'Mecca for unwinding': Relax at the architect-designed Soma retreat in Byron Bay

Nestled in the sweeping views, Soma Byron Bay is just far enough away from the centre of town to escape from the busy and settle into tranquillity. When you book into the masterclasses, you are invited into a stay of complete bliss, from the thoughtfully designed accommodation to the surrounding Byron hinterland vistas.

The mastermind behind the retreat and wellness centre is Vedic meditation teacher Gary Gorrow, partnering with Peter Ostick and brother George Gorrow (the creator of Bali’s The Slow). Every detail has been carefully considered for guests’ immersion within mediation, from the architecture and furniture to lighting, soft furnishings, and especially the art on the walls – a “Soma” series of photography.

Gary had been dreaming of a place where his clients could come to transform themselves. Byron Bay seemed the perfect spot. He describes it as a mecca for unwinding while musing on the popular holiday destination being a site on which, before colonisation, first-nation Australians gathered for healing. “I believe people are unconsciously drawn here for that reason,” he says.

The Ewingsdale spot came with views, abundant wildlife, a forest full of ancient trees and hundreds of towering bamboo species. And unconsciously, Soma’s building conforms to the Vastu principles – sacred architecture from the Vedic tradition – of natural light, spatial proportions, and flow to give a sense of expansion. “We tried to integrate the natural environment into the house, whether that be endless floor to ceiling glass, internal gardens or an indoor-outdoor pond,” says Gary. “The philosophy is: nature is healing.”

The Gorrow brothers employed Indonesian architect Rieky Sunur, who imparted his minimalist aesthetics. For George, this relationship had been blossoming for a while as Sunur helped design The Slow hotels in Canggu and Uluwatu and Elephant in Los Angeles. “We combine our styles … it always seems more of a balance of styles that seems harmonic,” George says.

“Raw, earthy, natural, unrestrained, raw cut timbers and twigs designed into a warm minimalist, functional flowing space.”

Alongside the big communal dining table made out of a fallen tree from Java, Soma is a place to share and reflect with fellow retreaters.

For Gary, this was one of the most critical elements to the design, creating gathering spaces such as the geodesic yoga dome, the firepit or the outdoor cinema.“At Soma, we want to foster new unions,” Gary says.

“I’ve seen it over the years, people meet and create businesses together, become lifelong friends, there have even been some marriages come out of the people meeting on my retreats.”

With life classes and Vedic meditation, Soma is ideal to release 2020’s anxieties. Swim in the freshwater pool, watch the magical sunsets in the valley and sit with friends around the firepit, sharing stories into the night.

Things to do in Byron Bay

Bare Blends Smoothie Bar

Downing a dose of fresh ingredients in smoothie form will give you that holiday glow. You can even pick up some protein powder to take home with you.

Nagnata Studio

An activewear company pursuing sustainably produced textiles, Nagnata is perfect for wearing for yoga and meditation on the Soma deck.

Zephyr Horses

To fully immerse in the peaceful surroundings of Soma, check out Zephyr Horses for horse-riding tours through the sub-tropical bush or along glistening beach trails.

Fig Tree Restaurant

After a fire in 2019, the Devlin family relaunched their restaurant – and it’s just around the corner from Soma. A perfect spot for dinner overlooking the Byron hinterland.