Five Reasons To Visit Habitat This Winter
Like all businesses at this time of year, we've just completed a full stocktake and found we had 463 reasons to visit Habitat in winter still sitting on our shelves, unopened. That's too many reasons for us to keep to ourselves, which is why we're offloading five of the best right here! So, if the cold weather's getting you down, and you enjoy discovering new stuff, a lil' bit of shopping, epic food and drink, being cuddled by nature, and getting totally shaped and shredded, then we've got the hottest hot spot in Byron, ready to obliterate your blues.
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Remember when shopping centres were a thing? The bigger and more sprawling the better, no matter that they're stuffed with the same brands and once you're deep inside the belly of the multi-level beast any signs of where you are geographically completely dissolves, replaced by mind-numbing chain stores, and cookie-cutter food options, until you literally could be anywhere. Well, shopping at Habitat is the exact opposite. When you're in our little oasis, you always know you're in beautiful Byron Bay, because we've carefully curated every flagship store, independent boutique, and fashion label to reflect the creative spirit this town was built upon. From iconic local labels The Beach People and Children of the Tribe to stunning homewares at Shackpalace to the latest and greatest at Arcaa, Annukka, and Prae. Forget the best, this is the most unique shopping Byron has to offer, without the hassle of having to go into town.
Like all great neighbourhoods, Habitat was built around a couple of spots with great food and drink, so the local community could meet up and share a meal or have a tipple. Located around our courtyard, the heart of Habitat, there's Barrio with its weekly BBQ feasts and monthly guest chefs. We know it might be hard to fathom if you're living in the southern states (and we don't like to brag) but the winter sun in Byron is glorious this time of year, so you can still enjoy an outdoor barbeque. And there's Vagabond, open 7 days a week, serving up the best smoothies in town and delicious plant-based goodness for brekkie and lunch.
You're not meant to have a favourite kid, we know that, but we can't help it. We're completely smitten by Easy Street, the latest addition to Habitat. Don't get us wrong, we still adore our first-born precinct, there's just so much to love about the newest street on the block. Let's take a stroll and pinch its cheeks, while we marvel at all the shiny things. Firstly, we should pause to admire the handsome architecture. Oh my, check out that saw-tooth roof! Goodness gracious, look at the delicious landscaping! No way, get a load of all those high-quality materials, earthy tones and textures! Friends, what we have here is a world-class mix of retail, health and wellness studios, plus food, all set within the relaxed surrounds of Byron, making it unlike anywhere else.
Got a deep yearning to fluff your nest with amazing furniture, pottery and homewares? Drop into Mud Australia, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs and MCM House. Want to treat your body like a temple instead? Easy Street is home to Bende’s new sister studio (think yoga, breathwork, meditation, singing bowls…), Health Is For Life gym, along with Lifecycles bike shop to keep you on the move. And with an exciting pop-up store + workshop residency by Spencer Ceramics now open, furnished in collaboration with Mr Jason Grant, and an epic cafe coming soon, living the good life doesn't get any easier.
Ok, enough banging on about the buildings and shops. We're humble enough to know most people come to Byron for its natural beauty and to reconnect with the great outdoors. Which is why Habitat has got lush, green spaces galore! Honestly, there are chunks of the landscaping around here that are as awe-inspiring as the creeks and rainforest in the nearby hinterland, which is precisely what they were designed to mimic. Take advantage of the free parking, let the kids go nuts in the park and even bring your furry friends (on a leash please). Relax and let us deliver a revitalising hug from mother nature to you.
Did we mention Byron doesn't really get that cold in winter? Oh, we did? One of the disadvantages of this is not getting to cover up for three months, head to toe, and completely letting yourself go underneath. Nope, without the blissful shield of multiple layers, staying shaped and shredded (sorry, happy and healthy) is a full-time job. Fired up to keep your body warm is our collection of fitness studios, including F45 and Bende. After all, there's nothing hotter than looking after yourself, even when you're on holidays, right?
Want to know what the other 458 reasons are to visit Habitat? Here's number 12 and 104.
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