Byron Bay dreaming: Beach house of boutique treats

Drawn, like so many others, by Byron Bay's barefoot beachside lifestyle, interior designer Deb Garske and her chiropractor husband, Lindon, purchased a cottage on a prime corner in town after tying the knot on nearby Wategos Beach. They cleared the block to build their dream home with four adjoining guest rooms, opening as 28 Degrees in 2015 (three more rooms were added in 2019). The name is a nod to the latitude of both Byron Bay and Norfolk Island, where Deb grew up. Now, after securing a neighbouring property, renovations are underway to add five more rooms, set to open in October 2023.

The yin to Byron's hedonistic yang, the weatherboard-clad pavilion-style hotel feels like you're staying in a stylish friend's beach house. It's central enough that you can wander to the beach, boutiques and wine bars (try Bar Heather), but on the fringe enough that you don't hear the din of nightclubs when you turn in early for the night.

Comfortable and considered, luxury here is in the selection of linens - frill-edged sheets, butter-soft robes, sheer ceiling-to-floor curtains - and the omission of TVs. Swaddled by tropical gardens, with incense wafting across the central courtyard, each room feels supremely private. Inside the main house, where you may bump into other guests at the pool or around the drinks trolley, the staircase was built around the Klaylife chandelier, handmade by a community in South Africa. The surfboard outside the Luxury Master room was made by Deb's son, Jack, during his HSC.

Each room offers something special - a private plunge pool, lighthouse views, a clawfoot tub - and while you can book by the room, you can also rent the whole property, which sleeps 14. My Plunge Pool room has its own private entrance with an outdoor shower for post-beach rinses. Neutral tones and natural fabrics are complemented by non-toxic paint and natural staining on the French oak floor. Local businesses - many female-led - are championed here, from the welcome cheese platter to The Dharma Door beach bags. Books are curated for each guest from The Book Room but the standout is the cloud-like Maker&Son "love seat". My life will not be complete until I own one.

With the idea being that once you check in, you may not want to drift far, I slipped easily into relaxation mode with candles, a chill playlist and a perfectly portioned cheese board. Sparkling wine and locally brewed beer are also included in the complimentary mini bar. The ritual of breakfast is designed to set the pace for the day ahead - slow and steady. I followed Deb's instructions to layer up a parfait with her homemade paleo granola, yoghurt and stewed fruit.

With cruiser bikes available to guests, there's no excuse for not reaching Byron's famous lighthouse to catch the first rays of sunlight the second morning of my stay. It's an easy ride to The Pass where I locked up my bike to continue on foot. A duck egg toad in the hole was a welcome reward at High Life, one block from the hotel, upon return. Next time I'll book an in-room massage, too.

Read more on Explore:

There's an overall feeling of calm and I think it's something they put in the water. It runs through an oxygenation system, which as well as hydrating your cells, means you could feasibly drink the pool water. Whatever the science, it feels amazing on your skin.

Where: 28 Degrees Byron Bay, 12 Marvell Street, Byron Bay, NSW

How much: Rooms start at $600 per night

Explore more: 28byronbay.com.au

The writer was a guest of 28 Degrees Byron Bay.