Accommodation 4/5 Staff 5/5 Value 4/5 Overall 5/5
Byron is getting a 5-star makeover in the new ‘hip precinct’ which extends from Marvell Street through to Jonson Lane. First, we had the new Hotel Marvell in Marvell Street and coming will be the new Bonobo Apartments by Raes on Wategos, plus a host of other new developments on the drawing boards.
The new cool arrival is Basq House on Fletcher Lane. The 32-room boutique hotel opened its doors in early June.
Melbourne-based owners, Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson developed the property as they wanted a home-away-from-home in Byron Bay, somewhere that felt personal and like staying at your best friend’s house. They then commissioned Matt Dalby, Creative Director and Founder of StudioFAB, to design Basq House and locally based Interior Designer, Léo Terrando, to style the interiors.
Inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads, the new spot is a feast for the eyes with beautiful artwork, furnishings, designer pieces, objects d'art, plants and fire places in the uber comfortable lounge and library. Flowing from these common areas is a stunning outdoor pool with sun-drenched daybeds and cabanas.
The bedrooms are on the small side but with very high ceilings and balconies upon which you feel cosy, rather than cramped.
This word - cosy - best describes the whole hotel. It’s a serene escape that feels like you’re visiting a friend’s much loved home. Bedrooms have a soothing colour palette of neutral tones complimenting honey-hued timber joinery and amenities including HD TVs with Chromecast, Mr Smith toiletries, a minibar and a terrific open monsoon shower with gigantic fluffy towels. Beds are uber comfortable, with the entire bedroom being just that - a place to sleep, shower and watch a movie. Where you will want to hang out is the wonderful communal areas of the library, lounge or around the pool.
Something interesting about this hotel is there is no restaurant or bar. There is a complimentary grazing station for breakfast and they do a great coffee. However, Basq House is surrounded by great restaurants and cafes, offering many great dining options. Light Years is a five minute walk up the road, the wonderful Bonito is located across the road, Bang Bang around the corner, and the list continues. The concept here is you go out to eat and come back to your secluded and comfy home at Basq House - and it really works. Still to come later in the year will be an in-house Spa area and rooftop relaxation zone.
Guests have use of the hotel’s Lekker push bikes, beach shades and surfboards, in addition to the two dedicated guest share vehicles, ideal for short dashes around town or adventures to the hinterland. And if you arrive with an EV, no problem - there are charging stations in the garage.
Basq House brings a new refreshing concept to Byron. And it works big time. Enjoy.
Rooms start from $425 per night.
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