Basq House is Byron’s ultimate beauty queen, complete with rosy cheeks and a sun-kissed glow. As you pull up to her doorstep, hidden down a quiet laneway in the heart of town, it’s impossible not to be captivated by her effortless charm.
Basq House is the latest addition to Byron’s collection of five-star hotel openings, offering an oasis of calm and sophistication for travellers who love a touch of luxury. Designed to feel like a home away from home, this free-flowing retreat features 32 light-filled rooms and plenty of communal spaces, where days seamlessly slip into nights – and before you know it, a weekend’s washed away.
Upon entering this house-style sanctuary, I instantly forgot that Byron Bay’s bustling main drag is just a stone’s throw away. The lobby radiates a calm sophistication, combining the charm of an eclectic art gallery with the cosy vibes of your best friend’s living room. While my room gets its finishing touches, I'm invited to take a seat and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and nibble on snacks from the self-service bar.
I've scored a Pool Room, fittingly named for its views of the shimmering magnesium pool below – a serene centrepiece inspired by the tranquil vibes of a traditional Moroccan riad. The calming waters, I'm told, are perfect for melting away stress and soothing sore muscles. Say no more...
Our room may be minimalistic and compact, but thanks to high ceilings and a breezy balcony, it feels spacious and airy. The blush-toned colour palette adds a soft, feminine touch, while a fully stocked mini-bar, linen bathrobes, luxe Mr Smith toiletries and a plush king bed make it the perfect setting for moments of intimacy or pure relaxation.
I’ll admit, I barely spent any time in my room – the temptation of sun-drenched daybeds and cabanas by the pool was just too strong. Time slipped away as I stretched out, ’basqing’ in the sunshine with a book from the hotel library just next door.
The pool courtyard flows into the speakeasy-style lounge room, where a grand floor-to-ceiling bookcase takes centre stage. Come winter, I could picture myself sinking into the low-slung leather sofas with a thrilling novel or cosying around the large open fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. A family-style dining table also invites guests to share meals, bond over board games, and admire an eclectic array of local artwork and decor.
With a rooftop wellness space and bathhouse in the works for 2025, there’s even more reason to book a stay. From sunrise, I'm told you can look forward to yoga classes, personal training sessions, infrared saunas, ice plunges, flotation tanks and massages. Come evening, the space will make way for sunset sips and stargazing. Oh la la!