It’s been 13 years since I last visited Byron Bay, and as I jumped on a plane in Melbourne – preemptively dressed in shorts and a cap – I was more than ready to get my dose of sun, sand and surf. Unfortunately the weather gods had other plans, and from the moment I touched down at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, it was pouring.
Luckily though, when you’re staying at The Bower, it doesn’t matter what conditions are like outside – this sleek and sophisticated New York-inspired accommodation opened in 2017 and delivers a guaranteed good time all year round. So despite the soggy start, I was given the warmest of welcomes at reception (a towel was even offered to help me dry off), quickly cementing my hunch that this was going to be a very special stay.
Why stay at The Bower?
There’s certainly no shortage of hotels, hostels, Airbnbs or holiday homes in Byron Bay, but The Bower makes a very convincing case as to why it should be top of your must-stay list. First of all, it’s giving laid-back glamour – think fancy finishes and a polished design aesthetic combined with lush palm trees and calming vibes. It’s the type of place where you can bring the whole family (yep, kids are welcome!) or escape to for a private getaway (honeymoon, anyone?).
The Bower is also committed to sustainability, and aside from doing all the usual things – proper sorting and recycling of waste, solar power – the team also uses filtered water, requests environmental credentials from all suppliers and has installed LED lighting to keep energy use down. Talk about ticking all the right environmentally friendly boxes.
Plus, you'll have full access to top-notch facilities including a pool surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, a day spa and complimentary Lekker bikes to cruise around Byron on.
What are the rooms like at The Bower?
It’s clear that The Bower is no cookie-cutter hotel – there’s an array of rooms, suites and even an entire cottage (that sleeps ten people!) to suit your holiday vibe. I’m staying in one of the Studios, which is situated towards the back of the property behind a large white-washed wall, instantly giving you a sense of total seclusion and privacy.
The Bower’s timeless colour palette of black, white and grey extends to this space, too – there’s a jet-black, four-poster king-size bed; inky Ralph Lauren linen curtains that fall from the high ceilings; dark timbers and custom-aged mirrors in a gun-metal grey hue. The bespoke windows let in the perfect amount of light, creating a cosy, tranquil retreat you won’t want to leave. And I almost didn’t; the torrential rain meant that there was no other option one morning than to stay bunkered down in bed watching Netflix until the downpour finally subsided around 2pm. Can confirm it was a blissful few hours.
The Studio also boasts a kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee machine and mini bar, an allocated car space, a small outdoor courtyard and the pièce de résistance: a giant freestanding bath. It'd be rude not to put it to good use, so do as I did and fill ‘er up, sprinkle in some bath salts, pour a glass of red and relax.
What are the best places to eat/drink nearby?
Byron Bay’s dining scene has had quite the glow-up since I last visited, and is now home to some shiny spots serving up A-grade fare that easily rivals anything I’ve eaten in Melbourne recently. At the heart of this hospo evolution is the Jonson Lane Precinct (just a five-minute walk from The Bower), where you’ll find a trio of excellent venues.
Light Years is a hugely popular modern Asian restaurant that has nailed the easy-breezy beach-chic vibe. Go in a group and order a bunch of shareplates – the firecracker chicken and pickled papaya salad are non-negotiables – then feast to your heart’s content. The terracotta-hued space with colourful murals will also give you major design envy. Just across the lane is Pixie Food and Wine, which offers your taste buds a one-way ticket to Italy. Pasta is the name of the game here, so don’t fill up on the house-baked focaccia (as tempting as that may be).
Then wash it all down with a vino over at Bar Heather, a dimly lit drinking den where the team will happily talk you through the rows and rows of wine bottles. A nightcap in Byron never felt so cool.
But for a taste of that classic hippie-infused coastal energy, you can’t go past the General Store, where shoes are optional. Situated (a little too conveniently) right next door to The Bower, consider it a must-visit for anything brewed, blended or topped with ingredients like lion’s mane, MCT oil, maca and hemp seeds. Healthy doesn’t equal boring though; everything on the menu is flavour-packed, and I can vouch for the tastiness of the okonomiyaki and hinterland mushrooms.
And of course, for a frothy with a side of live music or footy on the big screen, nothing beats the Beach Hotel.
What is the service like at The Bower?
Welcoming, kind and attentive – but not in a forced or overbearing way. The entire team at The Bower are full of tips on where to eat, what to do and how to get the most out of your time in Byron. They’ll happily supply things like a yoga mat or GHD straightener, and were also quick to remind me that since I was staying in one of the Studios, I was eligible for a late check-out at 11am (heaven!). Don’t hesitate to hit them up for anything during your stay.
What are the facilities like at The Bower?
The jewel in the Bower’s sparkly crown is its pool – a circular, made-for-Instagram oasis that’s cool in summer and warmed via solar panels in winter. It’s also chemical-free with added magnesium, meaning it relieves stress, soothes aching muscles and is gentler on your hair and skin. There are ample sun lounges and cabanas for relaxing in, and the adjacent Garden Bar is open daily for cocktails and bar snacks.
The Bower also boasts an on-site spa, where you can book in for a range of treatments, including facials, massages, LED therapy and microneedle dermal rolling. I was lucky enough to get a facial with Layla, who was so thorough in her analysis of my skin (which was in desperate need of some hydration) and had me in such a deep state of relaxation that I may have (almost definitely) dozed off. The spa uses Mukti Organics products – a luxury, female-founded skincare brand based in Mullumbimby that is renowned for its organic, sustainable range that utilises native Australian botanical ingredients. Go on, treat yo’ self – you won’t regret it.
What to do in Byron Bay?
It’s Byron, baby – if you’re not making a beeline for the beach, you’re doing it wrong. You can bet that as soon as the sun came out on my final day, I was straight to Main Beach for a dip. And yes, it was refreshing in the best way possible. More of a surfer? Head to the Pass (ideal for beginners), Cosy Corner or Broken Head.
Cape Byron Lighthouse – aka the most easterly point in Australia – is a must-see attraction, and offers sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. Visit from June to November, and you may even spot humpback whales as they migrate to warmer waters for breeding. The 3.7-kilometre walking track around the Cape is well worth raising a sweat for, and it snakes through lush rainforest and along some gorgeous clifftops. My tip? Stop for a little dip at Wategos Beach (home to the Insta-famous Raes on Wategos) to cool off.
The main drag of Jonson Street is dotted with shops – think big-name brands, bougie boutiques and health stores – and there are markets on most weekends. And if you’ve got a car, you may want to explore some of the surrounding townships like Banglow, Lennox Head and Suffolk Park.
***
Rain, hail or shine, there’s nowhere I’d rather stay in Byron Bay than The Bower. Luxuriously equipped, conveniently located (close but not too close to all the action) and with bed linen so bougie I wanted to take it home with me, it’s hard to fault. In fact, as I lay by the pool on my last day – yes, when the sun finally came out! – I turned to my husband and said: “Could we live here?” So if anyone at the Bower wants to take on some permanent residents, give me a call.
The key details
Address: 28 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Price per night: The Studio is available from $600 per night
Closest transport link: The closest airport is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from The Bower
Book now: click here
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