Review: Sun Ranch

Why book?

To stay on a groovy, good-time ranch on 50 acres in the middle of the Byron hinterland.

Set the scene

In the hills of Byron Bay, this property takes its shape from the California and New Mexico ranches of yesteryear. It is a heehaw of maximalist color, textiles and patterns, with opulent velvet sofas, twirling terracotta flooring, beaded chandeliers and color-clashing walls. Everything has been set up for a rollicking good time from the mezcal-stocked cowboy bar to the sauna and ice bath and the 25-meter magnesium pool with ample space for sprawled-out sunbaking to a background of funky jazz.

The backstory

The ranch is owned by two formidable best friends (plus a cohort of investors). Jamie Blakely was behind the popular Australian rock ‘n’ roll denim brand One Teaspoon, and Julia Ashwood is a content creator (The_Vista), co-founder of some of the region’s buzziest pubs and restaurants (The Eltham, You Beauty! And Ciao Mate) and grew up in the area. The pair wanted to create a design-forward “good-time” hotel that reflected their travels around the US and Mexico. Scattered around the hotel are one-off finds from their travels such as Spanish birthing chairs that line the bar and birds of paradise chairs from Africa. Collaborating with local artists was integral, and the hotel shines a light on the creativity of the area. The signage on doors, walls and timber archways was painted by the steady hand of artist and signwriter Nathan Pickering. The sculptural chandeliers in all the rooms are by Lana Launay, and artist Jedda Daisy-Culley painted the psychedelic cowboy, which looks over the whiskey lounge.

The rooms

Each of the four deeply comfortable and adult-only bedrooms in the main ‘Rambler’ house are named for toe-curling good times – The Wam Bam, The Rattler, Getting Lucky and Saddle Up. All are decked out in their own color-popping hue from azure to ox-blood, and there are vintage vinyl players and minibars stocked with locally sourced goodies. All the rooms open to their own patio and the rambler private pool, which has been cleverly divided with thick canvas curtains to give each room its own private slice of the pool. Those wanting more space should book the private suite with its own living room, kitchenette and spacious bathroom. Families or groups of mates should book into one of the six fully equipped two-bedroom timber barns overlooking the property.

Food and drink

Days here start with a bandana-wrapped freshly baked muffin in a cowboy hat on your doorstep, followed by a make-your-own plate from the healthy buffet spread. In-house dining is available all day with crowd-pleasing snacks like sardines and cheese-boards to heartier lasagnas and quesadillas. There is a concise but punchy cocktail menu, and a wine list that ranges from old-world to natural and even some in cans. Outside, a big Argentine asador and long communal table are set up for larger events and fire feasts. Once in a while, Sun Ranch will host a guest chef; these tend to be hot ticket events where guests and locals dine together.

The spa

No spa, but this is Byron Bay so ‘cosmic cowboy’ additions can be added to your stay from the usual in-room massages and cacao ceremonies to the more crystal-charged astrology readings and sound healing sessions.

The area

Right in the middle of the Byron hinterland. You’re five minutes from the charming weatherboard villages of Bangalow and Newrybar and about 15 minutes from the centre of Byron Bay and its shorelines.

The service

Laidback and friendly. Everything is ordered via text message so wherever you are in the ranch – by the pool, or down by the sauna or in your room – food and drinks are delivered to you.

Eco effort

Considerable. Sun Ranch was built with sustainability at its core. From using environmentally minded builders 'Balanced Earth' right down to ethical towels (Baina) and hand wash (Sansceuticals). It’s also off-grid and solar powered with Via panels across the main building, on the rooftop of every barn, and shed and ground-mounted stations throughout the 55 acres. The property is also rainwater-fed with 16 tanks. On the land, 10,000+ native plants and trees have been planted and Sun Ranch has joined forces with local group Bangalow Koalas with an aim to plant a further 5-10,000 trees before spring. “The soil is so fertile here, things grow very quickly, we are already taking the horse trails through the rejuvenated forest we planted just 14 months ago”, says Ashwood.

Accessibility

The main building is single-floor, and one of the barns is wheelchair accessible.

Anything left to mention?

Keep an eye out for special events. Sun Ranch hosts a roster of events from book readings to performances which always bring in the local creative community.