After a supremely hectic few months, a friend’s wedding in Byron Bay was the perfect opportunity to tack on a couple of days holiday. Desperate for a little escapism we decided to treat ourselves and check in to our favourite escape – Rae’s on Wategos. This exclusive hideaway has played host to just about every visiting A-lister you could think of and routinely attracts those seeking to escape to somewhere that feels far from the madding crowd of Byron Bay – yet is only five minutes drive. It was there, sprawled on the ample daybeds that look out to postcard perfect views of Wategos beach that I got my Mojo (and my skin glow) back.

Here are my five favourite ways to get a Byron Bay glow:

1. A facial with Marionne De Candia at Rae’s Spa.

Marionne is one of those amazing skin genies with magic hands, who just loves looking after people. I’ve known her for years and I still remember my first facial with her was like a religious experience. She does Reiki and is incredibly spiritual, but she also knows how to make your skin gleam. She has just launched a range of high end boutique cosmeceuticals that marry nature with actives. She sent them to me a few months ago as a preview (major perk of the job!) and I fell in love. Artist David Bromley, whose works adorn the walls at Rae’s also helped design the packaging. Very chic. Very Byron.

2. A bracing morning swim in the ocean.

Not only will it clean out your sinuses, salt water is incredibly purifying for your skin. It flushes out your pores and tightens up lackluster complexion for the day ahead. Just make sure you do a rinse in clean water post swim to stop your skin from drying out.

3. A wander around the verdant tropical gardens of Crystal Castle.

Get your tarot read, pick up some incense or lose yourself in the labrynth, the rainforest walk or just hanging out beside an enormous Buddha. Even if you don’t go for the whole hippie vibe it’s quite a trip seeing all those gigantic crystals.

4. A well-stocked beauty bag.

On this trip I bought a whole lot of mini products that I love like O&M minis; a baby Crealine; Chanel Les Beiges; my favourite tinted moisturizer/SPF 30 Dermaquest mineral sunscreen; Pure Tan Coconut Cream to keep the tan on; Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad (the most amazing wipe on facial tan).

5. A delicious, wholesome meal.

Whether you go for a Thai banquet at Rae’s, Italian at The Pacific, burgers at The Topshop cafe, or up to Newrybar to The Harvest Cafe, Byron has a head-spinning array of options to warm your belly and soothe your soul. My new favourite on this trip was Naked Treaties on Marvell Street. The “Vegemite and Avocado on Toast” has to be seen to be believed – they make their own vegemite out of Tamari and put it on the most delicious sprouted bread. And don’t get me started on the kombucha.

 

Story by Sigourney.

Comment (1)

  1. July 2, 2014
    Sonia

    Looks like heaven!!