Australia’s Best Stay? It’s Right Here in Caloundra

Say hello to Banksia House, the coastal retreat that’s just been crowned Best Design Stay in the 2025 AirBNB Australia Host Awards - and trust us, it’s every bit as lush as it sounds.

Perched on Caloundra’s headland and hosted by the talented duo Kirsti & Toni, Banksia House is not your average beachside escape. This purpose-built sanctuary was designed by a landscape architect with one goal in mind: to immerse guests in nature and calm. And it delivers, big time.

Think magnesium pool dips, lazy afternoons on the bocce court, and outdoor baths under the stars. The home is split into separate living and sleeping pavilions, connected by breezy courtyards that blur the line between indoors and out. Raw, tactile materials and lush gardens wrap around the space, creating a vibe that’s equal parts grounded and luxurious.

Inside, you’ll find two fireplaces for those cooler coastal nights, and every corner of the house whispers thoughtful design. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel the stress melt away, like you’ve stepped into a slow-living dream.

Guests rave about the tranquil atmosphere, the seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and that rare sense of escape that’s hard to find in everyday life. It’s no wonder Banksia House took out top honours, it’s a masterclass in coastal cool.

So if you’re looking for a reason to revisit Caloundra (or finally make that weekend trip happen), this is it. Banksia House is officially Australia’s most beautifully designed stay, and it’s right here in our backyard.