We chat with owner and interior designer Deb Garske about the inspiration behind 28 Degrees and the special touches that make this adults-only sanctuary a space to rest and reset.
Luxury Accommodation: @28degreesbyronbay I Linen purchased via 28 Degrees I Featured: Flocca Linen Duvet in Floss I Double Crush Throw in Petra/Kali
'I bought some pieces for personal use prior to opening the guesthouse and was so impressed by the quality. When the colour didn’t fade and it became so much softer with further use, that to me, signifies pure luxury.' - Deb Garske
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind 28 Degrees Byron Bay?
Whilst recovering from chemotherapy in 2015 after being granted only two weeks left to live, I decided I was going to move to Byron Bay, where I was married in 2005, to prioritise my health and wellbeing. We bought a quaint house in an ideal location, within walking distance from the beach and one block from town – perfect for our growing family. As part of my recovery, I wanted to build a respite that offered others the same nurturing experience and opportunity to heal.
28 Degrees was consciously created from my healing journey, which inspired every aspect of the design and build – even down to the suppliers chosen. Every element of the business was meticulously chosen to align with a healthy, sustainable space that would encourage guests to unplug and recharge away from the chaotic stress of everyday life.
Luxury Accommodation: @28degreesbyronbay
Can you share your favourite interior design selections for this property?
As an interior designer, I’m very tactile, so everything must feel beautiful and high-quality. That includes every detail of the property, from the floorboards you walk on and the $20,000 mattresses topped in Hale Mercantile bedding you sleep in, to the water you bathe in and consume, both filtered by a Grander water system. The Maker and Son sofas in each room add beautiful touches to the space.
The other feature that creates a relaxed ambience is the handmade pendant lights from New Zealand, which remind me of my childhood in Japan. Additionally, as we have a no-TV policy, we invite guests to lose themselves in a carefully curated selection of books.
Luxury Accommodation: @28degreesbyronbay I Linen purchased via 28 Degrees I Featured: Flocca Linen Duvet in Carmel, Kristine Pillowcase in Fog, Flocca Linen Body Cushion in Brun | Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Russo | Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Ayrton
What sets 28 Degrees Byron Bay apart from other luxury accommodations?
We have worked tirelessly to create a luxurious experience that spans beyond the cosmetics of the property. Every aspect of 28 Degrees encourages wellbeing, from the hand-poured natural beeswax candles in each room and the low-VOC, non-toxic paint to the organic, homemade parfait-style breakfast.
Being an adults-only property ensures guests can really unwind, and we advise each guest upon arrival that peace and privacy are our priorities. Each aspect is designed to slow you down, from the locally sourced Byron Moonshine slow-drip coffee to the Maker and Son sofa perfectly positioned under the hanging pendant light, providing the cosiest reading nook.
@28degreesbyronbay
What are your top recommendations for anyone planning an upcoming trip to Byron?
We recommend walking along the beach to the lighthouse, where you can see turtles and dolphins as well as golden sunrises and sunsets, and we encourage guests to take a complimentary bike and explore the surrounds like a local. As we are one block from town, we have the best cafes and restaurants on our doorstep, including the hatted restaurant, Beach. We suggest driving through the hinterland to visit quaint towns like Bangalow, Clunes and Federal, and we provide all guests with information on the best waterfalls to visit in the area.
Luxury Accommodation: @28degreesbyronbay I Linen purchased via 28 Degrees I Featured: Kristine Linen Pillowcase in Sable, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Floss, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Nox, Flocca Linen Duvet in Fog, Flocca Linen Tall Bedhead in Nox
'My favourite pieces are from the Kristine bedding range, and my favourite colour combination is Floss, Fog and Sable.' - Deb Garske
What kind of experience can your guests expect from a stay at 28 Degrees?
Our guests experience absolute peace and privacy. Everything is curated for a restful stay and permits our guests to switch off, making the space perfect for those wanting romantic getaways or simply indulging in the space. We’ve chosen the bedding, including the mattresses, bedding sets and linen, to be top-range quality, as we believe the most rejuvenating getaways can only be built upon a foundation of deep, restful sleep.
