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Blackbird Byron
- Where:
- Why:To get away from it all
- When:July 2021
- Who:Just me
"A magical hilltop hideaway"
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Dawn breaks over Mount Chincogan
Getting to Blackbird Byron is just as beautiful as being there itself. The drive up the mountain is spectacular
A jaw-dropping arrival — where design meets nature
The industrial style entrance that takes you into the pool area and main dining pavilion
The main pavilion, where breakfast is served each morning, and where private dinners are held as well. This is also where you can enjoy a drink by the fire or by the pool
Inside, James' eclectic mix of brutalism, mid-century modernism and British graffiti collide
Looking into your pavilion — perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the sunrise views over the Pacific Ocean. In each you will find a king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton linen, burnished concrete floors, reclaimed timber joinery and a Moroccan tiled bathroom with rainwater shower-head
The most delicious bed — so cosy and perfect
Waking up to this! Stunning sunrise views over the mountains and out to the Pacific Ocean from your bed
The bathrooms are small but perfectly styled with cute design touches like this little mirror
The perfect place to store your luggage and things
Another beautiful view from your pavilion out towards Mount Chincogan
The most dreamy pool situation. I spent a lot of time hanging by this hand-built magnesium infinity pool — so beautiful
With some serious Ibiza lounging vibes, this heavenly pool is surrounded by lush mountains at every turn
The view from the pool over the mountains out to the ocean
I can't recommend booking in for one of the private dinners with Chef Day Shibata more highly. An absolutely phenomenal dining experience
Made with love. Just one of the incredible hand-made Japanese dishes by the chef
All lit up. The beautiful Blackbird by night
First light over the magnificent Blackbird Byron
Woke up to a morning shadow play
Looking out from your pavilion, through the reclaimed timber frame, and to the light over the mountains is just extraordinary
This is the beating heart of Blackbird Byron where breakfast is served and guests meet
Amazing homestyle breakfasts, a la Victoria Spring
The view from the breakfast table
The light, the angles, the concrete play on wood, the tropical plants, the mountain views — it really is a vision here
It's very hard to leave this place and the constantly changing light and movement of each and every day. But until next time
Highs & Lows
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The design. James Hudson’s design style and aesthetic is both unique and inspiring.
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The magnesium pool. Not only beautiful, delightful to swim in as well. And those views!!
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The service. Friendly, personal and intimate (thank you James and Victoria).
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The music. Just perfect. What more can I say?
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The breakfast. Fresh, hearty, colourful, delicious…all the good things.
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The private dinners. Dinner with Chef Day Shibata was an absolute highlight. The food was exceptional and the company was brilliant as well.
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The location. There is nothing else quite like it.
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The local wildlife. If you’re lucky you might spot a black cocktaoo, frogs, birdlife, green tree snakes, lizards, and maybe even Polly the house python.
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The little touches. I especially loved the ‘Star Gazing’ manual in my pavilion to decode the night sky.
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The name. James came up with the name for Blackbird on the night he took over the property — a flock of black cockatoos flew off overhead just as ‘Blackbird’, the song by The Beatles, was playing on the stereo. Surely a sign.
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Not a pinch.
Important Bits
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Type
Industrial chic, with a nod to Palm Springs and Morocco in design, in a serene hilltop setting
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Vibe
Rancho relaxo
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Location
What feels like a million miles away… at the base of the Koonyum Range, with stunning views over Mount Chincogan, out to the ocean and the Cape of Byron
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Rooms
3 industrial-style pavilions — all detached from one another — made of glass, wood and steel. We recommend ‘pavilion one’ for its bath. With incredible sunrise views looking out over the Pacific Ocean, in your pavilion you will find a big king-sized bed with concrete floors, reclaimed timber, Moroccan tiled bathroom with rainwater shower, and a little entry area with a storage area for luggage, a coffee maker and a bar fridge
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Personalised and very warm, thanks to owner James Hudson and host Victoria Spring
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Future Forward
Recycled materials are used throughout, including the hardwood timber (which James found in a run-down banana packing shed he found on the property when he bought it) and tin. Zero miles materials for sure! They endeavour to keep operations as sustainable as possible: they run on 100% rainwater and UV filter all their taps for direct access to drinking water; they have a septic system for their water and waste treatment; and all the pavilions are designed with higher R-value insulation and strategically placed louvre windows to keep indoor temperatures comfortable and create a natural cross breeze, all year round. In addition, low-flow shower heads and pre-programmed light and air conditioning settings are designed to save energy. In terms of the food, produce is organic, grown on-site or locally sourced from fair-trade suppliers, and there is a focus on composting and recycling
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Music
Ibiza summer
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Year Opened
2018
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Designed By
James Hudson
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Health & Wellness
A stunning magnesium mineral pool for swimming, a sauna to sweat it out, and a great waterfall hike nearby
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Food
Breakfast is served in the Breakfast Pavilion each morning, but it’s not just any breakfast. Host (and jewellery designer) Victoria Spring whips up the most incredibly fresh and delicious, homestyle hot breakfast featuring local produce (you can opt for a continental breakfast if you’d prefer). Breakfast is served from 8am-9:30am each morning. In the evenings, poolside cocktails are served each Thursday through Monday, and there is also an option to book in for one of Blackbird’s private dinners (an exceptional dining experience). With an emphasis on communality, you sit at a communal table with other guests. From Tuesday to Friday, Chef Martyn takes the reins, and from Thursday to Monday it is Japanese Chef Day Shibata. We were lucky enough to experience one of Chef Day Shibata’s Japanese feasts on our visit and it was truly exceptional
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
In the Reception Pavilion, guests will find a wonderfully stocked fridge full of beer, wine, and local artisan goods that are available for purchase
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Minibar & Retail
There is a small selection of Victoria Spring’s jewellery for sale. You will also find organic dark chocolate, teas, coffee, and cheese platters
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Accessibility
Yes
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Pet Friendly
No
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Children
No
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Price
Worth it
- Tel.
- Website
Blackbird Byron
210 Frasers Rd, Mullumbimby Creek NSW, Australia
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28 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby NSW, Australia
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In the Area
Hotel Location 210 Frasers Rd, Mullumbimby Creek NSW, Australia
Blackbird Byron is tucked away in the Byron hinterland. Feeling like a million miles from anywhere, at the base of the Koonyum Range, you are still only 20 minute from some of Northern NSW's most beautiful beaches, and towns such as Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Byron itself. With stunning views over Mount Chincogan, the ocean and out to the Cape of Byron, this is a spectacular place to unwind.
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