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The Northern Rivers region has done it again. This magical pocket of coastline and hinterland stretching from the Tweed to the Clarence River is home to a frankly unfair proportion of the state’s most glorious hotels. And this summer, there’s a new one to add to the mix – this time with a members club model and a designer wardrobe available to buy for your holiday wardrobe.
Created by fashion creative Jamie Blakey, whose recent work includes shaping the creative vision behind Byron Bay’s Sun Ranch, Sundowner Surf Lodge is a playfully designer take on the Australian beach holiday. Think immaculately designed mid-century suites, a sun-soaked magnesium pool, an alfresco kitchen and a top-tier sauna all oozing vintage surf culture aesthetic.
For a little background: the property has been in the family of Jamie and her husband, surf media personality Ronnie Blakey, for more than a decade, but their love affair with Yamba began back in the late '90s, when the couple first fell for the coastal town. Having spent extended periods living here with their children, the pair wanted to preserve the character of the original property while giving it a new lease on life. The result is part boutique hotel, part private beach house and part laid-back, ultra-trendy social club – with just three suites designed to feel more like the well-loved home of your coolest friend than a traditional hotel.
Location is a major drawcard. Sitting on Coldstream Street, right beside Yamba’s adorable old-school cinema, Sundowner puts guests within easy walking distance of the town's cafes, restaurants and shops, and Main Beach is still just a few minutes away. And if you’re yet to visit Yamba, this is another reason – we reckon this town is the next Byron Bay, so get there before the crowds do.
Inside, Blakey has taken a collected-not-decorated approach, mixing custom-made furniture, vintage finds and local craftsmanship. Original timber floorboards, warm timber joinery, sandstone, weathered cedar, bamboo and seagrass set the scene, and custom upholstery, locally framed artwork and collectible vintage surfboards bring the surfing royalty energy to the space. The communal heart of the property is the Mango Lounge, an open-air wellness and gathering space reserved for lodge guests. Centred around a magnesium pool, it also features a steam sauna, 10-degree pail shower, sensory rain shower, sunken lounge, daybeds, an alfresco kitchen for perfect long lunches and a bar. There’s even a soundtrack, with Byron-based DJ Holy Cowboy curating a series of Spotify playlists to accompany the nostalgic rhythm of beachside bliss.
Accommodation is spread across three suites. The two upstairs suites, numbered 201 and 202, each feature a king bedroom, full custom kitchen, bathroom, sculpted living area and sun deck. Both can be expanded with adjoining bedrooms to accommodate two- or three-bedroom stays. Downstairs, Suite 103 offers a king bedroom, separate living and dining areas, and a private outdoor hot and cold shower. Getting the band back together? The entire property can be booked exclusively, opening up all seven bedrooms and sleeping up to 14 guests.
In true immersive-stay style, Sundowner also has an evolving fashion and lifestyle collection, available online and through an honesty-style souvenir store at the property.
You can find out more and book your stay by becoming a founding member over here. You’ll want to get in quick.
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