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Milt Barlow

28 Degrees, Byron Bay

Updated: Sep 1, 2023


Accommodation 5/5

Staff 4/5

Value 4/5

Would I return 5/5

Overall 4/5


Everyone deserves a rejuvenating break, whether it’s a far-flung holiday or a delightful staycation. If you’re seeking a unique and memorable experience, why not consider the

charm and warmth of a guesthouse over the typical hotel or Airbnb accommodation?

28 Degrees Byron Bay is a captivating guesthouse that stands as a testament to the vision and passion of owner and Interior Designer, Deb Garske. Six years ago, this exquisite

haven was born from the ground up, and every aspect has been thoughtfully crafted to provide you with the ultimate sumptuous and slow luxury experience.


Elegance and mindfulness intertwine in every detail of this guesthouse. From organic bed linens to the stunning Iranian bathroom tiles that exude timeless beauty, each element

has been meticulously selected to enrich and rejuvenate you throughout your stay.


The hotel

As you step through the doors of this private sanctuary, mere moments away from Byron’s centre, a feeling of warmth and familiarity envelops you. It’s as if you’ve been welcomed into

the stylish home of a dear friend, offering a true escape from the outside world.


Upon entry, you’ll be met with a plethora of tropical plants and the gentle trickling of water features lining the walkway up to the front door. The extensive use of wood and natural

materials creates a feeling of warmth and a calmness that only comes with the rich verdant of nature.


Although the guesthouse is located on Marvell Street in Byron, once inside you are transported from the hustle and bustle into your very own private sanctuary. I was personally very surprised by how little noise there was from the street outside.


The house has just seven rooms and is only open to guests over the age of 21, so as to allow for maximum relaxation and tranquility. Rates begin at $600 a night and go up to $750. 28 Degrees also offers add-on packages for the private plunge pool rooms, such as massages and champagne on arrival, and the entire guesthouse can be hired for private use. While the rooms provide more than enough space, guests also have access to common areas including a commercial sized gourmet kitchen, lap pool, deck and reading room.


The room

I stayed in the plunge pool room. Upon entry, I was met with a complimentary care pack containing items from local and Australian businesses. All of these items were health

conscious and made from natural ingredients. This is in line with the guesthouse’s ethos of switching off and detoxing from stress. The room also had a complimentary minibar,

a kettle with tea and coffee making facilities, a selection of books curated just for me, and a large couch with a coffee table. Also included was a free breakfast of Deb’s homemade

seasonal fruit compote, granola muesli, fresh local blueberries, and yogurt. It was delicious and energising.


The room had a fabulous king-sized bed, dressed in organic linens. The bed itself was quite soft but that suited me just fine, and the pillows were of varying firmness allowing for sleep personalisation. The bathroom was very spacious with a large rain shower and included toiletries from Hunter Lab Skincare, bathrobes, and organic linen towels. Water supplied

to the guesthouse is filtered by a Grander water system which reputedly strengthens the self-cleansing effect of water and boosts your immune system. While I wasn’t magically cured

of any ailments, the water did feel fantastic on my skin and tasted much better than the usual Byron water.


Outside the room was a plunge pool and a lush tropical garden with a seating area and an outdoor shower. The plunge pool was set at a delightful temperature of 28 degrees and was quite deep allowing for full submersion. This area was also completely private while still catching large amounts of sun.


The food

There is no restaurant attached to 28 Degrees. However, its central location means all of Byron’s culinary delights are at your doorstep and a just short stroll away.


Must do

Take one of the complimentary bikes offered at 28 Degrees and go for a ride around the streets of Byron, or pick up your complimentary coffee from Bay Leaf Cafe just down the road.


The wrap

The care Deb takes in setting up every room and curating it for each guest is truly remarkable. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the guesthouse exudes a sense of warmth, luxury, and thoughtfulness. This is a must-do experience and you will leave feeling completely revitalised and spoiled.


Author stayed as a guest of the hotel.






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