrant restaurant scene and renowned beach-culture.

Melbourne-based owners, and great friends, Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson, developed the property as they wanted a home-away-from-home in Byron Bay, somewhere that felt personal and like staying at your best friend’s house. They then commissioned Matt Dalby, Creative Director and founder of StudioFAB, to design Basq House and locally based Interior designer, Léo Terrando styled the interiors.

Inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads, the design pays homage to tradition, with many rooms overlooking the central temperature-controlled magnesium pool, offering a contemporary sanctuary for guests.

Much like a house, and with a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic, the reception area featuring artwork from Byron Bay artist Damian Bisogni, weaved pendant lights from Tigmi Trading, ceramics and objets d'art, doubles as a bar inviting guests to sit back, soak up and slow down with a Coconut Margarita or Negroni in hand.

The generous, speakeasy-style Lounge Room, which flows through to the outdoors, features pieces from Bodhi Living and bespoke rugs from local Byron brand Pampa, fusing the interiors with a sense of warmth. Many original artworks that adorn the walls offering a glimpse into the region's artistic heritage.

Moving through to the Library, the intimate space features a whimsical three panelled Brazilian Rainforest artwork, South African carved wooden masks and bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with an eclectic collection of books comprising classics, travel, art, design, literature and photography. Low-slung leather sofas and a large open fireplace make the space cozy in the cooler months. The perfect place to unwind, for quiet time or use as a workspace.

The design philosophy for Basq house is a testament to the intertwining of cultural influences and artistic expression. Embracing the bold, fluid forms of Fauvism and a Bohemian spirit, Basq House is a space that speaks to the soul.

The overall result is a visual tapestry of influence and eras, tones and textures, which evoke a sense of wonder and exploration, and is anything but haphazard.

These free-flowing communal spaces are at the heart of the House - designed to encourage interaction and connection among guests, places for socialising; to eat drink and play. The house-style hospitality includes bar snacks, Maybe Sammy pre-batched cocktails, and a selection of board games.

Meanwhile, the bedrooms, with a mix of formats, are thoughtfully designed and stylishly minimalist.  A soothing colour palette of neutral tones juxtaposed against bespoke honey-hued timber joinery, embodies a relaxed sensibility. Room amenities include HD TVs with Chromecast, Mr Smith toiletries and a minibar with a menu that reads like a list of the area’s best producers.

Landscaped greenery frames the jewel in Basq House’s crown, the logo embossed pool, sun-drenched daybeds and cabanas, offering guests another oasis of calm and barefoot breeziness. The magnesium pool is perfect for relieving stress, soothing sore muscles and of course ‘basqing’ in sun.

Mere moments to Main and Clarkes Beach and The Pass, or a little further afield to Wategos Beach and Cape Byron walking track to the Lighthouse, and the cobalt coastline beyond, you can soak up the region’s slow rhythm and natural beauty. Dining wise, guests only have to step out the door to be spoilt for choice with favourites such as Light Years, Bar Heather, Loft, Pixie Food & Wine and Lovers Lane to name a few.

With Byron Bay being the wellbeing capital of Australia, Basq House will have a holistic approach to health and wellness. The hotel’s rooftop will be a space to retreat to for reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation with zones for self-guided yoga and meditation. The hotel will also have access to a Bathhouse and Wellness Centre with infrared saunas, ice plunges and other treatments.

Guest have use of the hotels Lekker push bikes, beach shades and surfboards, in addition to the two dedicated guest share vehicles, ideal for short dashes around town or adventures to neighbouring towns such as Bangalow, Newrybar, Mullumbimby or Brunswick Heads. Underground secure basement carparking is also available.

A discrete haven for travellers, Basq House is an authentic hotel with soul, where you arrive as guests and leave as friends.

Rooms start from $425 per night.

HALCYON HOUSE RECOGNISED WITH CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER’S 2024 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD NO.3 in THE WORLD’S BEST HOTELS, AUSTRALIASIA

SYDNEY October. 1, 2024 – Condé Nast Traveller today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Halcyon House recognised as the No.3 Best Hotels in the World, Australasia.

More than 125,000 Condé Nast Traveller readers across the United Kingdom submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

Halcyon House’s General Manager, Laura Proctor said, “we are honoured to be acknowledged once again in this prestigious publication. To be ranked the No.3 hotel in Australasia is wonderful and that it’s voted by readers makes it even more special. It takes a dedicated team to deliver outstanding guest experiences, who go above and beyond to welcome our guests back time and time again. This accolade is a testament to their professionalism.”

Halcyon House, one of Australia’s most unique beachside hotels, is a former surfer motel turned luxury boutique hotel, situated at one of the country’s best surf breaks and in one of its most idyllic beachfront towns – Cabarita Beach, Northern New South Wales.  Paper Daisy, Halcyon House’s hatted poolside restaurant, is renowned for confident coastal cooking that showcases the very best of the region’s unique produce and bourgeoning culinary reputation.

The 22- room multi award-winning boutique hotel is located just 15 minutes south of the Gold Coast Airport and 30 minutes north from Byron and is owned by Brisbane-based sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle.

The 2024 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveller's website at cntraveller.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards and celebrated in the November issue.

WANDERLUST UNION EXPANDS ITS LUXURY TRAVEL PORTFOLIO SECURING PR & COMMUNICATIONS ACCOUNT FOR THE PENINSULA HOTEL

Wanderlust Union has been appointed as the communications partner for The Peninsula in Australia.  The remit will include strategy, communications, PR, media relations, partnerships, and talent and influencer integration for the brand.

The Peninsula joins Wanderlust Union’s expanding travel portfolio including The House at Lizard Island, The Thinking Traveller, Halcyon House, The Surf Yamba and The Oaks Ranch to name a few.

Speaking of the appointment Carson Glover, Vice President Brand Marketing and Communications said "Consolidating our communications and public relations initiatives in Australia was an important, strategic step to secure and build brand awareness in this important market. Revered for their deep understanding of travel and luxury hospitality, and enviable media relationships, along with local expertise and experience, made Wanderlust Union an ideal partner for The Peninsula."

Wanderlust Union founder and director, Sophie Baker said “We are delighted to add The Peninsula to our expanding client roster. The group, known for their luxurious international portfolio of hotels, from Beverly Hills to Tokyo, offers impeccable and intuitive service and immersive guest experiences.”

“With a continued increase in Australians recommencing international travel, and the exciting launch of two new Peninsula properties in Istanbul and London in 2023, we feel confident the brand will continue to resonate in this market. In addition, with Hong Kong being a familiar hub for long-haul flights, heritage properties such as the legendary Peninsula Hong Kong, also offer a unique experience for business and leisure travellers. We feel honoured to be able to share The Peninsula’s stories and are looking forward to driving meaningful and measurable results for the brand.”

The Peninsula is the world’s leading luxury hotel brand, owned and operated by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) which was incorporated in1866. HSH has a proud heritage as Asia’s oldest hotel company still in operation. The flagship Peninsula hotel opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1928. Today The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises of 11 hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Paris, Istanbul, Bangkok and Manila. The Peninsula London is currently under development.