Home Away From Home: Lilypad Palm Beach is one-of-a-kind luxury accommodation

From the shores of Sydney’s Palm Beach, it may seem like a captivating little seaside structure had unwittingly drifted off to sea. But by no means is this fanciful floating home adrift. It’s a one-of-a-kind holiday home known as Lilypad Palm Beach.

Designer and owner Chuck Anderson, who grew up on the northern beaches where ocean-based pursuits reign supreme, manifested the concept for Lilypad in 2015.

With a life spent around boats, both for leisure and working as a marine engineer, Anderson’s vision was to inspire others to experience the magic that comes with being on the water and welcoming those from a “non-boaty” background.

Unlike a typical holiday home, on land or otherwise, Lilypad offers a total walk-on, walk-off service, bringing an all-inclusive resort-style stay just metres offshore, yet with the complete notion of being in the middle of the sea.

The journey begins ashore, where the concierge greets guests at the nearby jetty and takes them on a short boat trip, before they step foot onto the docking pontoon and arrive aboard the luxurious floating villa.

Once on deck, the striking Scandinavian-inspired structure instils a sense of calm and solitude, with its simple design and high-level craftsmanship and engineering.

Bifold doors open from the deck into an open sun-drenched interior, with the living room acting like a warm embrace, achieved by the open fireplace and oversized linen sofa. The full-sized kitchen stocks complimentary gourmet meals, from a welcome seafood spread to a gourmet meat platter, ready for a barbecue dinner aboard.

And in another point of difference to other boating accommodations where bathrooms can often feel compact, Lilypad presents a spacious and elegant bathroom that would rival that of a grand apartment.

Up the short set of stairs the loft bedroom awaits, with a plush queen-size bed, surrounded by a slim bifold opening and a set of louvre windows that allow the cool sea breeze to flow in.

No matter which room you’re in, spectacular sea views abound, with the ocean gently pivoting the villa and providing an ever-changing panorama.

While in Palm Beach

Dunes Palm Beach

After check-out, find your land legs and say goodbye to Palm Beach in style with a long lazy lunch at Dunes Palm Beach, a relaxed, breezy eatery with beach views and leafy surrounds. Sandy feet are welcome.

Private beaches

Take the dinghy for a trip to nearby Portuguese Beach – a 20-metre wide sandy beach only reachable by water. Don’t forget to pack your complimentary tasting plate and champagne, ready for a private picnic at sunset.

The Boathouse

Should you choose to forgo your on-board breakfast, make your way to popular waterside cafe, The Boathouse Palm Beach. Find a spot at a wooden picnic table then order inside from a blackboard menu.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Take an easy and picturesque walk along the Barrenjoey Headland hiking trail, which leads you to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning ocean views of Pittwater.