The Sunseeker — Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Why book? To experience the creative zing of Byron Bay —The Sunseeker showcases the design talents of makers throughout the region. Set the scene: This revitalized motel on Bangalow Road, 10 minutes from Byron Bay town, is the latest design destination here, pulling in a jet-set crowd keen to snap the retro space and road-tripping young families drawn by the spacious yet affordable rooms. The backstory: Once a tired motel, The Sunseeker has been given a fresh spritz by first-time moteliers Jess and Dave Frid and their friends, a dream team of notable makers, artists, and designers from in and around Byron Bay. Reflecting the local Northern Rivers creative community, the motel is now a design hub filled with art and collectables. “We wanted to create a place that we didn’t think existed for our little family, which was low-key but exciting, and a place where kids are welcome and where we could holiday with friends and family,” says Jess. By working with eco-minded builders Balanced Earth to retain the original bones and heritage of the '80s redbrick motel, the owners have creatively repurposed much of the building. The jagged crazy-paving entrance was made using salvaged tiles from the old rooms, all the kitchens in the family-size bungalows were built using timber panels from other parts of the property and each room in the main building contains terrazzo benchtops crafted from waste concrete. The result is a clash of bold colours, textures and shapes that speak to the past but with a cool edge. "We wanted to create a place that showcases the incredible creatives in the Byron shire, but also a fun spot to holiday," Jess explains. The rooms: The 12 motel-style rooms—standard, one-bedroom and two-bedroom family suites—are incredibly spacious, each with a patio or balcony overlooking the pool or gardens. There is an uncomplicated surf-shack feel to the concrete floors and walk-in showers but, like the rest of the motel, everything is highly curated—from those crystal-adorned terrazzo benchtops to the organic Leif shower products infused with native botanicals. Furniture is bespoke and often vintage, and quirky design details include bedside orb lights and sunshine-infused pops of art emblazoned with reminders to ‘Holiday Often.’ Mini-bars are stocked with local treats, bottled cocktails, and tons of children's snacks (without refined sugar). Families should opt for one of the six standalone, timber-cladded bungalows, all fitted with a queen bed and a set of bunk beds, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor claw-foot bath, and barbecue. It feels very convivial, with young families cooking together and kids tearing about. Food and drink: In keeping with the no-frills motel vibe, there is no restaurant on site, but guests can order hampers from the nearby Bay Grocer. The barbecue meal kits—sausages, steak, lasagna—are best suited to guests staying in the bungalows with proper kitchens. Those staying in bedrooms should stick to the grazing hampers of fruit, cheese, and charcuterie. But really all the fun is at the poolside tiki bar, which serves an interesting list of small-batch organic wines and beer. The neighborhood: Set on the edge of town, the hotel is a 10-minute drive out of Byron Bay—close enough to the action but with a nice buffer from the hectic throng, especially during peak summer. Tallow Beach is about a 10-minute walk. You’re also only a 15-minute drive up to the Hinterland and into the cute towns such as Newrybar, Federal, and Bangalow, where you’ll find great rustic restaurants—book tables at Harvest and Frida’s Field. The service: Smiley and casual—very much “we’re all friends here.” For families: The Sunseeker was created for young families. There are always kids playing outside by the bungalows or pool. Eco effort: Sustainability is part of the ethos, from the renovation (working with green-minded builders Balanced Earth) to the practice (using rainwater and solar power). Accessibility: One of the ground-floor standard rooms is wheelchair accessible. Anything left to mention? The original kidney-shaped pool and tiki cabana bar are pure kitsch fun with lots of zebra print and cane and a tropical '80s aesthetic. There are a handful of sun loungers and umbrellas where a motley mix of influencers and young families hang out. As this is a family-friendly motel in Byron Bay, where the days are dictated by the crack-of-dawn surf, everything quietens down early with last call at about 6 p.m. So if you want to party, this isn’t the place." - Chloe Sachdev