Waking up to the sounds of the ocean in all its purity is one of the simple pleasures at boutique seaside inn, Il Delfino. 

Located in the quiet seaside town of Yamba on Australia’s east coast, the intimate five-suite oceanfront property is an ideal destination getaway for those looking for their own intimate stay by the sea.

Charming and chic, the heritage 1948 seaside inn property has been close to Sheree Commerford – founder of Il Delfino – for decades. Visiting the property when it was still in the hands of its previous owner, she had a dream that she would one day restore this gem into something special, and that vision finally came true. Renovating the seaside gem over two years and opening the property in 2024, each of the five suites on offer is designed by Sheree and inspired by – and named after – her favourite coastal towns in Italy. 

The renovated property, a white cottage with striking terracotta roof tiles (imported directly from France), welcomes guests with blue skies and flowering white frangipani trees.

Pleasant and picturesque, guests are visually transported to the Mediterranean in both feeling and flare: Sheree has worked with Australian artists and artisans on the detailing – handpainted signs are by artist Nathan Pickering, handmade signs and tiles are by artisan Di Lunedi and in-doors, feature walls are adorned by the work of artist and designer Heidi Middleton.

At Il Delfino, guests are encouraged to feel as if the seaside inn is their own holiday home, and completely relax in this oceanfront 5-suite property.

Opening up original windows to bring in the fresh, sea breeze is a luxury in itself, with natural light coming through to awaken the body in sync with its circadian rhythm. Outside, the ocean beckons surfers and swimmers alike, with both waves and an ocean pool to dip in and out of.

For our morning coffee, we sit on our balcony with an espresso and look directly out front into the ocean for dolphins, these are the real locals here. In our welcome note from innkeeper Rebecca Rose, she notes she has “called the dolphins to welcome” us during our stay. The hospitality here is warm and welcoming, just like the boutique property itself.

With Aesop amenities found in the bathroom, there is no single use plastics here or in the kitchen. Fisher and Paykel appliances are discreetly tucked away but conveniently located, with Smeg kettle and coffee machine kitchen top, matching the decor. Providing ample space and storage for self-catering, the Il Delfino team can arrange a ‘market box’ with produce and staples from the local markets.

All taps run filtered water, but there is also Acqua Panna prepared for guests in rooms. Our favourite key detail however was the toxin-free and Australian-made Koala Eco kitchen amenities and laundry amenities available for guests in the cosy yet authentic ‘Laundry Room’ on-site.

In the local town there are great cafes and restaurants to visit, with Il Delfino providing an online PDF guide to equip guests before and during their stay with their dining itinerary.

The Italian expression ‘alla spiaggia’ (‘to the beach’) is one of Il Delfino’s mottos, highlighting the serenity of leisurely days by the beach just outside, where the unhurried pace allows for rest, relaxation and simple joys to spark new thoughts and ideas.

Il Dolce Far Niente – the sweet art of doing nothing – is another key Italian saying that we observe at Il Delfino. Found in the photobook by Lucy Laught that we borrow from the ‘Il Delfino Library’ (which we loaned complete with a cute, authentic ‘library loan’ sheet), this expression is relayed in the visual aesthetics in both the inn and the book.

The expression really encourages guests to switch off during their stay and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

From an espresso on the balcony looking out into sea, to dreaming on the sun loungers under the blue sky, this is where guests can pick up a book and actually finish it!

Il Delfino
4 Ocean Street, 
Yamba, New South Wales 2462 

For more design and travel destinations in Australia, click here

Images: As credited, Anna Pihan© and Champ Creative©
Text: Editorial Director Monique Kawecki