Halcyon House, one of Australia's most unique beachside hotels, made history last Friday night (September 2) being the first regional property to be awarded Hotel of the Year, jointly celebrated by the Park Hyatt Sydney.

Held at the prestigious Town Hall for the 14th time and in front of a record crowd of 700 attendees, the HM Awards for Accommodation Excellence recognises the finest people, departments and properties across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Halcyon House celebrated early in the evening firstly taking out the award for Best Regional property but the unexpected and applauded highlight came towards the end of the evening with the announcement they were the first regional property in the history of the event to win Hotel of the Year.

Halcyon House's General Manager, Mauro De Riso who attended the event said, “we are thrilled to be the first regional property to win Hotel of the Year.  This award is testament to the on-going commitment and passion of the entire team.  We will enjoy and celebrate this achievement and I know it will act as a motivator for us to continue to deliver excellence everyday.”

Halcyon House is owned by Brisbane-bases sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle, who purchased the former surf motel in 2011 and converted it into a luxury beach hotel.  It has been open just over a year and is situated at one of the country's best surf breaks in Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW, in an extraordinary region that remains one of the country's best kept secrets (until now).

For more information on Halcyon House visit http://halcyonhouse.com.au/

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NOTES FOR EDITORS:

 Halcyon (hal-see-on).

1. Happy; joyful; carefree, 'Halcyon days of youth'
2. Calm; peaceful; tranquil, 'Halcyon weather'

Halcyon House is one of Australia's most unique beachside boutique hotels. Only an hours drive from Brisbane, just 15 minutes south of Gold Coast Airport with Qantas Virgin Australia and Jetstar flying daily and just 30 minutes north from Byron Bay, the hotel is nestled in an extraordinary region that remains one of the country's best kept secrets.

For something truly special, guests can experience Halcyon House's 2-bedroom suite. With both bedrooms having their own ensuite, spacious entertaining area with large flat-screen TV with surround sound, Apple TV and an expansive balcony with stunning views to the beach and headland, making it a perfect place for sunset drinks.

For more information visit: www.halcyonhouse.com

Follow: @_halcyonhouse  _@paperdaisy  #HalcyonHouse  #PaperDaisy

For further information, interviews, photography:

SOPHIE BAKER

M: + 61 (0)438 44 2323

E: sophie@wanderlustunion.com.au

WANDERLUST UNION