As someone with 2 little kiddies and who works across wayyyyy too many businesses, taking a few days off for a getaway is rare, and when it does finally happen, well its almost too late.

That boiling point of needing a weekend away may look different for everyone, maybe you get teary, or maybe you just get a case of the angrys at everything and everyone (yep, guilty) or perhaps life can just seem too hard and motivation goes out the door.

Whatever the case, you need a vacay from life’s responsibilities and stat. Either alone (trust me its good for the soul) or with a couple of besties where you can just be yourself, and no hiding the rough edges.

I recently had an SOS getaway – minus kiddies – and instead packed my 2 best gal pals and took a little road trip to Byron Bay. The result? A renewed refresh lease of life that will keep me kicking for a few months at least!!

STAY

The Bower Byron Bay

28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay www.thebowerbyronbay.com.au 

We stayed at The Cottage  (there’s also Bower Barn, Bower Studios, Bower House, Bower Cottage) and this place is what dreams are made of. A luxury property with so much Bryon cool sprinkled on top you’ll spend at least an hour photographing every nook and cranny before you dibs which room is yours.

The Cottage itself sits prettily and in complete privacy in the Bower’s lush landscape. It is the original 100-year old dwelling, yet any nod to tradition ends at the front door, which opens into sophisticated, five-bedroom, gorgeous accommodation.
It has 5 HUGE bedrooms, three with ensuites, to the interior-exterior living and deck area set in lush tropical gardens, so perfect for group get always, families or wedding parties.

What I loved (apart from the insta worthy design, check out account here for a good stalk) was the location. Not smack bang in the centre of Byron but still in walking distance to everything – plus it’s just a short stroll down the road from Spell, Roadhouse and next door to one of my new fave cafes.

They also had Netflix. Just sayin… perfect when you want an early dinner out then chilling at ‘home’. Yep were pretty wild like that!!

EAT

Byron General Store

26 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

www.byrongeneralstore.com @byron_general_store

Located oh so conveniently next door to the Bower and even more convenient is it opens at 630am which meant I could get my caffeine fix pre-lighthouse walk!

Its also organic, has a bunch of vegan options, child friendly and plain yum.

Expect to be siting among the cool kids of Byron.

Bayleaf Café

@bayleafcafe

Corner Jonson St & Marvel St Bryon Bay

We hit this place hard for breaky eats every time we’re in Byron, I love the outdoor seats where Jet can play with the chalk at my feet while I eat or in this case, us girls can eat and gossip in peace!!

Go for the coconut cold brew and the chilli scrambled eggs so. Good.

Don’t forget the usual suspects… The Farm, Harvest, Combi, Roadhouse

DO

Lighthouse walk – have you really done Byron if you haven’t done a lighthouse walk at sun rise? I think not! Chances of whales and dolphins gracing your presences are high so get to it!!

Move – If you’re still feeling like you need a bit more movement post lighthouse walk then head to Bende Bryon Bay which is the latest offering from the gorgeous Emma Seibold who is the brains behind Barre Body. Bende is a boutique Pilates, barre, yoga and flow studio (Bende.com.au @bendebyron) located  in the new Habitat lifestyle precinct on Bayshore Drive (on the left before you reach Elements of Byron). Suite 35, Building c2, Habitat, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay 2481

Habitat – after your class stay awhile and check out the new area full of shops and cafes in the new Habitat precinct where there’s high chance you’ll walk away with bags of fashion, ceramics and other goodies. You’ve been warned!

Bangalow – my fave little town just outside of Byron is called Bangalow, and again, its full of amazing cafes, lifestyle shops and markets on the weekend. Perfect if Bryon is feeling a little busy and you want the chill country vibes without missing out on shopping

 

Want to know more places to eat at? Check out my previous blog on Byron Bay here