I’ll be honest: I don’t really do slow. As creative director at marie claire, my world is a carousel of fashion shoots, emails, and back-to-back deadlines that leaves little room for… well, anything. So, in an act of self-preservation, I did something radical: I booked a three-day winter escape to Byron Bay. And not just anywhere in Byron – to The Bower, the boutique hotel that’s become the unofficial HQ for design lovers, wellness warriors, and those in need of a reset.
Where Barefoot Byron Meets New York Cool
Think cool coastal vibes meet downtown New York grit – that’s The Bower Byron Bay in a nutshell. This boutique gem in Northern NSW takes the old-school motel and flips it into a sleek, sophisticated sanctuary that’s as stylish now as when it first opened in 2017. The owners nailed it, blending Byron’s laid-back, barefoot charm with the edgy, industrial chic of Manhattan’s Bowery. The result? A hotel that’s effortlessly elegant yet totally relaxed – part luxe hideaway, part creative playground.
Every room is its own curated haven, mixing natural textures like wood and metals with plush velvets and crisp linens, all wrapped up in a moody, neutral palette that feels both timeless and on-trend. Those century-old timber beams? Pure character. The interiors play with tradition and whimsy, making each stay feel personal and polished.
Outside, you’ll find lush tropical gardens and a dreamy magnesium pool framed by palms – the ultimate spot to chill, recharge, and soak up Byron’s artistic energy.
With just 14 beautifully appointed rooms, The Bower is your home away from home – if your home came with a minibar, espresso machine, down comforters, and 50-inch flat-screen TVs. Every room is designed for comfort and style, featuring premium bedding, designer toiletries, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected (or help you switch off, your call).
Interior designer Kate Sacks described it best: “My design approach is always to create spaces with character that are unique, timeless and transcend trends.” Her goal? To take the nostalgic concept of the Aussie motel and give it a chic, bespoke twist.
Stylist Lynda Gardener, the layering queen behind the finishing touches, calls it a mix of traditional and playful: “Rooms are balanced through a mix of textures and tones – wood, metals, textiles, plush velvets and linens.”
The Bower. Image: Harrison Adams
Relaxing By The Pool (And The Spa)
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the heated magnesium pool. The water is infused with magnesium chloride, which apparently helps with sore muscles and stress, though honestly, I didn’t need the science – I just knew I never wanted to leave.
The pool is set against lush tropical gardens, and just beside it? The Garden Bar, open daily from 11am. After a morning swim, I ordered a citrusy spritz and sank into a sun lounger under the palms, marvelling at the fact that winter here meant 22°C and no shoes.
And then came The Bower Spa. I could write an entire essay on this alone, but I’ll keep it simple: heaven. Tucked away in a leafy corner of the property, the spa is private, quiet, and utterly divine. I began with a warm foot bath, followed by the relaxation massage – a full-body treatment using aromatic oils and that kind of slow, intentional pressure that makes you wonder why you haven’t done this every week of your adult life.
But the real star was the Ultimate Indulgence treatment: 2.5 hours of ritual. A scrub, massage, customised facial using Mukti Organics, and a glass of bubbles at the end – because why not? My skin glowed, my brain turned off. It was the best kind of pampering.
Where To Dine
We loved Pixie Italian, a stunning space designed by the award-winning Flack Studio that channels the effortless cool of a nostalgic Italian summer – with a distinct Byron Bay twist. Inspired by the bold contrasts celebrated by 1970s architect Gae Aulenti, Pixie’s interiors marry vintage Italian flair with laid-back coastal vibes, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Sip a spritz on the terrace, enjoy a cocktail and snack at the bar, or settle into the chic main dining room – it’s all heavenly.
Byron In Winter Is A Serious Vibe
Here’s the thing no one tells you: Byron Bay in winter is a vibe. The crowds thin out, the skies go high-def, and the sherbet sunsets hit different. I came back relaxed, borderline insufferable about magnesium, and with a vow to never again underestimate the power of a well-designed getaway. Would I go back? Already booked. Winter? Handled.
Go to thebowerbyronbay.com.au. To book, go to luxuryescapes.com
Words: Rebecca Rhodes
