Designer, George Gorrow, can’t be rushed. It’s been two years almost to the day since Sea Sea boutique hotel was announced, and motel makeover fans (along with those familiar with The Slow hotel in Canggu, Bali, which is also his) have been waiting in anticipation for the big unveil.
The brief was ’70s surf club and the vibe was pitched as ‘high fashion meets laidback surf culture’ in sleepy Crescent Head. Now, with the hotel set to officially launch this weekend, it’s clear Sea Sea is unlike any accommodation the town has seen before.
In early 2023, when I spoke to the Ksubi co-founder and his wife, Cisco Tschurtschenthaler, about the hotel’s design, George mused on how hotels – the well thought-out ones; small enough to keep things bespoke – are morphing into cultural hubs, or communities within themselves.
“People expect more from their hotel choice than just the amenities, and design of the room,” he said. “Using all our past experiences and leanings we are curating a carefully curated immersive 360-degree experience.”
That’s why, beyond the 25 rooms available at Sea Sea hotel, there’s a strong focus on art, music, surf culture, and providing an elevated food experience for the town.
That experience kicks off with a kitchen takeover by Sydney’s Icebergs Dining Room, with Maurice Terzini and his team manning the pans on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November. It’s a nice tie-in, with Sea Sea’s head chef Daniel Medcalf previously of Icebergs (and also owner of No. 35 Kitchen and Bar in Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast).
With one of the country’s most renowned breaks just two blocks away, the surf theme is right on point. For George, ‘Creso’ as the locals call it, was an integral part of family surf road trips when he was growing up – it’s a place he’s been visiting for waves since he was nine years old.
Those who feel the pull of the swell during a stay at Sea Sea can borrow a board from the hotel’s quiver – a collaboration with Byron’s Wild Things Gallery.
From an aesthetic point of view, Sea Sea wears its retro surf theme well. The low-line brick bones of the motel were purposely kept to keep the footprint small (in fact room numbers were decreased during the renovation) and interiors are a celebration of pine timber wall panels, photographic art, sculptural light fittings, vintage, and custom pieces sourced from designers and artists in Bali.
Leaning into the homely vibe of the place, there are also plenty of spots that invite guests and locals to linger. Think a surf souvenir shop, an audio lounge for listening to tunes, a games room, and a space for photography exhibitions, live performances, and movie nights. Back in your room, you can flick on the telly to watch the CC TV in-house channel and enjoy the well-curated mini bar.
When it comes to rooms, guests have a choice of studios, suites, a two-bedroom suite, and a private villa/studio combo that includes its own private pool.
Along with the heated pool, there’s a clear wellness bend with an outdoor fireplace, sauna and ice baths. All in all it’s a sign that good things come to those who wait.
Bookings for Sea Sea hotel Crescent Head are open now.
Photography By Tommaso Riva
