FIT FIRST IN FEB: P.E NATION x THE BOWER BYRON BAY
“Welcome to Byron Bay. Cheer Up. Slow Down. Chill Out.”
The sign that greets you to the iconic East coast hideaway - one of Australia’s most-loved holiday destinations - hints at everything you need to know about the barefoot vibe and beachy pace of Byron Bay. A tropical microcosm and luxury laidback community that attracts surfers, yogis and superheroes all in the one breadth.
It’s a coastal escape that caters to the collective craving for the vacation vacuum; a quiet moment to lean into, a chance to put everyday everything on pause.
A place where, as one of the resort town's laidback luxury hotels, The Bower - the shoot location purposefully chosen to present the P.E Resort Collection - prescribes: you’ll find everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
The Bower Byron Bay
Opened in 2018, The Bower Byron Bay is a refurbished 1970s roadside motel in the beating hub of the barefoot, beachy locale. As co-founder of the resort Taliah Lowry explains, the Bower's aesthetic - dark timber, limestone floors, whitewash walls, hand-made ceramic lighting and one-of-a-kind artwork - is Downtown Manhatten-inspired. "The concept for The Bower began on a trip to New York City. My husband Sein and I were staying at The Bowery - a beautifully moody, boutique hotel in the heart of the city, surrounded by other delightful boutique hotels, all reflecting a very particular feel. It was an experience that gave us the desire to create something similar in our home town of Byron. Something that, at its heart, had a similar aesthetic and feel."
Praised by Vogue Living, Gourmet Traveller and Condé Nast, The Bower is one of Australia's hottest hotels. Sitting on an acre of tropical gardens - including a mix of mango, guava, feijoa, fig and citrus trees - the property offers 28 luxury rooms as well as private barns, suites and 'the Cottage', a stunning restored and refurbished original homestead. All set around the resort's award-winning perfect circle mineral pool, outdoor bar and cabanas.
“From the get-go our projects have been influenced by our love of design, travel, family, and the sometimes even greater love of coming 'home'," adds Taliah.
The Value of Vacation Mode
Weaving in with our annual Fit First in Feb commitment - an opportunity to turn inward, tune into the true self, to reset and recharge - holidays, short breaks and getaways deserve space as an essential element in our calendar, a necessity to weave into our schedule throughout the year.
Vacations are good for us in every way, benefitting our emotional, physical and mental wellbeing, as well as boosting our relationships, reducing stress, levelling up our creativity and firing up fresh synapses - especially when we mix moments of relaxation with new activities and experiences.
In a 2009 Canadian study on the benefits of holiday time and active pursuits, researchers reported the positive impacts include "rest and recuperation from work ... new experiences leading to a broadening of horizons and the opportunity for learning and intercultural communication; promotion of peace and understanding" as well as opportunity for quality time with favourite people and an essential escape from stressors.
Holidays can also enhance our capacity for empathy, attention, energy, and focus. Thinking about, planning, and reminiscing on trips also offer unique rewards. A 2014 Cornell University study found that anticipating an experience, such as an upcoming getaway, can increase our happiness.
48 Hours In Byron Bay
With a balance of beaches, waterfalls and an abundance of rainforest trails matched with premium shopping - try Prae and Tigmi Trading; state of the art fitness studios - we love FluidForm Pilates; award-winning day spas, beachside cafes, bars and fine dining opportunities, Byron Bay is one of Australia's most-loved tropical escapes.
"Byron Bay has stolen my heart - the perfect location for a dream holiday." - P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards. If you have 48 hours to spend there, follow Pip's recommends. "I had the most relaxing experience at Comma – for all your spa treatment needs. Lunch at Raes and then the afternoon at Wategos is a must, followed by a trek up to the lighthouse. The Mez Club, Light Years and The Pacific are all top of my list of places to dine at, as is Harvest and The Farm. Plus, cocktails at The Loft. There are just so many places to check out!!"
The P.E Nation x The Bower Byron Bay Competition
To celebrate our annual Fit First in Feb focus and this year’s ‘28 days of joy seeking’ theme, P.E Nation and The Bower are partnering to offer the opportunity to win a luxurious prize package.
One winner will enjoy a two-night stay at the hotel’s original homestead, ‘The Cottage’, a beautifully restored 5-bedroom (3 with ensuites) private accommodation on the property, featuring an outdoor entertaining area and private cedar mineral spa.
The winner also receives a $500 gift card to enjoy spending at pe-nation.com.
To enter, visit our Instagram page, look for the competition post and follow the simple steps.
Competition ends March 3, 2022. T&Cs apply.