Hotelier and host, creative director and interior designer, Julia Ashwood has always called Byron Bay home. 

From living in New York to returning to her hometown of Byron, the 44-year-old creative is just getting started bringing the area to life, most recently opening boutique hotel Sun Ranch, designed by herself and business partner Jamie Blakey. Julia has always been a creative, from her work in television, fashion marketing, advertising, events and interiors – in Australia and abroad – she has always connected her work through the thread of travel. First, through her travel blog The Vista (launched 15 years ago), to bringing all her inspiration and perspective to the work she now does with her husband Matty co-owning a collective of pubs and restaurants (The Eltham Pub, Ciao Mate, You Beauty). 

It all came full circle when they moved to the Northern Rivers nine years ago, and there’s no slowing down since. 

Sun Ranch hotel has been listed on every hotel ‘hot list’ there is, and there’s good reason for it. Opened by Julia and a bunch of friends, the hotel interiors are original and memorable, showcasing the Byron hinterland in all its glory. Julia and Jamie sourced from local makers alongside vintage finds from their travels, making a stay at Sun Ranch feel unlike anywhere else. Hosting her first ROOM SERVICE hotelier hands-on workshop last month, Julia shared insider tips as an entrepreneur, hotelier and interior designer, along with a special list of speakers all leaders in their field. Learning about the business of running a hotel, to the marketing and importance of connecting with the community, ROOM SERVICE highlights that being authentic to your own way of seeing brings inimitable originality.

Captured by analogue photographer Abbi Hart on location at Sun Ranch, the masterclass was a sold-out hit, with more series to come. Champ Editorial Director Monique Kawecki asked Julia all about the event and what’s next from here!

CHAMP: Tell us about your upbringing in Byron. Now, with your career flourishing here, it’s all come full circle!

Julia Ashwood: It was my Mum who said – “don’t come home yet, there’s nothing to do here!” everytime I would call from Sydney or even New York or LA… but as soon as we had our first baby we knew it was time. Of course it’s a more DIY community here, yet compared to 5 even 2 years ago the town has exploded with new small business operators and with it wonderful opportunities. We have now been back in the Northern Rivers for just over 9 years and (along with business partners) have 4 businesses so there’s no signs of slowing just yet!

What is it about Byron Bay that inspires you most? 

My family roots and the creative undercurrent is what holds me here, people who are making a living through the arts, fashion, food and wine. We’re also a community who love nature and adore this special Bundjalung country – from the beaches to the rivers and mountains, it’s a source with fertile soils for fresh produce, abundant beauty and constant inspiration.

In addition to setting up Sun Ranch Hotel, could you tell us about the other restaurants and projects you have worked on?

The Eltham Hotel pub rooms were my first dive into interiors where I told the story of vibrant local female characters through the design. From there came: The Sunseeker motel, No Bones restaurant, Sun Ranch hotel (this project was a collaboration with Jamie Blakey), Ciao Mate restaurant and You Beauty restaurant.

Putting all that knowledge into your first masterclass event, Room Service, what did attendees learn that they couldn’t learn anywhere else!

I think first hand knowledge is a powerful source of information – learning from my wins yet also my mistakes. I am certainly not a professionally trained designer. I want to encourage people to crack open their creativity and feel confident to curate wonderfully unique spaces which break the mold.

Your talents are all combined in your entrepreneurship. Can you tell us how you navigate this way of living and working? Did you study, or what set you on this path?

I have always loved creating – through dance, drama and art in school. I love the more colourful and expressive side of the brain. Creating spaces came later. It is the story that truly drives me – I cannot build something without a story. Once I have it I build an in-depth vision and concept of the character that inhabits (or once inhabited the said space) – from there I am completely in my flow and the design comes easily and swimmingly.

Can you tell us about a typical ‘Day in the Life of Julia Ashwood’ and your daily routine?

Let’s take a Monday:

5.45am – I get out of the house early for a sunrise lighthouse or an early pilates class.

7.45 Coffee en route home from Tones Cafe.

8.00am I have two little ones, so it’s home to make lunches and get them out the door. A quick smoothie in hand.

9.00am I will either work from home or on the ranch (Sun Ranch). It’s emails back and forth, a few phone calls.

I am working on some collabs currently and more Room Service magic…

1.00pm If I can manage a lunch meet-up it will always be at Highlight Cafe.

3.30pm School pick up, after school sports.

5.30pm Dinner (at Ciao Mate of course!)

7.30pm Bedtime, all the usual mum stuff…

8.00pm I usually get one more window of work in before bed

A big dose of magnesium powder and lights out by 10.30pm!

Are there any key rituals or routines that you do to enable you to be your best self every day?

I always make sure I get a good hit of nature, usually a walk with my friend Mia plus a swim in the ocean which always replenishes the body and mind. My biggest love is massage though, and Shemama Byron are zee best! I start with a sound reset and LED and carve out a 2hr window of time just for me.

Is there anything you could tell your younger self now which you wish she would have known earlier?

Trust that the paths you choose will be okay.

When can we expect the next Room Service event and where?

The feedback I received from my first lovely guests was that they loved getting away to learn – I now know the next spot needs to be in an equally inspiring destination. A beautiful hotel, villa or retreat…a leader in its field, a place we desire yet perhaps needed an invitation or the right opportunity to be curated to arrive there… I have some good ideas and I see a spring time offering in the making!

Any new plans or projects in the works?

I am excited to pursue new commercial projects – hotels and boutique stays especially, alongside working with great people and  brands. As well as a live event in spring 2025, Room Service Masterclass will also take shape in the online teaching space (which I would love to take internationally). I will start filming this with the extremely talented Jarrad Seng soon! Plus I will be available for one on one consulting from September onwards, bookings via my website here.

Images: Abbi Hart© 
Interview: Champ Editorial Director Monique Kawecki