Soma Byron Bay

Soma is a purpose-built oasis for weary brains and bodies set on 22 acres of rainforest in the Byron Bay hinterland. Led by Vedic meditation teacher, mindfulness expert, high-performance coach and founder of Sydney’s Conscious Club Gary Gorrow, it offers a range of programs designed to rest, recharge and renew guests from the inside out.

Gorrow has helped a who’s who of burnt-out business people and celebrities from his practice in Sydney, including Cate Blanchett, Richard Roxburgh and Zoe Foster Blake. Gorrow opened the luxury wellness retreat in December 2019 with Peter Ostick, and it feels more like a designer home than a hotel. That’s very deliberate – there’s no check-in desk or daily bedroom cleaning service; guests are supposed to feel like they’re at a sanctuary rather than a hotel.

The handsome complex has a shared living area, a freshwater infinity pool, outdoor cinema, treatment rooms and a yoga dome set within the lush gardens. It was designed by Gorrow’s brother, Ksubi creator George Gorrow, who is also behind equally stylish Bali hotel The Slow.

The retreat offers immersive, multi-day packages that take guests through a range of holistic sessions – from yoga and meditation to coaching and mentoring, massage and acupuncture. Meals are made in-house and are based on Ayurvedic principles.

Some reopens in 2021, and is taking bookings now.