Shambhala is a special place. A mythical kingdom that only those with the power, desire, or belief can find. Sounds like love doesn’t it?

Byron Bay may not be the typical honeymoon choice of many, and that is what makes it so ideal. The laidback, loved up nature of the people, the spakling scenery, the happy vibes are all there – without the inflated tourist chic and sparkling facades of so many honeymoon resorts.

Located a fifteen minute walk along the white sand of Byron’s Main Beach, on to Belongil Beach, east of the town is Shambhala Byron Bay, a beautifully designed collection of four apartments in a rainforest meets beach paradise. In terms of its offering it is somewhere between a rental and a resort, without the connotations that the latter implies. There’s a small gym, a yoga studio, sauna, steam room, and Jasmine, the owner, designer, and clear lover of the place, has paid careful attention to ensuring that all a honeymooning couple’s needs are met.

Well, not all…

The air is certainly relaxing here. Designed around the basic principles of feng shui no doubt has a calming and content effect. If it all sounds a bit wishy washy, it’s worth considering what the core of feng shui is. Using and working with space and energy to allow its inhabitants and the place they inhabit to flourish. A home, hotel, workplace, or any physical form should enhance life, not threaten it, and so the right layout and materials give people the best support – ideal when starting a new life!

Besides, it looks beautiful. Jasmine’s ‘interest in all elements of design, from the ‘esotoric’ to the practical’ is evident. It literally is a treehouse, as in a house in the trees, leafs and foliage spreading around, the whisper and rustle in the leaves in harmony with the ocean only metres away. A private gate to the beach leads you on to the stretch of sand that leads east towards Byron and right towards the National Park. Stones line the walkways, water trickles through, and sweeping metal curves guide without being glaring. Buddhist statues, rose quartz and amethyst guide the way, lit at night and infusing with the scent of incense. Elevated boardwalks lead you from one part to another, each able to exist uniquely and being a retreat in itself, but also working harmoniously.

The metaphors for marriage come thick and fast here…

Timber staircases connect the inside to the outside, the upstairs to the downstairs, in wonderfully natural linkage of changing textures and scenes that enhance creativity. It’s seamless, outdoors becomes indoors, and as you wander barefoot, padding the wood, feeling the environment, you see and flow through it all. Despite it all being part of a rhythmic whole, there is space and privacy and it’s rare to hear or see other guests.

There are four cottages at Shambhala, each with Sanskrit names. The two bed Shanti, which in Sanskrit translates as rest, peace, calmness – and bliss. The largest space, Sarita, means flowing. Firey and independent Shiva inspired the name of the solo apartment. The one bedroom two storey Samadhi, the name being a Sanskrit term that refers to a higher level of concentrated meditation resulting in a state of bliss, truth and wholeness, coming from the word sam, meaning ‘together.’ Daybeds on which to snuggle, decks on which to chat, each space is created for a purpose and fulfils that purpose with zen.

Shambhala is romantic, heavenly, a place to be and feel. But it’s stylish rather than schmaltzy, a unique chic and contemporary elegance combined with its use of the surroundings.

Shambhala is also available for vacations, retreats, and general getaways.

Images via Shambhala

Ms Gingham says: Doesn’t this look like a peaceful paradise? 

About Francesca: Francesca Baker is a freelance writer currently wandering the world with her eyes wide open and scribbling about. Partial to music, reading, culture, walking, cycling, wine, crazy events, smiling, and life, you can read her musings here and follow her on twitter.