Calile Hotel
Calile Hotel - Get the Look
Written by Alison Lewis
I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at the urban oasis that is the Calile Hotel a couple of times and each time I learn a little more about myself. Mainly, I’m a sucker for a beautifully designed hotel and the Calile is in my opinion one of the best in Australia.
Before we get started, let’s clarify one of the biggest questions on everyone’s lips, how is Calile pronouned? I took a hit for the team and called them directly to find out. Unsurprisingly they’ve jumped on this little bandwagon and their introductory recording clarifies the pronunciation, in addition to confirming how it’s NOT said. Which was great for me as I didn’t have to speak with a real person to find out - anxiety abated.
Drum roll please 🥁
It’s pronounced phonetically Ca-Lile. If you really struggle, think of the Carlisle Homes jingle and you’ll be set.
Now that’s clear, let’s take a look at how you can achieve the salty, lusty, laid-back beachy vibe of The Calile at home.
Kitting out a hotel of this size is no easy exercise. Brisbane-based architect and design studio Richards and Spense have used a clever combination of materiality to create spaces that feel calming, serene and full of resort-style Pina-colada living. The results are paired back rooms with simple design elements that have been executed beautifully and with personality, while the common hotel areas and restaurants up the material ante to really show off its luxurious appeal. This is escapism at its best.
Neutral, earthy tones and tactile materials adorn the brutalist inspired exterior while Palm Springs modernist inspired pool, restaurants and hotel foyer draw in natural light and breezy winds. Natural travertine throughout makes way for a transition to custom stained cork flooring in the guest rooms, a simple, yet softer and more cost-effective switch that not only adds warmth under foot, but acoustic benefits.
Each room is drenched in a single tone of pink, blue or green, coupled with cork, marble and leather, allowing the interiors to take on an effortless soothing quality that draws you in and replaces bustling city life with calming coastal vibes.
From top left. Paint: Dulux Lilac Light, Towels: Busby Pool Towel, Baina, Sanitiser: Resurrection Rinse-free Handwash, Aesop, Soap Dish: Data Posy Soap Dish, Sage x Clare, Benchtop: Fascino Marble, CDK, Cotto Manetti Tiles, Artedomus, Basin: Kiln 360 Ceramic Above Counter Basin in Coast, Robert Gordon Interiors, Tapware: Miss Drift MK2 Wall Basin Mixer Set in brushed Brass, Reece, Fatima’s Reflection Terrazzo, Fibonacci, Wall Light: Lucciola Wall Light, Lights, Lights, Lights.
To replicate the laid-back sophistication of The Calile Hotel, focus on a palette of soft neutrals and warm tones, reminiscent of signature terrazzo floors and sandy hues. Start with natural materials like travertine, light oak, and linen for a relaxed yet refined base and work your way up by adding softness over softness to evoke serenity and feeling in the space.
Incorporate curved furnishings to echo the hotel's modern, organic lines and add layers of subtle luxury with brass accents, like statement lighting or tapware.
For that poolside vibe, introduce touches of greenery with potted palms or succulents, and add movement to the space with textured cushions and flowing curtains. Finally, let natural light flow freely to capture that sun-drenched, urban oasis feel. Cocktails optional but preferred.
From top left. Rug: K2 Banda Rug, Loom, Paint: Dulux Pure Blue, Blanket: Jordan Alpaca Blanket in Sand, Jardan, Cushion: Bowie Square Cushion in Sepia and Natural Fringe, Jardan, Bolster: Panama Bolster Cushion in Juniper, Jardan, Cork: Terra Cork, Kustom Timber, Table Lamp: &Tradition Setago Portable Table Lamp, Cult, Flooring: Calypso Flooring, Kustom Timber, Floor Lamp: 9602 Floor Lamp in Canvas, In Good Company.
Channeling effortless luxury and relaxed elegance is what makes The Calile so iconic—proof that purposeful intention and a commitment to simplicity goes a long way in transforming your everyday space into a true retreat.
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