HALCYON HOUSE, CABARITA BEACH

This beachside-motel-turned-design-mecca has put the sleepy Tweed Coast hamlet of Cabarita Beach firmly on the weekend-away map. A vision in blue and white, conjured up by Brisbane designer Anna Spiro, each of the 19 rooms and two suites is exquisitely layered with one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, eclectic groupings of art (dubbed Halcyon hangs) and patterned prints on everything from the bedheads to the walls.The rooms are almost too lovely to leave, but that would be denying yourself the chance to laze by the pool, cocktail in hand, book into the adjoining spa (with its equally swoon-worthy design) or enjoy a long lunch at Paper Daisy (order the signature prawn sambo for summer on a plate all year round). halcyonhouse.com.au