'I'll never stay in Sydney again, not when a place like this is only an hour flight away'
A co-worker once said, that whenever she goes away she almost needs an extra day to recover from the travelling.
And I get it, I do. But what if your weekend away had no agenda, no responsibilities and 48 hours of pure uninterrupted bliss?
Because sometimes that's the kind of holiday you need, and it's exactly what I found while staying at Byron Bay's most newly-renovated and ultra-chic boutique hotel.
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The Bower in Byron Bay has just finished a two-year remodel. Harrison Adams
What was once a retro drive-in motel, The Bower is now a coastal oasis in Northern NSW.
Surrounded by lush green subtropical gardens, it's a 15 minute walk from the centre of town.
But once you check in and slowly unwind, you'll find any excuse to stay on the hotel grounds. I can give you four reasons right now.
1. No two rooms are the same
Newly renovated and luxuriously expanded, this two-year project has been well worth the wait (and the perfect excuse for a girls' weekend or couple's escape).
Each of the rooms have been individually styled, balancing moody neutral tones with earthy textures and dramatic finishes – all while taking on The Bower's signature monochromatic vibe.
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Pick from king rooms, to studios, the famous 'Barn' or The Bower House and Cottage. Harrison Adams
I was blown away by the drama of the space. Harrison Adams
Stay in a studio and you'll be greeted with your own private entrance, a glass of bubbles and stunning four-poster king bed with layers of soft linen inviting you to relax in comfort and style.
Metres of draped curtain separate the main room from the ensuite. Walk through and you'll find a full stone bath overlooking a steamy outdoor shower that's calling your name.
I couldn't resist. This was the first time in a long time I filled up a bath, poured myself a hot tea, grabbed my book and just... breathed.
And there was nowhere else I'd rather be.
Pure bliss. Supplied / Harrison Adams
2. Come for the rooms, stay for the pool
This isn't just any pool. This is an award-winning magnesium pool that was perfectly heated during my winter stay.
They say magnesium pools are great for relieving stress and relaxing tired muscles. The gym girl in me couldn't wait to jump in.
This, in winter?! Supplied / Nine
Framed by low-hanging palm trees and the sun shining above, I lay in the pool and vowed to never stay in Sydney again.
Well, not during Sydney's winter and not when a place like this was only an hour flight away.
Meet the new queen of winter getaways. Supplied / Nine
I paused and looked around. It was quiet, and just the kind of quiet you need.
I also made a mental note that my future home must have a heated outdoor shower, just like the one here.
3. Indulge in a personalised spa treatment
After a day of exploring, treat your senses to a personalised experience at The Bower's Hotel Spa.
Located on site and available exclusively to guests, I indulged in a one-hour facial and massage. It was apparently exactly what my dehydrated skin needed.
See? I was learning a lot about myself on this trip.
Nowhere else I'd rather be. Harrison Adams
4. Discover what's new
The Bower is just minutes away from Byron's beaches, cafes and restaurants. But if you need a moment to pause, the brand new guest lounge and hotel bar will make that easy.
The new build allows for private functions too, and includes four brand new accommodation suites and a stunning new reception.
Enjoy a drink or two before you head out. Leif Prenzlau
The brand new and very chic guest lounge. Leif Prenzlau
The expansion was the final step in the two-year upgrade led by award-winning Architects Studio Plenty and Tanev Muir, cementing The Bower as a trailblazer in hotel design and stylish stays.
Step next door for a hearty meal
And if you do need to step outside, conveniently next door is The Byron Bay General Store serving freshly roasted coffee and a locally inspired breakfast menu.
A 20 minute walk to the beach? Stunning. Getty
Down the road, you'll find the Bay Grocer, a deli, café and gourmet supermarket all in one.
I ordered the most heart-warming chicken and ginger congee served with kimchi and crispy chili oil. Equally as hearty were the toasties and hot soup.
Perfect after a day of travelling. Supplied / Nine
The verdict
And so, after two blissful nights, my time at The Bower came to an end. A place where you're "not just visiting" as the owner intended, but a space to relax, rejuvenate and unwind.
If it's time you indulged in a luxe beach getaway, then this is the place.
The writer travelled as a guest of The Bower, Byron Bay.
