Located in idyllic Byron Bay, and on Bundjalung Country, Basq House is a 32-room boutique hotel has officially open their doors.
Distinctly eclectic this hideaway is a landing pad for those seeking privacy and peacefulness in a tucked-away laneway in the heart of Byron’s village centre. A hotel from where you can explore the bucolic hinterland, vibrant restaurant scene and renowned beach-culture.
Melbourne-based owners, and great friends, 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 styled the interiors.
Inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads, the design pays homage to tradition, with many rooms overlooking the central temperature-controlled magnesium pool, offering a contemporary sanctuary for guests.
Much like a house, and with a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic, the reception area featuring artwork from Byron Bay artist Damian Bisogni, weaved pendant lights from Tigmi Trading, ceramics and objets d'art, doubles as a bar inviting guests to sit back, soak up and slow down with a Coconut Margarita or Negroni in hand.
The generous, speakeasy-style Lounge Room, which flows through to the outdoors, features pieces from Bodhi Living and bespoke rugs from local Byron brand Pampa, fusing the interiors with a sense of warmth. Many original artworks that adorn the walls offering a glimpse into the region's artistic heritage.
Moving through to the Library, the intimate space features a whimsical three panelled Brazilian Rainforest artwork, South African carved wooden masks and bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with an eclectic collection of books comprising classics, travel, art, design, literature and photography. Low-slung leather sofas and a large open fireplace make the space cozy in the cooler months. The perfect place to unwind, for quiet time or use as a workspace.
The design philosophy for Basq house is a testament to the intertwining of cultural influences and artistic expression. Embracing the bold, fluid forms of Fauvism and a Bohemian spirit, Basq House is a space that speaks to the soul.
The overall result is a visual tapestry of influence and eras, tones and textures, which evoke a sense of wonder and exploration, and is anything but haphazard.
These free-flowing communal spaces are at the heart of the House - designed to encourage interaction and connection among guests, places for socialising; to eat drink and play. The house-style hospitality includes bar snacks, Maybe Sammy pre-batched cocktails, and a selection of board games.
Meanwhile, the bedrooms, with a mix of formats, are thoughtfully designed and stylishly minimalist. A soothing colour palette of neutral tones juxtaposed against bespoke honey-hued timber joinery, embodies a relaxed sensibility. Room amenities include HD TVs with Chromecast, Mr Smith toiletries and a minibar with a menu that reads like a list of the area’s best producers.
Landscaped greenery frames the jewel in Basq House’s crown, the logo embossed pool, sun-drenched daybeds and cabanas, offering guests another oasis of calm and barefoot breeziness. The magnesium pool is perfect for relieving stress, soothing sore muscles and of course ‘basqing’ in sun.
Mere moments to Main and Clarkes Beach and The Pass, or a little further afield to Wategos Beach and Cape Byron walking track to the Lighthouse, and the cobalt coastline beyond, you can soak up the region’s slow rhythm and natural beauty. Dining wise, guests only have to step out the door to be spoilt for choice with favourites such as Light Years, Bar Heather, Loft, Pixie Food & Wine and Lovers Lane to name a few.
With Byron Bay being the wellbeing capital of Australia, Basq House will have a holistic approach to health and wellness. The hotel’s rooftop will be a space to retreat to for reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation with zones for self-guided yoga and meditation. The hotel will also have access to a Bathhouse and Wellness Centre with infrared saunas, ice plunges and other treatments.
Guest have use of the hotels 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 neighbouring towns such as Bangalow, Newrybar, Mullumbimby or Brunswick Heads. Underground secure basement carparking is also available.
A discrete haven for travellers, Basq House is an authentic hotel with soul, where you arrive as guests and leave as friends.
Rooms start from $425 per night
Website: www.basqhouse.com.au Instagram: @basqhouse #basqhouse
