Koholā by Contemporary Hotels

Kohola means 'whale' in Hawaiian. That's not just a reference to the beach. The house's owners have an enduring connection to the Aloha State: they met and then got married there. In a way, that tells you everything you need to know about this stylish family beach house. It's not a cookie-cutter rental property. It's a beloved home, and a home you are sure to fall in love with.

The vital statistics are impressive. Kohola can comfortably sleep 10, making it perfect for families or groups of friends. The split-level design includes two bedrooms on the entry level - a king with an en-suite, ocean views and balcony access, and a bunk room - along with the airy, vaulted living area and kitchen. The level below also features two bedrooms - a king and a king with an en-suite, each with access to the covered deck, along with a separate living area and the pool.

The infinity pool is a sight to behold, with uninterrupted views north along the white sands of Whale Beach (just five minutes' walk away) and up the Barrenjoey Peninsula. The decks on both levels are substantial, offering plenty of room too entertain or relax. There are multiple indoor and outdoor living areas, heating and cooling, a laundry, an internal garage with space for two cars and all the modern conveniences like Netflix and a multi-room music system.

But a list of features doesn't do justice to a house like this. The list of luxuries - and Kohola has plenty -is less important than the way everything works together to create a sense of unfussy relaxation. The soaring ceiling of the main living area and the sea view. The crisp white walls and the tasteful modern furniture. The carefully curated artworks. The teal of the internal shutters and the hazel bedspreads.

You'll sense it as soon as you step inside. True luxury isn't showy. It feels like this.

What the owner loves
The owners love everything about this house. They were intimately involved in the recent renovation and interior design work. The result is an unbeatable combination of practicality and style, a house that feels as good to live in as it does to look at. There's space for entertaining, for chilling out by the pool, for letting the kids go wild and for sleeping in. And with the magnificent fireplace and heated pool, it's as good for a winter getaway as a summer holiday.

What we love
We love Whale Beach and we're sure you will too. Lacking some of the pretension of its northern neighbour, Palm Beach, it's nevertheless a private and exclusive getaway destination only an hour from Sydney. Surfing, sailing and bushwalking are all within easy reach, but a flat white and a novel by the pool go down pretty well too. Lucky winter visitors may even experience the beach and the house living up to their names: migrating whales make their way down the coast from June to November.

What the family traveller loves
When it's not being rented, this is a family home. So it makes sense that it's all set up for families of all shapes and sizes. The four-bed bunk room is great for kids, while the downstairs king room can be split into two singles if requested. The beach and pool are great ways to tire out young ones out, but if that doesn't work multiple living areas mean they can entertain themselves close to adult supervision (but not too close). A Smart TV with Netflix and loads of board games are provided.

Kohola has a strict no shoes in the house policy.

Bedding configuration
Bedroom 1: King Bed with en-suite
Bedroom 2: Two bunk beds
Bedroom 3: King bed
Bedroom 4: King bed with en-suite - this bed may be configured into two separate single beds upon request at the time of booking. Please confirm in writing with your host that you would like this bedding configuration.