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A Weekend Escape: My Firsthand Review of a Relaxing Wellness Weekend in Byron Bay

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three meadows byron bayThree Meadows

I recently visited Byron Bay, New South Wales, for the first time, and as shocking as that may seem, it was never something that really interested me… until I visited.

Currently residing in Sydney, Byron Bay is less than a 90-minute flight away, making it one of the best weekend destinations for those who don’t like to waste too much time on a plane.

As a first-timer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The beaches and boutiques are aspects I see all over my Instagram and TikTok feeds, however, this town has so much more to offer.

My trip was purely a weekend of wellness and relaxation and due to the incredible place I stayed, I didn’t really have to leave the house if I didn’t want to.

If you’re someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and have one weekend dedicated to de-stressing and re-grounding, I may just have the perfect itinerary for you.

WHERE I STAYED

three meadows byron bay outdoor views of the meadows cottage
The Meadows Cottage. (Credit: Three Meadows)

Three Meadows Byron Bay

Three Meadows Byron Bay is a stunning accommodation retreat tucked away in the Byron Bay hinterland – not even the locals know where it is! This new retreat is the perfect place to spend your weekend away if you’re looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and ultimately be the most relaxed you’ve been in a long time.

Located in Bangalow, Byron Bay, this luxury holiday rental is quite literally your own little slice of heaven. Whether you’re looking to go away with a few of the girls or spend the weekend with the whole gang, Three Meadows accommodates both small and large groups. The property boasts two beautiful homes located on either side of the land – the Medows House (sleeps 10) and the Meadows Cottage (sleeps 4).

From the beautiful decor and unbelievably comfy beds to the fire pit area and outdoor sunken bath, Three Meadows has seemingly considered everything in order to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Book your stay here.

WHAT I DID

three meadows byron bay

Three Meadows Experiences

When you stay at Three Meadows Byron Bay, you theoretically don’t have to leave the retreat if you don’t want to. They offer a range of experiences that bring the people (or food) to you, allowing you to stay in one place and focus on relaxing.

In terms of wellness, they offer in-house massages, on-site personal training. in-house spa treatments, psychic medium and tarot readings, as well as private yoga and guided meditation.

Three Meadows also offers a private chef and in-house dining as well as whisky tasting events, on-site picnics, open fire cooking experiences, bush tucker tours and cultural tours.

On top of this, you can also reach out to the concierge at Three Meadows to organise any other experiences you might want to take part in outside of the retreat. Some of the guest experiences they can organise for you include helicopter scenic flights from the property, a hot air balloon experience, whale/dolphin watching and diving, private and group kayaking with whale and dolphin watching, and surf lessons.

horse riding in byron bay
Zephyr Horses. (Credit: Instagram)

Horse Riding

Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay is a great option if you’re looking to get out and have a bit of fun on your weekend away. As well as their horse tours in the beautiful sub-tropical woodland or on the beach, they also hold horseback pub tours, mustering camps and private lessons.

Even if you haven’t ridden a horse in many years (like me), you can still partake in this incredible experience! You can choose whether you want to take a light stroll through the woodlands or want to make your horse riding experience that little bit more exciting and get your horse to trot (the instructors will show you how).

Wine & Dine

When most people think about Byron Bay, it’s the beautiful beaches and perfect weather that usually come to mind, however, Byron is also home to one of Australia’s most diverse dining scenes. When in Byron Bay, even just for a weekend, you must get out and try at least one restaurant. Whether you prefer to eat out for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, there is a range of places to choose from. Here are some of the best restaurants in Byron Bay:

  • Light Years
  • Lovers Lane
  • Loft
  • No Bones Byron Bay
  • Raes on Wategos
  • Forest Byron Bay
sunset at main beach, byron bay
Main Beach Byron Bay. (Credit: Getty)

Walks and Hikes

If you’re anything like me and love to unwind and reground by going on a long walk, Byron Bay boasts many beaches and tranquil trails you can visit to reconnect yourself with nature. From flat beaches to rainforests, there’s a walk for everyone.

Here are some of the best Byron Bay walks to check out on your next visit:

  • Byron Bay Lighthouse – 5km
  • Minyon Falls – 13km
  • Cape Byron Walking Track – 3.7km
  • Lennox Head Boardwalk – 1.4km
  • Beach Walk to Brunswick Heads – 10km return

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