You don't have to travel far to find a little tranquillity in Byron Bay. Even just getting the sand between your toes on Main Beach or heading further afield to Wategos can make you feel more at ease. Yet a new adults-only boutique hotel — appropriately called Hide — offers a luxe spot to connect with yourself and nature. Best of all, it's in the middle of town. Designed by architect John Burgess, the stay's highly intentional design is crafted for a gentler pace of life, where slowing down is part of the experience. Featuring only six rooms and suites, each combines calming minimalism and thoughtful details, offering a peaceful atmosphere to rise in and retreat at the end of the day. You'll find king-size beds dressed in premium Cultiver linen, Salus bath products, in-room coffee and a carefully curated minibar filled with locally sourced goods — it gets restocked daily with everything from fine wine to chocolate. Plus, there are rooms with private balconies, outdoor baths and full-scale kitchens, elevating the comfort even more. But the mindfulness extends well beyond your room's four walls, as pleasant as they are. Hide offers a fully kitted wellness bathhouse, featuring a heated magnesium mineral pool and a Stoked outdoor spa. There's also nourishment of the hot and cold variety, with a Clearlight infrared sauna and an Odin ice bath helping guests recover and recharge. Wellness stays aren't exactly uncommon in Byron Bay. But what sets Hide apart is how it offers that retreat-style stay without placing you on the fringe of town. Tucked into the backstreets only a short walk from Byron's main drag, keeping that laidback feeling going isn't an issue when it's time to roam. Enjoy a morning dip in the mineral pool, then head to Baloney's for an Italian-style sandwich or Bar Heathers for natty wines. Crafted for rejuvenation, it's no surprise Hide has made sustainability a core part of its design. Eighty rooftop solar panels help power the property, while the bathhouse welcomes in sunlight for warmth. Rainwater is harvested for use, and plastic is kept to a minimum. Together, this shapes a low-impact environmental footprint that fosters a serene solo or couples escape ripe for relaxation. Images: Jacquie Turk.
