At the tail end of the Australian summer season, Artist Gabrielle Penfold ventured North to the quiet and still relatively untouched haven that is Yamba. She took up residency at Il Delfino, a slice of paradise that spirits you away from the moment you step over the the threshold. Here, Penfold shares postcards from her trip, her favourite details and her essential culinary orders.
Designed and curated by…
Sheree Commerford, master tastemaker.
I stay here because…
I was on an artist residency.
My last visit was…
12 months ago.
What I love about the room…
I’ve now stayed in three different rooms, and they all have a very different feel. Scopello, the smallest of all, would have to be my favourite. Closest to the ocean, it feels like you are swimming with the dolphins. It also turned into my studio during my visit. From sunrise to sunset, I would have all the windows open and the music blaring. It was a joy to feel part of the elements.
Amenities worth a mention…
You really don’t need to pack much, Sheree has thought of everything you could possibly need. Surfboards, bikes, in-room massages… but to be completely honest, I simply just enjoyed watching time go by on a day bed while sipping a Campari spritz.
It’s the details that count…
I always leave Il Delfino inspired. Not just because of its incomparable location or beautiful decor, but because of the attention to detail. It leaves me fantasising about my dream home; a place where I can paint while watching the morning ocean swimmers catch the waves.
Room service order…
We were welcomed with a fridge full of treats sourced from local markets and providers. It is so nice to go on holiday knowing you have access to nourishing and delicious food.
Places nearby worth frequenting…
Spend the day at Angourie, a sleepy surf town – the landscape is truly magical. You can park yourself for the day with a picnic under a pandanus. Breakfast at The Kiosk Yamba is great. Lunch at Beachwood Café is a must (always end your meal with a slice of warm cake). The Pacific Hotel Yamba is iconic – who can resist ending a big beach day with a cold one? I also love popping into D.PARTMENT for a little shop. It’s such a beautifully curated store in Maclean.
The one thing I always return home with…
A happy heart and a rested body.
Dinner…
It’s very important that you eat loads and loads of prawns in Yamba. I think they might be the best in the world. On a Wednesday you can source the best local delights from the Yamba Farmers Market.
