Head south to Byron Bay for a winter escape at The Bower Hotel & Spa
Just because it’s a bit chilly doesn’t mean a beachside getaway should be off the cards. If anything, now is the best time to escape to the coast for a few days and we know just the place to rest your head. The Bower in Byron Bay is an ultra-chic hotel that has everything you need for a vaycay – luxuriously appointed rooms, a heated magnesium pool, a top-notch spa and a New York-meets-Byron Bay aesthetic to die for. We paid the hotel a visit recently – here’s what we saw …
We cruise southward down the M1 on a Friday afternoon, with bags packed and out-of-office alert activated. The energy of the manic week that was continues to course through our veins as we depart Brisbane and pass through Logan and the Gold Coast, but – like magic – it all drops away as soon as we cross the border into New South Wales. Almost as if by instinct, holiday mode activates – the traffic seems to thin and the road smoothes out as we gradually pass through the northernmost portion of the Northern Rivers.
You can probably guess by now that we’re Byron Bay bound. During the summer, this coastal town buzzes with vacationers, foodies and other free-spirited folk – all seeking a dose of sun, surf and serenity. While it might strike some as odd that we’ve tabbed Byron Bay for a winter getaway, those in the know will agree that, when the temps dip, few places make better sense for a weekend escape – especially when we’ve locked in The Bower Hotel & Spa as our base of operations.
Since it opened in 2017, The Bower has been a go-to accommodation spot for those craving cosy comfort and privacy with a touch of luxe. Located south of Byron Bay’s central hub on Bangalow Road, this former motel has been converted into a boutique oasis, boasting individually styled rooms that marry coastal chic with designer elegance – think cosmopolitan edge of New York mixed with the beatific bohemian breeziness of Byron Bay.
Conceived and designed by a team of creatives, including Byron designer Taliah Lowry, architect John Burgess, interior designer Kate Sacks and stylist Kimberley Wiedermann, The Bower elevates the motel environment, imbuing it with a timeless identity. As we pull into the hotel’s slender carpark, we’re greeted by palms swaying against the flawless blue sky. General manager Cath Leonard shows us to our room – a spacious suite called The Studio, accessed via a private courtyard.
As we make our way, Cath explains that no two rooms at The Bower are exactly the same – from the King and Queen rooms and freestanding studios to the 100-year-old cottage that sleeps ten. Our room is moody and sophisticated, with stone bench tops, dark oak cabinetry and limestone floors covered by custom-made rugs. On the other side of our king-size bed (dressed in Cultiver linen) is a full stone bath and separate bathroom suite. While every bone in our body is telling that all we’ll need for the next two nights is within these four walls, there’s more to explore.
The Bower is also home to a picturesque magnesium pool framed by tropical gardens, which is heated so that it remains inviting – even in the middle of winter. The chemical-free water is soothing, with just a quick dip enough to rejuvenate. The pool is surrounded by loungers, each affixed with a QR code so you can order drinks and nibbles without needing to rouse yourself and head to the adjacent bar. But if its a true pampering experience you’re after, The Bower’s hotel spa has everything you need to make you forget all about the things that weigh you down, from foot baths and soothing massages to facials and treatments using luxurious Mukti Organics.
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Over the weekend, we manage to leave the comforts of our room and explore Byron Bay and its surrounds. On night one, dinner at Pixie Italian down the road was followed by a martini at Bar Heather. The following morning, we trekked to Folk Cafe for a nourishing late breakfast, before a lunchtime swim. That afternoon, we headed out to Raes at Wategos for a spritz and a snack before driving out to Bangalow, where we experienced true-blue hospitality at You Beauty before tucking into pizza and pasta at Ciao, Mate! Before heading home on Sunday we stopped in for an early breakfast at The Byron Bay General Store (located conveniently next door to The Bower) and then, as is tradition, walked up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. We paid Baloney’s Deli a visit before cruising back to Brisbane, nabbing a focaccia sandwich for the road.
Craving a weekend away? The Bower Hotel & Spa is offering a winter luxury package, which includes a three-night stay for the cost of two. If the grind of 2025 is wearing you down, a stay at The Bower is just the thing to get you back into fighting form. Head to the hotel’s website for more information.
The writer was a guest of The Bower Hotel & Spa