Together with sister Isabella, film editor turned designer Elizabeth owns Spell & The Gypsy Collective, a range of romantic, boho-vintage fashion and accessories that’s quintessentially Byron Bay.
The duo started out selling handmade jewellery at the local artisan markets, and by embracing online and social media they’ve expanded their brand way beyond the beach – they now ship their ethereal frocks, smocks and hippy-luxe bib-bobs to a loyal cohort of fans around the world. Elizabeth shares her favourite spots in her home town.
48 hours in Byron Bay, what are the must-dos?
The lighthouse walk at sunrise or sunset. Breakfast at Folk, tucked away in Byron or the Woods in Bangalow, followed by shopping. For lunch grab some some fresh oysters or smoked trout from the Fish Co-op and some bits from the gourmet deli next door and set up your own picnic on the beach. Drinks at The Mez Club and dinner at St Elmo’s.
Explore the hinterland and head out to Doma Cafe in Federal if you’ve got a few hours – or just laze at The Pass under an umbrella and call it a day.
Where do you go for your daily caffeine hit?
Sparrow Coffee, because we’re always on the fly. It’s hands down our favourite!
Your go-to dish?
I love the oysters at lush boutique hotel Byron at Byron (it’s set amid rainforest, you can drop in for a wine and a stroll). The cauliflower popcorn at Balcony is great to nibble while watching the sunset.
Best bar perch?
The Mez Club – don’t leave without trying the Salted Caramel Russian or the Butterscotch Martini.
Top Byron Shops?
Island Luxe in Bangalow and Island Luxe Tribe in Byron are both a must; Spell of course, Mister Zimi, Ahoy Trader (both are also great for kids) and while you’re grabbing a coffee at Harvest, stop in at artisan collective Newrybar Merchants – it’s become a bit of an institution.
What will most surprise first-time visitors to Byron?
How fresh and accessible all the local produce is. Of all my travels it’s still the place that the food is most nourishing, inspired and locally sourced.
Most Instagram-worthy spot?
Probably the boardwalk leading towards The Pass on the Lighthouse walk, or the lookout at the Pass. My sister @lucianarose is the best at capturing the ocean in a way that makes me want to leave the office and head to the beach – mid meeting.
Favourite beach?
We love little Wategos.
How do you keep zen?
Creature Yoga. It’s an institution, get there early because it fills out.
Where should out of towners stay?
We love The Atlantic or any of the Byron Beach Abodes properties are incredible and tastefully decorated. Our Spell apartment Cactus Rose Villa is a gorgeous, intimate space with a private pool – it’s above the Spell shop.
Tell us about a secret, or lesser known place in and around Byron.
We love hunting for treasure in Newrybar or Mullumbimby. Brunswick Heads is not a secret anymore, but it has some great shops, cafes and restaurants. There are so many magical corners but it’s more fun to get a hire car and just go searching.
What do you love and loathe about Byron?
LOVE… The most amazing vibes, community, the place where we have planted our business heart and our families, the ocean, the buzzing tourism scene, always something to do, amazing eats.
LOATHE… In summer it can get overwhelmingly busy – it’s such a small town with a lot of visitors, but it is what makes it special, too. I always think of the crowds as this tidal wave that comes in and washes away old energy. When they leave the place feels renewed!
Byron Bay is a min. 8-hr drive (or short flight) north of Sydney. If you’re planning a trip Down Under, be sure to nab a copy of the LUXE Sydney Guide…
