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'I've found the perfect spot for a kid-free girls' weekend.'

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Since having my first child eight years ago, every holiday pack list has featured inflatable pool toys, kids' Panadol, and wet wipes. So imagine how thrilled I was to leave the husband and rugrats at home as I embarked on a relaxing and recharging long weekend with a girlfriend in beautiful Byron Bay. I sprinted across the tarmac to that plane. I could have overtaken Gout Gout with my enthusiasm.

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Once we landed, I swear, the first sharp inhale of fresh Ballina air invigorated my system and got my tensed-up Sydney shoulders to drop. The sense of calm that swept over me actually felt like it was unfurling my pent-up nervous energy. I've never known whether to subscribe to the local belief that Byron Bay sits on a focal point of powerful energy 'ley lines', which bring a sense of calm and attracts people seeking healing or transformation, but there is absolutely magic in the air.

For the 56 hours I was away (but who's counting?), I read books, ate delicious, nourishing food, soaked away my stresses and enjoyed some much-needed adult conversations. No one sang Steve's Lava Chicken at me once. It was utter bliss, and this is exactly why I think you should plan your own unforgettable getaway by the ocean.

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Here's what I recommend for a refreshing break from the mental load in Byron Bay:

Where to stay in Byron Bay: 28 Degrees Byron Bay.

28 Degrees Byron Bay is a hidden gem of private luxury, just steps away from the buzzy centre of town. Nestled behind lush vegetation, I was immediately captivated by how calm and quiet the boutique guesthouse was, while being surrounded by incredible cafés, spas and bookshops.

Our private plunge pool room offered a secluded, comfortable retreat. Every luxurious detail had been thoughtfully chosen to help valued visitors relax and recharge, and I can assure you, it worked.

28 degrees byron bay rooms The private plunge pool at 28 Degrees Byron Bay. Image: Supplied.

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Guests have their choice of a private pool in a sun-drenched courtyard, or a room with sweeping views up to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. Each suite has a well-stocked fridge that is replenished daily with locally-sourced products, as well as indulgent bathroom goodies that manage to be both scrumptious and sustainable.

28 degrees byron bay rooms The lighthouse room at 28 Degrees Byron Bay. Image: Supplied.

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With no televisions, visitors are encouraged to detox digitally and fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Our room quickly became our private sanctuary, and time truly seemed to slow down as I raced through the latest Maggie Alderson novel on maybe the comfiest bed of my life. At home, books collect dust on my bedside table as I constantly prioritise the house and kids, so taking this time to embrace the slow life was incredibly rejuvenating.

After one of the best nights of sleep I'd had in years, I began my morning with my favourite of the many little decadent touches — the deliciously light paleo breakfast, lovingly made by the guesthouse's hilarious owner, Deb.

Where to eat in Byron Bay.

Light Years, Byron Bay.

Light Years is my new favourite eatery in Byron, which is a big call in this foodie paradise. This Asian diner is located in the Jonson Lane precinct, and it's a treat for both the eyes and taste buds. The decor is super fun, with candy-striped booths and wonderful warm service, and they are serious about food.

asian diner at johnson lane byron bay light yearsWhat to eat at the Light Years eatery, Byron Bay. Image: Supplied.

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On a weekend where I was thumbing my nose at the mental load, I selected one of the delectable chef's tasting menus, which was absolutely the right choice. You could ask me to pick between the Mud Crab, Prawn and Scallop Dumpling or the Firecracker Chicken, but I wouldn't be able to.

Bangalow Tuck Shop, Byron Bay.

Tucked in the most divine small town of my dreams, the Bangalow Tuck Shop offers hearty comfort food; each dish ready to delight with a unique and sophisticated twist. The menu has evolved from classic Aussie tuckshop fare, and famed dishes now include the Squid Sanbo and the best slow-cooked lamb I've ever eaten. For the entrée, I'd never heard of a Caviar Hashbrown until now, but now I can't imagine one without the other. An absolute standout.

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comfort food byron bay bungalow tuck shopWhat to eat at the Bungalow Tuck Shop, Byron Bay

The darling little town of Bangalow deserves a daytime visit during your stay. The shops on the main drag are stunningly designed, and I squealed with joy at each new find.

Marvell Street Café, Byron Bay.

Marvell Street Café serves decadent breakfast and lunches with amazing live music.

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breakfast coffee cafe in byron bay Marvell Street CafeMarvell Street Café, Byron Bay. Image: Supplied.

What to do in Byron Bay.

Navia Bathhouse, Byron Bay.

Navia Bathhouse was seriously the best wellness experience I've ever had. Their two-hour package allows you to unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, soak in a magnesium hot pool, challenge yourself in cold plunge and ice plunge baths, and let tension melt away in a steam room.

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Being a stickler for rules, I was quick to ask what the 'correct' order was to partake in these experiences, only to be told what was right for me could be determined by listening to my body. This was a challenge for People-Pleasing-Millennial-Me initially ("No seriously, am I doing it right?") but soon, I looked within and gave in to 120 minutes of every form of relaxation.

Personally, I favoured the hot options. I only managed to get one shin in the cold plunge on my first attempt, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a mental challenge it became, and was enormously proud to dunk my whole self in on my fourth try. After that, I resigned myself to enjoy watching braver-folk-than-me do the ice plunge bath while floating in a divine magnesium pool of 38 degrees. The mental challenge of that was dragging myself out at the end.

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We were all wowed by the idea of hygge when it became a wellness buzzword a few years ago, but now having tried this experience, I was blown away by how rejuvenated and alive I felt stepping back outside. I'll be back. 

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay.

Cape Byron Lighthouse is a compulsory visit when you're in the area, and not just so you can take the obligatory selfie showing off that you're at the most easterly point of our great country.

A lighthouse seems like an odd recommendation, as though I never got over my childhood fascination with Round The Twist (which, let's face it, I haven't), but it is the end point of my absolute favourite walk on planet Earth.

Whether your eyes favour long stretches of pristine golden sand, choppy turquoise ocean views or wonderful wildlife (like koalas, lizards and whales), this walk has it all, as well as an incredible feeling of accomplishment at the top. The journey takes around an hour each way, depending on how many times you stop to stare transfixed at the stunning views.

I can see the appeal of a trip to Byron for lovers, surfers or families, but I'm now thinking of keeping it as a special spot reserved for girls' weekends away. My friend and I were able to recharge and reconnect while surrounded by some of the country's most beautiful scenery, and we enjoyed decadent dining with no kids' meals on the menu.

cape byron lightouse visit byron bayOne of the best girls' weekend trips, indeed! Image: Supplied.

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We gave our step counters a workout with long beach walks and shifted long-held tension with comforting wellness experiences. We talked and laughed and rested.

byron bay beachLong beach walks are a must. Image: Supplied.

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Byron Bay has everything you could want for a weekend away. The famous hand-painted sign that welcomes visitors to the shire urges you to 'Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chill Out'. I'm so thankful that Byron worked its magic on me to achieve this. Those ley lines are onto something.

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Feature image: Supplied.

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