We checked into the newly refurbished The Bower which features new rooms, a day spa and a bar.

Byron Bay is peppered with breezy stays that channel the laidback town’s coastal charm. The most recent accommodation to catch our attention is The Bower. While not a new kid on the block, this popular boutique hotel has just received a stylish upgrade to its New York chic meets beachy calm aesthetic. The makeover includes the addition of a sparkling new bar, a day spa and four new accommodations, elevating it just in time for summer. And it promises luxe meets relaxed vibes aplenty.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at this coastal retreat surrounded by lush sub-tropical gardens.

Location

The Bower is centrally located within walking distance of Byron’s best restaurants, cafes and bars. The General Store Cafe, a popular cafe serving a delicious range of local goods from gourmet granola to cold-pressed juices, is located next door, and Pixie Italian, a sleek Italian trattoria serving modern Sicilian-style bites, is a five-minute walk away – the mafaldine with king prawns, cherry tomato, chilli pangrattato and bisque is a must!

A gentle 20-minute stroll down the road will have you at Main Beach, a popular spot for families as it’s patrolled every day of the year. Cape Byron Lighthouse is less than 10 minutes’ drive away and offers spectacular vantage points for spotting migrating whales. During my stay, I spotted too many whales to keep track of, dolphins and a sea turtle.

The Bower also offers complimentary LEKKER bikes, and in my opinion, this is the best way to explore the region.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest airport and is a half-hour drive away. Ubers are prevalent in the area, but The Bower also offers luxury transfers.

Style and character

Multiple creatives have contributed to The Bower’s style over time.

Originally co-owned and designed by Tahliah Lowry (Micalo) alongside architect John Burgess and interior designer Kate Sacks, The Bower mixes New York chic with breezy Byron Bay charm.

Architects Tanev Muir and Studio Plenty guided the recent renovation, enhancing the interiors and adding four new suites, a bar area and an upgraded reception space. They worked closely with local artisans such as Joinery by Morgan and Alexis Williams to craft custom joinery and furnishings. The result is spaces balanced with blackened oak wall panelling, silky lacquered surfaces and custom cabinetry, complemented by lighter accents and soft textures.

Stylist Kimberley Wiedermann of Accolade Design was also called upon in the makeover. Wiedermann sensitively built upon the existing monochromatic aesthetic over 18 months, while also styling the new spaces. “Building on The Bower’s signature monochromatic aesthetic, I introduced rich, earthy textures and tones, layering oversized furniture, artisan-crafted objects and bespoke pieces," she explained.

Styling focused on rich textural elements such as linens, velvets, and vintage artworks in pared-back tones. Photographs by former synchronised swimmer turned photographer Francesca Owens, taken from the hotel’s swimming pool, are displayed throughout the accommodation, adding a personal touch that feels perfectly in tune with the coastal setting.

Facilities

It’s hard to pull yourself away from the hotel’s biggest drawcard – the circle-shaped, heated magnesium pool. While away the afternoon, dipping into the water and lying in one of the cabanas or sun lounges.

From the beach club-style seating area, you can order a range of simple nibbles like Byron Bay Corn Chips with salsa and classic cocktails, local gins, beers and seltzers. The Bower also features a sumptuous new indoor/outdoor bar area that shares the same menu as the pool area and features velvet, and is perfect for pre-dinner tipples or relaxed afternoon drinks.

The on-site day spa offers a range of treatments, from facials to massages, using luxurious Mukti Organics products. I indulged in a 60-minute Power Facial and walked away with impossibly soft skin and a deep sense of calm.

Rooms

The Bower offers a beautiful mix of stays, from romantic studios and luxe king rooms for two, to spacious cottages for families and groups. For relaxed weekends away, the light-filled Junior King Rooms, Junior King Plus and King Rooms sit right by the mineral pool and feature king beds, while the freestanding Studios feature moody interiors and stone baths for pure indulgence. The light-filled Barn, with its kitchenette, private courtyard, and glass-ceiling ensuite with an egg-shaped bath feels like your own private oasis.

For group stays, the reimagined century-old Cottage has five bedrooms – three with ensuites – and a private cedar mineral spa.

Four new Upper King rooms have been added to the upper level of the property and can be booked from mid-September. Three feature spacious balconies with lush greenery, and all four rooms can be booked together as a private family space.

Every accommodation features luxury amenities by Hunter and Kevin Murphy, a dedicated parking spot directly out front, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a mini bar with gourmet snacks.

Does The Bower have access for guests with disabilities?

The Bower has two Junior King accessible rooms.

Details

Best for: Wellness seekers and small groups.

Address: 28 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Room rate: From $300 per night