There’s a retro-style hideaway where you can live out your cowboy fantasies, with horseback riding, American bourbon and hot saunas, just a short flight from Sydney.
Rancho del Sol ByronCo-owned by PE Nation co-founder Claire Greaves, it extends across 55 acres of regenerated farmland in hinterland Byron Bay. It is surrounded by green hills and decorated with the Cali ranch vibe and 70’s decor in mind.
To be honest, I’ve never seen a country-style movie and wished I could go back in time to see what it was like, nor have I ever wondered if an Akubra would suit me, or thought I should spend time in the back. of a horse
The thought of bourbon made me want to vomit and I had never had a reason to try it again. So why would a trip to an American-style ranch with horses, cowboy hats, and bourbon appeal to a city slicker like me?
Because from the photos online, Sun Ranch looked spectacular and people seemed to come out in droves.
From the moment I set foot on the property, I knew there was no clever Photoshop deal going on: the ranch, with all its retro-inspired decor, was the real deal.
Sun Ranch Byron (pictured) is a stunning hideaway in the hinterland of Byron Bay
Most rooms at Sun Ranch Byron have private pools and loungers (pictured)
Pictured: A Yellowstone Bourbon Cocktail Making Class in Action
Drinks were flowing upon my arrival, lunch was prepared by an in-house chef, and I was invited on an adventure around the property on horseback.
There were a few reasons why I didn’t think I would enjoy this part of the trip. I’m afraid of heights, helmets ruin your hair, and I had to go through my platform collection to find a practical pair of shoes.
Once my assigned horse, Ziggy, was saddled and I made sure he wasn’t going to trip and send me flying, I realized this really was the best way to see the ranch.
The main areas of the property are located on a hill – you can run up and down trying to see everything, or you can hop on a horse and let it do the work while you marvel at the scenery.
When Ziggy wasn’t veering off course in search of fresh grass to eat, the experience was quite serene. I felt like I had gotten quite a bit of physical activity when I sat down for my bourbon master class, even though the horse did pretty much everything.
Greg Mefford, CEO of Luxco International, somehow taught me that whiskey really isn’t that bad if you drink it right. Having a high-quality whiskey, like Yellowstone Bourbon, really helped.
The ranch staff was more than happy to prepare any cocktail requested. In the photo: whiskey sour
Horseback riding is the best way to see the ranch (pictured) if you don’t like walking uphill to see the property.
The Ranch’s sauna (pictured) is a unique addition to the property and overlooks a lake.
Did you know…
The United States Congress recognized Bourbon whiskey as an American product in 1964.
For a spirit drink to be called bourbon, it must meet a number of requirements:
– Only whiskey produced in the United States can be called bourbon.
– Bourbon must have a minimum of 40 percent alcohol.
– Jim Beam in Australia is 37 percent alcohol, meaning it is technically not bourbon.
– Bourbon must be made from a grain blend containing at least 51 percent corn.
– It must be aged in new charred oak barrels.
I have never liked drinking spirits neat, as was Greg’s recommendation, so mine became a hot toddy. with lemon, honey and cinnamon.
That was a combination I could get behind.
I had my third bourbon in front of an outdoor fireplace with a fantastic view of the Milky Way.
My room was a pool suite called The Rattler which had, you guessed it, a private pool. There were outdoor loungers and a shower, canvas bathrobes on the walls, sun hats, a retro radio and a well-stocked minibar.
But the main living areas were where the magic really was. A lot of thought went into the design and layout, from the color of the dining room walls to the sun hats and robes in the bedrooms.
Guests enjoy cocktails by the fire, under the stars (pictured)
Pictured: The ranch’s living room and kitchen, decorated in rustic decor.
In the photo: the dining room, prepared for dinner. Guests can bring their own food or take advantage of on-site catering options.
Everything was stunning and although it was quite cold outside at that time of year, inside it was warm and comforting.
Guests are free to bring their own food, or the venue offers catering for people who want to kick back and relax; In my opinion, that’s the best way to do it.
The food was excellent and the chefs were happy to cater for any dietary requirements, and the bar staff could prepare almost any cocktail requested.
One of the unique features of the place is the sauna overlooking the lake and the ranch’s main pool located on the hillside.
You need good weather to jump in the pool, but I threw on a Sun Ranch robe and headed down to the sauna after a morning yoga session.
The place is made for taking pictures – there is a good frame everywhere you look, perfect for family photos.
Having arrived at the ranch feeling pretty unsure about the country-western thing, I’m a convert and would return in a heartbeat.