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 client, The Peninsula Hotel’s, during their 2024 Australia Roadshow.

The Peninsula Hotel’s joined Sydney’s top florist, Hermetica Studios, 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.

peninsula.com

Halcyon House Artist in Resident Exhibition with Eliza Gosse

With an Artist in Residency program that showcases female artists, 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 2025.

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

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, 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

Website: www.basqhouse.com.au         Instagram: @basqhouse #basqhouse

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.