The Lido Terrace
The new Lido Terrace at Il Delfino Seaside Inn is where easygoing Australian surf culture meets Mediterranean charm.
Just 90 minutes south of Byron Bay, the beloved surfing town of Yamba offers the same incredible surf breaks and swimming spots as its famous cousin with a more laidback, welcoming atmosphere. Channelling this relaxed beach culture, the stunning Il Delfino and its brand new Lido Terrace are located just footsteps away from Yamba’s Main Beach.
Built in 1948, this boutique seaside inn is one of the town’s last remaining original oceanfront structures. Its most recent incarnation, Il Delfino, opened in April 2024 and was recently recognised as a Michelin Key hotel for its old-school hospitality and timeless Mediterranean style. It offers rare direct beach access and just a handful of beautiful suites and a bungalow, all with spectacular ocean views.
The Lido Terrace is a unique new addition to the acclaimed inn. The terrace is an extension of Il Delfino itself, and everything about it reflects the inn’s dedication to slow, unhurried days taking in the sun, surf and sea air. “The Lido is a private, guests-only communal space inspired by Italy’s timeless seaside clubs, but designed for Australian beach days,” says founder Sheree Commerford. “It’s a place for people to come together, to slow down and to return to those long, endless days of childhood.”
Stepping through the arched doorway marked “alla spiaggia” – to the beach – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve ended up on the Amalfi coast rather than northern NSW. Heading down terraced pathways, you’ll find a shaded alfresco dining area for long, leisurely meals, a chess terrace, two outdoor showers and a space for shared surfboards. A gate leads directly onto the foreshore and crystalline ocean beyond, while a line of sun lounges under red and cream umbrellas invites you to read, relax or simply while the day away. The magic of the Lido Terrace is that it quickly becomes a place you never want to leave.
