One of Australia’s best loved destinations to relax, unwind, bask in the year-round sun and enjoy endless walks on the picture perfect beaches, Byron Bay – while once a hive for backpackers and hippies – is now a go to for many Australians who want to escape the city, without sacrificing on style or comfort. Since moving to Australia a little over three years ago, I’ve been to Byron ten or eleven times – and the beauty of this beach town never ceases to amaze me, however many times I visit.

And while in years gone by, holiday-makers were limited to staying in high end hotels or crowded hostels, since the birth of Airbnb a decade ago, a new wave of stylish alternatives are now available for the discerning traveller who wants to enjoy luxury accommodation, without the costly price tag that often comes with it.

And so, when on a recent trip to Byron Bay for the annual writer’s festival in August, as soon as I came across boutique Airbnb, Bask & Stow, I booked myself in for the long literary weekend.

A brilliantly designed little gem quietly tucked away from the main street buzz of Byron Bay, although the property is located within the town’s so-called golden grid, it’s secluded enough to offer a welcome relief from any hustle and bustle. The design is beautifully simple and is nestled against the backdrop of a lovely tropical garden brimming with greenery, with boardwalks connecting everything together, including a picturesque plunge pool that catches much of the day’s sun. Simple yet stylish, Bask & Stow is the type of place where you could easily spend a whole weekend and not need to leave at all (save for stocking up on bottles of prosecco for afternoon sundowners) and I loved the fusion of classic, fresh Byron Bay interiors alongside the tropical, Palm Springs-esque vibe..

A short walk from town, Bask & Stow boasts four suites, aptly named Salt, Sun, Sand and Sea, each featuring a king-sized bed, a small but perfectly designed living space, a bathroom complete with an opulent bath tub, and a kitchenette and private decking area; perfect for the aforementioned sun downers, or curling up with a book in the afternoon sun. With immaculate interiors that pay homage to both the boutique’s coastal location, as well as a bright colour palette inspired by the classic Palm Springs style of the 1950s and ’60s, you’ll find everything from hanging bamboo chairs, coffee table tomes, striped umbrellas, Danish day-beds, stylish art pieces, hand-picked furniture and lush green plants, adding to the tropical vibe of this luxury boutique.

As a town beloved for its food and coffee scene, the location of Bask & Stow couldn’t be better; just a short stroll from laid-back eatery Top Shop, there are ample options within walking distance should you want to venture out for brunch or lunch, yet more than adequate facilities for rustling up a salad or sandwich in your kitchenette.

We were greeted with a bottle of chilled prosecco, and after an afternoon spent sun-baking on the beach, the air-conditioned room and private decking offered the perfect respite ahead of our first day at the writer’s festival. Bask & Stow’s setting is certainly one of its main draws, and we took advantage of the light-filled room, waking up with the sun to enjoy freshly filtered coffee in bed before venturing out for early morning beach walks and brunch at one of the local hangouts (favourites include Bay Leaf and Byron Fresh).

Perfectly fusing stylish living with a coveted location, Bask & Stow embodies everything you’d want while on a mini break to Byron and more – and it truly is the creme de la creme of coastal luxury with a home away from home vibe.

About Bask & Stow

Useful information about Bask & Stow

Address
40 Marvell Lane (access via Cowper St), between Marvell and Carlyle Streets, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Getting there

If you are flying to Byron Bay there are two airport options both offering regular flight services:

Gold Coast International Airport – 55 minutes north of Bask & Stow
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport – 25 minutes south of the Bask & Stow

There are shuttle buses available which will drop you at the guest house. Byron Easy Bus operates from both airports. Please advise the shuttle company when booking that you wish to be dropped at Bask & Stow in Marvell Lane.

Website
www.baskandstow.com.au/

Price
Room prices start from approximately $290 a night.