Brisbane-based interior designer Anna Spiro, the talent behind the exquisite Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach, shares her cherished travel memories and dream destinations.
1. As a child, our family holidays were always to…
Our family beach house that overlooked Home Beach at North Stradbroke Island. We would catch the 5pm barge every single Friday afternoon and the 7pm barge back every single Sunday night.
We would play ‘I spy with my little eye’ while sitting in the car for the one-hour barge trip. My husband and I now have a cottage on the island, too, and we play ‘I spy with my little eye’ with our boys in the car on the barge. Funny how history repeats itself!
2. Now if I have time for a short break, I head straight to…
Halcyon House at Cabarita Beach on the northern NSW coast. Or to our beach cottage at Straddie.
3. My local’s tip for visitors to Brisbane is…
To visit our art galleries, especially GOMA. I love their ever-evolving collection of local Australian and international artist exhibitions.
4. My souvenir of choice is…
I always buy my children snow globes wherever I go. And for myself, I love to pick up something that is hand-made by local artisans.
5. My travel wardrobe always consists of…
A Caroline Constas white shirt, Chanel ballet flats and Axel Mano hat.
6. If I could live anywhere in Australia, apart from Brisbane, I would live…
In Elizabeth Bay, Sydney! I love its Eastern harbourside location and proximity to the city. I also love all of the old Art Deco apartment buildings; it has so much charm.
7. If money was no barrier, send me off to…
Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda, Italy.
8. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done on holiday is…
Travelling in a very small wooden boat from Capri to Positano with my parents in tow on a very windy afternoon. The seas were so rough that I thought we were going to capsize!
9. My favourite restaurant in Australia is…
Paper Daisy at Cabarita Beach. The green rice fried prawns are amazing. And the little fresh fruit friands at breakfast are dreamy!
10. The last place I visited was…
Hawai‘i with my husband earlier this year where we stayed at our favourite hotel, the Halekulani, and the next place I am booked to go is… back to Italy in 2017 with my family for my 40th birthday.
READ MORE… Halcyon House – 60s beachside brilliance bounces back
