Sun Ranch A nod to 70’s nostalgia, barn vibes, and the cool factor
- stealthprojects
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
After five blissful days in the Byron Hinterland, I sat down to reflect on what was a truly fun, relaxing, and memorable break. Taking the opportunity to leave kids and husbands behind, three of my closest friends and I indulged in some serious me-time (the first time in over 10 years I’ve taken a trip on my own—so there was no doubt I was going to stay somewhere amazing...)
It takes a lot to bring together a home or a hotel for that matter —from ideation, site selection, design, architecture, functionality, consultants, interiors, product selections, and materiality.
But it's the people that makes the magic happen. When all that collaborative work comes together, bringing a place to life with personality, character, and a story to tell.
That magic is exactly what has been served up for you to feast on at Sun Ranch.
A place where you can leave your hat and boots on (or off) and feel right at home the moment you step into the nostalgic 70s-inspired interiors of the Long House. You’ll feel like you’re part of something—something that says, "You’re one of us," that begs you to stay a little longer, to converse, connect, and step back in time.
This place has an identity—like you’ve stepped into the cool club, but without any judgment. Whether you’re said almost 40-something group, a young couple on a romantic getaway, a mother and daughter taking some special time out, or a family of four (yes, kids and dogs included), you are welcome. Very welcome.
The staff carry that same unspoken warmth. They have that laid-back, old-friend energy, genuinely interested in your story and always happy to deliver — whether it’s lighting the sauna at 7:30 a.m., running up extra pool towels, or casually checking in mid-afternoon to see if they can whip up some wholesome local goodness for your dinner. It’s no surprise that many of the ranch girls and guys proudly say they’ve been here since the beginning.
The hotel is undeniably Instagrammable, as you’d expect from the visionaries behind it—Jamie Blakey (Australian fashion powerhouse) and Julia Ashwood (travel blogger and hotelier). Since acquiring the property in 2021, they’ve created something truly visionary (trust me, I couldn’t resist looking up what it was before). But to build something great, you need a great team—enter Balanced Earth Architects, who helped bring this architectural dream to life. Every detail is a feast for the senses—from the sunken lounge with its built-in sofa upholstered in 70s-inspired fabrics to the striking material contrasts: a pink-tiled kitchen island with a black marble splashback, rustic timber cabinetry, and circular terracotta pavers. And that’s just in the Long House.
We stayed in a Ranch Barn, perched atop a steep hill that will set your legs on fire the first time you climb it. But the reward? A serene view of undulating hills, breathtaking sunrises, horses roaming freely, and a perfect vantage point over that stunning infinity pool. The interiors are everything you’d want in a barn style retreat—timber-lined, cozy, and effortlessly cool. It practically begs you to pour a margarita, light the fire, and settle in for good conversation or a deep dive into one of the thoughtfully curated books (we couldn’t put down Sun Signs, laughing as we dissected our family and selves through this classic astrology book).
They say the devil is in the details, and Sun Ranch has nailed them. We found ourselves unwrapping pillows to find out where the beautiful linens were from (Carlotta and Gee, if you’re wondering) and the incredibly comfy king-size pillows (MicroCloud) swiftly moved from our want to a need list.
It was hard to leave the ranch... but leave we did, venturing down unsealed roads to hidden beaches (Whites Beach, if you must know—but let’s keep that between us). One afternoon, we immersed ourselves in pure relaxation at The Banya, a beautifully restored heritage building transformed into a serene open-air bathhouse. With its exposed brick walls, high timber ceilings, and dappled light filtering through leafy courtyards, it felt like a sanctuary. We indulged in massages and hopped between steam rooms, saunas, and mineral pools, savoring every moment of this tranquil oasis. Lunch the following day at the iconic Rae’s, overlooking pristine Wategos Beach, was nothing short of spectacular—three courses, each one an absolute standout.
Of course, we couldn’t leave the area without scouting a few potential properties, admiring the breathtaking hinterland homes, and meandering through charming Bangalow. Vintage record hunting, boutique shopping, and taking in the town’s market-like energy struck the perfect balance between time spent exploring and unwinding at the ranch.
After five nights, my friends and I left feeling lighter, happier, and healthier (thanks to those daily saunas and ice baths). All of us vowed to return—perhaps next time with more friends and family. A ranch buyout? It’s on the cards.
Would I change anything? Not much. A shelf under the bathroom vanity would have been useful, and some hooks and covered storage near the sauna for belongings and dry wood would have been handy on rainy mornings. But no deal-breakers.
Sun Ranch is an experience. For years, I’ve craved something more from hotels—something with character, something that transports your senses to another time and place, something that makes you feel something. And I don’t just mean relaxed—plenty of places do that.
This is different. This is special. And if it’s not already on your to-do list, it should be.
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