Sun Ranch: Where ’70s Cowboy Cool Meets Byron Hinterland Bliss

Jayde and I recently experienced the magic of Sun Ranch firsthand. From cheese boards by the fire to sunrise yoga by the infinity pool, it was part nostalgic Western, part Byron bliss — and entirely unforgettable.

Sun Ranch in Byron Bay is where ‘70s cowboy cool collides with luxe hinterland living. Nestled on 55 acres, this boho-chic retreat blends design, nature, and a touch of cosmic cowboy magic — making it one of Australia’s most stylish escapes.

Arrival in Byron Hinterland

We arrive at Sun Ranch just as dusk stretches its golden fingers across the rolling hills. The path curves through whispering eucalypts. A rustic sign bearing the Sun Ranch logo welcomes us into another world. After two busy days shooting content on the Gold Coast (including an upcoming Celeste Barber vodcast interview), this Byron hinterland vibe feels like a much-needed exhale.

We park the hire car and wander towards reception. Immediately, my senses come alive: the earthy scent of fire, the gentle splash of water in the pond, and the amber glow flickering across sauna timbers. At the same time, our boots crunch up the gravel path and into a dimly lit haven. Instantly, I’m transported into a 1970s ranch film, complete with velvets, fringe, and the faint crackle of a distant campfire complete the scene.

First Impressions: A Warm Welcome

The staff greet us like old friends. They’re elegant, free-spirited, and glowing with that unmistakable Byron energy. Meanwhile, they guide us into the Whiskey Lounge. Moody red walls and sunken chairs quickly envelop us. Plush textures, smoky incense, and the promise of a salty margarita soon complete the welcome. In that moment, we both exhale.

A Design-Forward, Eco-Chic Escape

Set on 55 regenerated acres, Sun Ranch is the vision of Jamie Blakey (One Teaspoon) and Julia Ashwood (The Vista). Together, they transformed a cattle farm into a boho-luxe retreat.Since opening in 2023, it has earned a place onTime’s 100 Greatest Places to Stay in the World list.

Meanwhile, the property fuses laid-back spirit with luxe touches: a basalt 25-metre infinity pool, a wood-fired sauna floating above the dam, and barns powered entirely off-grid. Everywhere you turn, the ranch whispers its mantra: Hotel of Good Times.

Later, by the fire, we meet the low key (yet achingly cool) Sydney couple James and Sophie Rapper who recently aquired Sun Ranch for a cool $15 million. We chat about their plans (watch this space) and it’s clear the new custodians promise to carry the ranch’s magic forward, not redirect it.

Living Like Cosmic Cowboys

Between the Cowboy Bar, the Whiskey Lounge, and The Lair, the soundtrack is pure nostalgia. This sunken den mixes tiger-print velvet, mid-century furniture, and a roaring fire.

On our first night, we stay in The Pool Suite, where the balcony sun bed drops straight into the pool. Inside, retro speakers and Turkish linen robes set the mood. Meanwhile, the mini bar offers Aztec margaritas, local wines, and artisanal snacks. Cowboy hats hang as décor, and every detail feels curated yet effortless.

Mornings begin with yoga, followed by a breakfast spread of sourdough, boiled eggs, homemade pickles, and herbs plucked from the garden. As a result, the day starts fresh, intentional, and grounded.

Cozy Hilltop Hideaways

On the second night, we retreat to a hillside barn aptly named The Midnight Rambler. Inside, olive-toned linen sheets, copper showers, velvet lounges, and a potbelly fireplace set the mood (though ours is coaxed to life by one of the many rugged staff who look as though they’ve wandered straight from a Tom Ford for Gucci campaign circa 2004).

Dinner is ordered in: a cowboy cheese board followed by a hearty chicken feast with salad, savoured by the fire in blissful solitude. Every detail feels intentional — mustard and chocolate-hued walls, vintage mosaic tiles that hum with history, soaring ceilings that invite reflection. It’s less a room, more a sanctuary designed to quiet the noise and let the landscape do the talking.

A Grown-Up Summer Camp

Days unfold like a luxe summer camp for adults: horses grazing near the dam, wood-fired sauna rituals, grazing-board breakfasts, cacao ceremonies, and spontaneous field-side shoots (we even squeezed in a Spell shopping session).

Evenings bring guests together by the fire at the Field House, where cocktails and conversation flow under a violet Byron sky.

Why Sun Ranch Stays With You

Sun Ranch lingers because it is both nostalgic and new. It manages to be private yet social, cinematic yet grounding. Whether you’re seeking romance, creative inspiration, or simple reconnection, this cosmic-cowboy playground offers it all.

In a world that rarely slows, Sun Ranch reminds you to. And perhaps, that’s why it feels impossible to forget.