‘Unplug and unwind’: Luxury Byron Bay retreat has everything you could ever want – except this
An adults-only retreat not far from the centre of the northern NSW tourist hot spot delivers the set up for a chilled-out weekend.
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There was a time in my life when a weekend spent surfing in Byron Bay was a regular getaway. But now, my life includes two small children so this sort of carefree escape is a rare luxury.
Thankfully, luxury is what is in store at 28 Degrees, a boutique five-star guesthouse, hidden among tropical trees, just minutes from the centre of the northern NSW town. The first thing I notice is how quiet it is. This adults-only retreat is designed for a tranquil stay, and it delivers.
A discreet, tall entrance gate reveals a central courtyard of wooden decking and tropical gardens, where five private rooms each have their own entry.
Owner and interior designer Deb Garske has carefully designed the accommodation in a theme she describes as “timeless, barefoot luxury”. Think deep chocolate-coloured wooden floorboards underfoot, organic cream and beige bed linen from Hale Mercantile Co., custom rattan cupboards and a matching rose-coloured marble top side table.
Thoughtful touches include incredibly soft French linen robes, and a complimentary minibar with local beers, Mount Warning bottled water, Koko Black chocolates and coconut water, as well as handcrafted ceramics from local artist Madhavi Muncie to sip Tea Shop Noosa leaf tea.
Notably there’s no TV, with Deb encouraging guests to unplug and unwind.
Stepping outside, our petite private deck has a soaring palm tree and a deep plunge pool big enough for two. My husband and I waste no time trying it out and it immediately washes away the stress of the drive with its clean, chemical-free Grander-filtered waters.
Over the past decade, owners Deb and Lindon Garske have grown their property. In the original main house, guests in each of the seven rooms share a communal kitchen, lounge and pool. In the newest, more private offering, where we are staying, there are three plunge-pool rooms, as well as a second- floor option with a view of the Byron lighthouse, and a larger three-storey luxury villa.
We are just one block back from the beach, so we take advantage of the vintage-style bikes available for guests. In minutes we are cruising along the esplanade path to find a sheltered spot for an afternoon dip. The Pass, which sweeps south into a rocky headland, is as stunning as I remember. It’s exactly why this beach is such a mecca for tourists of all kinds; there’s deeply tanned dads with their daughters trading wave stories, baby boomers in luxe resort wear, and the largest group – effortlessly cool backpackers living their best van-life.
We cycle back to 28 Degrees to change, before heading to hole-in-the wall Mexican, Miss Margarita on Jonson St, where outside tables are ideal for people watching. After a few margaritas and some tender pulled pork and black bean tacos, we yawn and decide to call it a night. A few years ago, bar hopping would have been the obvious choice but we are two tired parents and the lure of a good night’s sleep on a kingsize Sealy Posturepedic bed is too great. The bed is so comfortable and the accommodation so tranquil we don’t wake up for nine hours.
Early the next morning, a bite of Deb’s homemade gluten-free granola, with yoghurt and fruit compote is enough to fuel a ride and morning swim.
But we indulge in a second breakfast at Bayleaf Cafe just 30m down the street where the coffee is rich and smooth. Brekkie offerings are generous and the food terrific – we choose well with a creamy chilli egg scramble and the avo toast on sourdough with beetroot relish and burnt lemon.
My husband retreats to our room for a nap, while I walk off brekkie browsing the boutiques. On the main street an old bloke in a tie-dye rainbow tee, is hula hooping and singing out of tune in the hope of a few coins; a nearby noticeboard advertises workshops for breathwork, yoga and crystal healing; and further along, I pass a group of orange-robed folk chanting “hari hari, hari Krishna”.
It’s refreshing that in a town where home values start in the millions and movie star Chris Hemsworth is among its residents, that Bryon’s spiritual and alternative roots endure.
Back at the room, I fall into the soft fabric armchair by Maker&Son to read a book and sip peppermint tea. We had initially planned to bring boards but Cyclone Alfred has whipped up wild surf that dwarfs our skill level.
Instead it’s lunch at Beach Byron Bay where we have front row seats to watch the thrillseekers riding the overhead waves rolling into Clarkes Beach.
We share a carafe of rosé from NSW’s Central Ranges, and try raw tuna with zesty finger lime and avocado, which is fresh and well balanced, and a deliciously, rich fried gnocchi with local mushrooms, leek, and parmesan. The rest of the weekend unfolds in the same slow-pace; drinking coffee (Combi is another great spot), wine on our private deck, taking dips in the ocean and plunge pool, bike riding and reading. In the late afternoon, we breathe in the fresh sea air on a long walk that ends up at the lookout atop the rocky headland at The Pass.
We are barefoot and completely relaxed. What a luxury.
28 Degrees
12 Marvell St
Byron Bay
Rooms from $650 a night
28byronbay.com.au
Originally published as ‘Unplug and unwind’: Luxury Byron Bay retreat has everything you could ever want – except this
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