The hotel
Amaroo Bangalow, Bangalow NSW
Check-in
Before Amaroo Bangalow landed on luxury-seekers’ radars it was built by owners Mike and Cathy Tomkins as a family retreat, a fact that’s charmingly evident in the details. Down a gated driveway, cresting the volcanic ridgeline of a 97-hectare black Angus cattle and macadamia farm, the lodges back onto a patch of sloping rainforest. Supremely modern and cosy, the cabins boast a distinct style, studded with beautiful personal touches that aren’t always a given in holiday rental territory. A heated private plunge pool, manicured tropical gardens and, increasingly, native Bangalow palms thanks to earnest efforts by the Tomkins to regenerate the property, are welcome reminders you’ve arrived in the balmy Big Scrub, aka the Byron Bay hinterland. It feels gloriously secluded, despite being mere minutes’ drive from the terrific restaurants of Bangalow village.
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The look
Acclaimed Byron studio DFJ Architects, the team behind The Farm, designed the pavilion and loft cabin. Amaroo’s sprawling configuration includes three self-contained cabins, a split-level loft unit, and a large communal pavilion with an impressive outdoor entertaining area. Remarkably, whether you’re here for a romantic, rainy weekend or taking over the estate for a group celebration, you still get exclusive use of the property and large pavilion with its expansive kitchen and excellent facilities, our favourites being the heated pool, wood-fire oven and beautiful outdoor shower. There’s a warm earthiness to the interiors that’s instantly soothing. Woody custom-made lighting fixtures and dining tables built by Mike and his father Vince deserve a special mention.
The room
We’re staying in Kingfisher, one of three luxury one-bed cabins designed by Brisbane architects Shaun Lockyer, fitted out with blond wood, travertine tiles and cosy flourishes like a cowhide rug. All three cabins are connected but oriented in a stepped diagonal layout for total privacy. Rooms are large, with a front porch, kitchenette, wood fireplace, and room for a breakfast table and twin slouchy caterpillar lounge chairs. The front sliding doors frame the hillside and can be opened completely. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing native rainforest are a statement of intent; nature is the star. Sleep among the treetops among natural linens, organic timbers and art depicting landscapes and native wildlife.
On this drizzly weekend, we’re going full slob mode and making good use of the fireplace, soft waffle robes and smart TV with casting. Additional perks include free Wi-Fi, heated towels racks, native ingredient-driven Mukti Organics amenities, and electric skylights.
Food + drink
Fire up the outdoor wood oven or utilise the kitted full-sized kitchen of the pavilion. Enjoy farm-fresh eggs courtesy of the property’s free-range chickens, or pick up provisions at nearby Bangalow General Store and the excellent Manu’s Bangalow Alimentari. Need a break from cooking? There’s a swath of culinary talent in the vicinity, including chef Matt Stone’s Good Food Guide-hatted pub You Beauty (the croc toast is a must-order) and breezy Mediterranean charmer The Hut at Possum Creek, set within a restored heritage schoolhouse.
Out + about
This gated hideaway is only a short drive from Byron’s coast, several picturesque walking trails, and Bangalow’s many excellent shops, cafes and eateries. Two beautiful custom-built tree swings, perched on opposite hillsides, means you can choose a scenic picnic spot based on the best outlook at any given time of day. For gin lovers, a visit to Cape Byron Distillery is a must.
The verdict
It’s a good sign indeed when you depart a place jabbering about plans for “next time”. This property is a rare retreat that balances high-end architectural sophistication with pastoral serenity and the soul of a family home.
Essentials
From $850 a night per cabin, including exclusive use of the property. One cabin with wheelchair bathroom, and facilities to add a ramp on request. 47A Cedarvale Rd, Bangalow NSW. Phone: +61494 080 588. See amaroobangalow.com
Our rating out of five
★★★★½
Highlight
A selection of lawn games for that beautifully groomed lawn.
Lowlight
A ravishing moss-blanketed fire-pit area doesn’t get any use this time, due to the rain.
The writer stayed as a guest of Amaroo Bangalow.