Basking in boutique design

BYRON Bay has welcomed a new boutique designer hotel, with the recent opening of Basq House.

Located opposite Hotel Marvell, which became the first five-star hotel in town when it opened in 2023, the 32-room property has a magnesium pool and showcases products from several local businesses.

They include woven pendant lights from Tigmi Trading in the reception area, bespoke rugs from Pampa in the communal lounge room and a snack menu with offerings from Bay Grocer.

The hotel is the brainchild of David Jones and Jeremy Holmes, who met working at Elements of Byron resort and formed hotel management company Jeremy Jones in 2020.

Jones had the idea of introducing independently branded boutique design hotels to Australia, which has long been dominated by chain hotels, when he was launching The Standard, High Line hotel in New York’s meatpacking district in 2008.

The pair worked with Melbourne-based designers Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson from Basq House for three years.

“It’s been a labour of love,” Jones said.

Jones, who is also president of local tourism association Destination Byron, said they wanted to create the feel of a luxury guest house.

Rooms at the hotel, which is primarily targeted at couples and solo travellers, start from $380 per night, low season.

Inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads, the building was designed by Matt Dalby from StudioFAB and Byron Bay-based interior designer Léo Terrando.

The library, which opens onto the pool area, features a three-panel artwork of a Brazilian rainforest, leather sofas and an open fireplace. Guests can borrow bikes to ride around town, as well as beach shades and surfboards.

Two cars are also available for guests who want to venture further afield.

The Byron Bay hotel is set to be the first in a series of Jeremy Jones hotels, with plans to open luxury lodges in the hinterland, on the coast and in other urban centres.