Meet Cisco Gorrow, one of the creative minds behind Sea Sea Hotel, where surf vibes and timeless design create a unique experience that’s all about relaxed elegance.
What inspired you to create Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head, and how does it reflect your personal style and vision?
My husband George always had a vision of building a hotel that revolved around Australian surf culture. Crescent Head holds a special place in his heart—it’s where he travelled with his dad for surf trips as a young boy, forming a deep connection with the area.
When we returned home from Bali after founding and running The Slow Hotel for four years, everything fell into place, allowing us to transform an old 25-room motel into what is now Sea Sea. The hotel is designed to be an experience where guests can lounge and unwind. From our cozy fireplace for cooler winter nights to a large vinyl collection for curated sound evenings, as well as a pool, ice bath, and sauna, Sea Sea offers spaces for relaxation between surf sessions. It’s a place where we hope every guest finds their own rhythm to unwind and connect with the beauty of Crescent Head.
What unique experiences does Sea Sea offer to guests, and how does it cater to surfers and travellers alike?
What we’re really excited about is our Rental Fleet of surfboards, curated by Andy Findlay from Wildthings Gallery in Byron Bay. This collection offers a range of unique surfboards that travelers can pre-book before their arrival, making it easy to travel light while ensuring thy have access to quality boards.
We’re also proud of our collaboration with Albe Falzon, who is exhibiting his photographs of Crescent Head in the 1970s. His work captures the area’s beauty and spirit in such a unique way, and his artworks are available for purchase at Sea Sea.
To elevate the guest experience further, our menu is curated by Dan Medcalf, a dear friend and chef who worked with us at The Slow. Our cocktails are crafted by Antonello Arzedi, a head mixologist from Scout, and our wines are hand-selected by Mike Bennie from P&V. Together, these elements bring a truly special offering to Crescent Head, blending surf culture with elevated dining and art.
We also offer e-bikes with surf racks available to rent for our guests, making it super fun to check out the surf or take the kids for a ride. It reminds me of riding a scooter in Bali—it’s a little slice of freedom.
What’s your go-to look when transitioning from managing a surf hotel to enjoying a sunset session?
My go-to look would be vintage denim cut-off shorts paired with a Ryder tank during the day—perfect for staying cool and casual while managing the hotel. As the evening rolls in, I’d swap the tank for the embroidered Rosalie blouse in light blue. If we’re hosting a special event, I’d slip the Ellory mini dress over my bikini.
Can you share a bit about the collaboration with Icebergs Dining Room for your pop-up event?
Our longtime friend Maurice Terzini from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney, along with George and myself, came up with the idea of bringing Icebergs to Sea Sea for a surfing-inspired pop-up. This meant we brought a taste of Maurice’s signature dishes and cocktails to Crescent Head, creating a fun and exciting event. It was such a beautiful collaboration, and we love working with great friends to bring special experiences to the area. We’re excited to continue hosting more events like this in the future.
What makes Auguste the Label a natural fit for your personal style and Sea Sea’s aesthetic?
I love the effortless style that comes with wearing Auguste the Label dresses. They’ve always been one of my favourites—my love for them began during my years in Bali, where the humidity is so intense, and it’s continued here in Australia. Auguste dresses are lightweight, versatile, and so easy to wear. I appreciate how I can go from coming home from the beach to walking into a meeting and still feel perfectly dressed for both. They just flow so beautifully. One of my absolute favourites is the new blue tie-dye dress—it’s stunning and embodies everything I love about the brand.
How do art and design play a role in shaping the atmosphere of Sea Sea?
At Sea Sea, we pride ourselves on offering a 360-degree experience that allows guests to relax and unwind without having to make decisions. It’s all about taking them on an effortless, curated journey with us. A key part of this is the single, cohesive sound that flows throughout the entire venue, curated by Wesley Herron of LA's renowned Reverberation Radio, ensuring the space is always in harmony and on the same vibration.
The art displayed in the hotel is another integral part of the atmosphere. It includes over 100 pieces from George’s and my personal collection, featuring works by great friends and artists like Daniel Askil, Greg Nagle, Rostarr, Ozzy Wrong, Woody Gooch, Aleph Geddis, Ralph Steadman, Mad Saki, Dmote, Kate Bellm, Mike Piscitelli and many more. This blend of curated sound and personal art creates an immersive and inspiring environment that reflects the essence of Sea Sea.
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