While living in the city has its benefits (hello dumpling deliveries at 3am), everyone needs an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke every so often. And while Byron Bay has become the de rigueur coastal escape of late, there’s something to be said for seeking out slightly less discovered and slightly more relaxing pastures.

Enter: Yamba. This peaceful, picturesque town is one of the hidden gems of the New South Wales north coast. Situated just over a one-hour flight from Sydney – or a leisurely seven-hour road trip if you prefer – and only three hours’ drive from Brisbane, Yamba has all of the beachy, vacay feels, but none of the Byron-style busy.

It’s here that you’ll find the Surf Yamba, a new boutique hotel which opens this week. The opening marks the first boutique hotel for Yamba’s Main Beach, and it signals a new era for the charming seaside town.

The property has occupied its current beachfront location for almost one hundred years, but a recent redevelopment by David, Andrew and Phillip Mayne – who bought the property twelve years ago – has given it new life.

Promising Australian coastal vibes with a healthy dollop of Palm Springs cool, the unusually private twelve room hotel is ideal for the kind of ‘check in and chill out’ vacay we all desperately need right now.

A distinctive curved building houses the hotel. Reminiscent of classic ocean liners from the 1930s, it was designed by Sydney’s Design King Company and features a rooftop terrace and plunge pool with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the ocean.

“Our team wanted The Surf Yamba to be relaxed yet sophisticated, with just a hint of nostalgia and romanticism. With a nod to nautical and deco detailing evident on the exterior… it was also vital that the interiors were equally well detailed and thought through. Our aim was to create a special place from which to experience Yamba and its beautiful surrounds,” said Design King Company Director Jon King.

Along with a chill, authentically local sensibility, the hotel features Italian terrazzo tiles, bespoke handmade sofas and desks, chairs from Scandinavian-inspired Muuto, Hay Bella coffee tables, and Australian made outdoor furniture by Tait.

The guest rooms feature amenities by Leif Products, and bathrobes by luxury Australian linen designer Bemboka: firm confirmation of the hotel’s commitment to heroing local Australian brands.

When you’re all awe-walked out and ready to settle down and enjoy the views, breakfast hampers and charcuterie platters from local café Gather are available to order and enjoy in-room, poolside on the rooftop terrace or along the sandy shores of Main Beach.

The Surf Yamba officially opened its doors on September 24th, with rooms starting from $295. Check it out, before you check-in at www.thesurfyamba.com.au/

2 Queen Street, Yamba NSW 2464 | 0468 860 269 | hello@thesurfyamba.com.au | www.thesurfyamba.com.au