Design-forward hotel, The Bower in Byron Bay, is delighted to unveil a refined and ambitious expansion as the final step in a two-year makeover across the property. Blending contemporary with vintage touches, the elevated new build adds a new guest lounge and hotel bar, reception space and accommodation suite. Together with an extensive upgrade across the site over 18 months, the new spaces transform the property footprint and signal an exciting new chapter and brand-new look for the much-loved boutique hotel in the heart of Byron Bay.

The build is the most extravagant upgrade since the hotel opened and affirms its place as one of Byron's most stylish and sophisticated holiday stays. Loved by design connoisseurs, The Bower perfectly harnesses the elevated style and free-spirited creativity that Byron is celebrated for globally. The expansive upgrade was completed by talented Byron Bay creatives, led by award-winning Architects Studio Plenty and Tanev Muir. Recently taking out the Award for Emerging Interior Design Practice at the Australian Interior Design Awards, Studio Plenty is drawing industry acclaim. Both studios are lauded for their focus on commitment to elevated design, nuanced interiors, and natural materials. This renovation blends seamlessly with the sophisticated interiors of the original style, steered by the hotel's first designer and co-owner Taliah Lowry.

After unveiling The Bower eight years ago, Lowry would go on to design acclaimed holiday homes such as Micalo in Yamba and Byron Beach Abodes. Under her vision, The Bower's design boasts a clever mix of old school elegance with New York drama. Lowry paired Byron's laidback, natural aesthetic with the elegant, industrial cool of the famed Bowery neighbourhood. The design is lauded for its signature monochromatic aesthetic and moody details. Each of the rooms are individually styled: bespoke yet balanced through a mix of natural materials and tones from wood, metals, plush velvets and linens. The Bower is especially loved for its cool neutral colour palette, sumptuous linen and century-old timber beams. The dramatic interiors and bohemian details are blurred together to seamlessly reflect the eclectic spirit and soulful positivity of Byron.

The new buildings add to Lowry's vision by unveiling a series of sophisticated new community spaces to bring guests together. The new build includes a brand-new lounge pavilion and communal guest bar allowing for private functions, a stunning new reception area to welcome travellers, and four new room suites to expand room options and price points. The expansion if the final step in a two-year hotel glow up: upgrading all rooms to king beds, adding brand new hand-crafted furniture by Byron artist Alexis Williams, commissioning underwater artworks shot on site by photographer Francesca Owens, and building an on-site spa treatment centre to offer wellness treatments exclusively for guests with decadent products by Mukti. 

The Bower Owner Josh Guok welcomes the milestone: 'I'm delighted to share the completion of our renovations here at The Bower. This project has been close to my heart, and it's a joy to finally reveal the new Lounge bar and revamped lobby. We've always aimed to create a space where our guests feel like they're not just visiting, but really experiencing something special. The new spaces reflect our passion for combining comfort with style, and I believe they offer a perfect blend of warmth and sophistication. We can't wait to welcome everyone to enjoy these fresh, inviting spaces, and we hope each visit feels like an escape from the ordinary.'

Architects Tanev Muir and Studio Plenty (Light Years, Byron and Burly Bar, Currumbin), explain their vision for the renovation: 'We workshopped the project regularly from inception to completion, exploring how the space's bones could be adapted in a way that was fluid and carefully guided. Respectfully resonating with the building, the brand, and the intended future of The Bower as a whole entity. On our first visit to the Bower, we both felt that there was a serenity and deep mood to the guest experience. The Bower's atmosphere weaves a narrative between dark tonalities and the soft and textural, providing a window into the project's development.  The materials are cued from The Bower's existing palette; rich textural blacks across oak grain are embossed on walls and furnishings and present as a silky lacquer against the light. The rich tones are complemented by lighter accents, which help to punctuate depth. The upholstery, furnishing and lighting works to soften the dark further.  The project puts an emphasis on our collective connections to local artisans; Joinery by Morgan and furnishing by Alexis Williams both reveal objects and fenestration which can only be achieved by time and hand.'

Stylist Kimberley Wiedermann (Accolade Design) adds: 'As the interior designer and stylist in recent years, my role was to elevate the spaces as well as design their newly implemented day spa. Building on The Bower's signature monochromatic aesthetic, I introduced rich, earthy textures and tones, layering oversized furniture, artisan-crafted objects, and bespoke pieces. The goal was to maintain a minimal and effortlessly refined feel, ensuring a sensory experience for guests.' The renovation included an update to the house hotel bedrooms, creating a seamless flow from the newly implemented design elements seen in the new areas. The refreshed spaces harmoniously reflect the character of the existing rooms, ensuring cohesion throughout the property. Styling focused on rich textural elements—linens, velvets, and vintage artworks—within a restrained monochromatic palette, thoughtfully continuing The Bower's signature aesthetic.'

Original designer Taliah Lowry (Micalo) had a very clear vision for the hotel design from its beginning. She explains: 'Through years of back-to-back projects, I have begun to trust my instincts. I try to nurture and develop the early design bubbles in my head and do my best to steer away from trends, striving instead to achieve a classic, timeless, and fluid design. With The Bower, I had a very clear vision from the beginning:  it was really important to me to keep the history of the retro drive-in motel alive, whilst enhancing it into a 5-star hotel with all the modern luxuries. This project called for sensitivity, restraint, and authenticity. It was about honouring the past while creating something elegant, enduring, and effortlessly livable — a true reflection of instinct-led design.'

The Bower is perfectly located to experience the best of everything in the Northern Rivers. A short walk to town, it is minutes from Byron's designer stores and best restaurants, including the beloved General Store next door, but as well as exploring the hinterland towns of the region. Over the last decade, the hotel's popularity has continued to grow as The Bower builds its reputation as an elegant and moody escape for couples, a decadent girl's getaway, an indulgent stay for milestone moments.   Whatever the reason, The Bower is the epitome of designer luxury and coastal style in the heart of Byron Bay and the perfect choice for a heavenly escape to Northern NSW.

MEDIA INFORMATION:

For further details and imagery, please contact:

Gabrielle Wilson on M: 0433 972 915 or E: gabrielle@goldenpr.co