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The GRAZIA fashion team decided that a little adventure was in order. We’d had enough of studio shoots and dealing with council permits to shoot in metropolitan Sydney. Besides, I was in search of some untouched inspiration; a low-key beach-resort location that had character, beautiful vistas and wasn’t loaded with tourists.
While Crescent Head is a good four-and-a-half-hour drive north from Sydney, it was worth the trip to arrive at a virtually untouched surf town. A spot where a council-owned caravan park gets prime beach views and access and the local Country Club serves Chinese and the coldest beer on tap. “Cresco”, as the locals like to call it, is famous for its surf with its legendary long, slow right-hand break off Killick Beach recognised as a National Surfing Reserve since 2008. The beach is also great for families and if you venture a little further you can snorkel in the calm waters of Delicate Nobby located in Goolawah Regional Park, or hike the Big Hill Rainforest Track, a great whale watching spot in winter and spring.
We were all looking forward to checking in to Sea Sea Hotel, the latest hotel endeavour by award-winning Creative Director and Designer, George Gorrow [previously Ksubi co-Founder and creator of The Slow Hotel in Bali] and his wife Cisco Tschurtschenthaler.
The hotel is like stepping into a 70s time warp. There’s a laid back feel thanks to the exposed brick which converges with dark teak paneling, while textured interiors mixed in with early Balinese charm. Much of the furniture is customised in Bali along with vintage pieces and polygon-shaped light sconces, hand-carved by American artist, Aleph Geddis, which hang on walls and glow red at night.
Retro style speakers double as bed side tables and allow you to listen to radio channels which play curated music that span decades, cultures and countries. Even if you don’t make it down to the beach on day one, you can have Sea Sea TV on 24/7 while you enjoy a world class mini bar designed by esteemed mixologist Antenellow Arzedi [previously Scout London and Sydney Icebergs Dining Room and Bar] or dip in the refreshing 20-metre green tiled pool.
The GRAZIA photo crew had full access to the hotel rooms and grounds before the hotel officially opened in late November of 2024. Guests can select from studios, suites, a two-bedroom suite, or a Balinese-style villa and studio sold together. The latter is complete with a private pool and gardens, a separate lounge room and kitchen and three bathrooms. It’s perfect if you are planning a group getaway or a special event.
While the bar & restaurant was yet to open during our stay, the plan was to feature a distinctly Crescent-inspired menu with the freshest local produce from the Macleay Valley, all brought together by hospitality legend Daniel Medcalf (co-owner and operator of No. 35 Kitchen & Bar, previously Icebergs Dining Room and Bar). The restaurant and bar is open to the public so locals or passersby from the beach can enjoy a taste of the fine food or have a drink at the bar.
The plan is to have live music and art exhibitions that showcase local and international talent. The Club House features a surf and souvenir shop, game room, and the outdoor area, along with the heated pool, includes a fireplace, sauna and ice baths that you can enjoy year round.
So whether you are passing through on your way to more developed meccas like Yamba and Bryon or need a break from the city noise, Crescent Head comes highly recommended by us. Photo shoot optional.
GETTING THERE
Crescent Head is a four-hour, 45min drive from Sydney or just under six hours from Brisbane. You can also catch a train from Sydney to Kempsey, which is just 20-minutes away from the property. Or fly into Port Macquarie Airport and hire a car for the 45-minute drive.
Accommodation and restaurant bookings are now open on the Sea Sea Hotel website.
Fashion Photography: Adam Flipp
Still Life Photography: Bryan Ruiz
Hotel Imagery Provided By: Sea Sea Hotel
