FRIDAY 15 MAY + SATURDAY 16 MAY, 2026
The Ultimate Design Experience
A two-day immersive design retreat in Byron Bay with The Designory
Join Melissa Bonney, Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, for an exclusive, in-person design experience set in the heart of Byron Bay — where relaxed luxury, considered design, and creative inspiration collide.
Over two immersive days, you’ll enjoy bite-size design workshops, live Q&A sessions with Mel, curated shopping and supplier visits, and intimate designer-led conversations — all while experiencing some of Byron Bay’s most beautiful spaces. This experience is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and insider access — whether you’re decorating, renovating, building, or simply love great design.
THE INVESTMENT:
· $900 per person / per day or $1,650 per person (both days)
Guests may attend one day or both.
A two-day immersive design retreat with The Designory
Join Melissa Bonney, Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, for an exclusive, in-person design experience set in the heart of Byron Bay — where relaxed luxury, considered design, and creative inspiration collide.
Over two immersive days, you’ll enjoy bite-size design workshops, live Q&A sessions with Mel, curated shopping and supplier visits, and intimate designer-led conversations — all while experiencing some of Byron Bay’s most beautiful spaces.
This experience is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and insider access — whether you’re decorating, renovating, building, or simply love great design.
DATES & INVESTMENT
Friday 15 May & Saturday 16 May, 2026
· $900 per person / per day
· $1,650 per person (both days)
Guests may attend one day or both.
What’s included
Your ticket includes:
Exclusive accommodation partner discounts and offers at Hotel Marvell, Basq House and The Bower
All bus transportation between venues, tours and activities
Daily morning tea and light lunches
Cocktails & canapés at Hotel Marvell on Saturday afternoon
Optional yoga session or guided walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse on Saturday morning
A luxury gift bag featuring curated products, samples and exclusive offers from The Designory’s favourite local brands
PLUS
Complimentary access to The Designory’s Little Black Book
Full access to The Designory’s eBooks, Kickstarters and Design Tools (valued at $500+)
50% off ANY Design Plans or schedules by The Designory
Guests will receive a digital handbook including:
Full itinerary & Venue directions
Your exclusive retreat discounts
Mel’s favourite places to shop, dine and unwind in Byron Bay
What you’ll learn:
Across the two days, Melissa will share:
Her proven design and build processes
Key interior design principles that make spaces work
How to confidently decorate, renovate or plan your next project
Her go-to Byron Bay suppliers and trades
Practical tips to save time, money and costly mistakes
Expect open, honest conversations, generous knowledge sharing, and real-world insight.
The Details + Retreat Itinerary
-
9:00am
Meet at The Bower for welcome coffee and introductions, followed by a live Q&A & guided tour with hotel stylist and interior designer, Kimberley Wiedermann. We will be exploring spatial planning, finishes and styling choices.10:00am – 12:00pm
Design & Decorating Workshop with Melissa
(Focus on layout, layering, materials, colour and styling.)12:00pm – 12:30pm
Lunch on the go as we jump on the bus to go on our shopping tour!1:00pm – 4:00pm
Curated shopping and supplier tour through the Byron Bay Industrial Estate, of some of our favourite sourcing spots!
Plus exclusive access to trade discounts for the day.4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunset drinks and live Q&A with Mel and interior designer Leo Terrando at Bohdi Living.
Day One concludes with bus drop off back in town. -
9:00am
Meet at The Bower for morning tea and welcome.9:10am – 12:00pm
Renovate & Build Workshop with Melissa
(Focus on planning, materials, documentation, budgets and decision-making.)12:00pm – 12:30pm
Lunch12:30-3:30pm
Guided site visit to a local building project, discussing real-world challenges and solutions.
Potential: Visit to one of The Designory’s completed homes.3:30-4:30pm
Private tour of Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay4:30pm – 6:30pm
Drinks& canapés at Hotel Marvell laneway + Q&A with Mel and project architect Harley Graham, HGA Studio.
Day Two concludes -
Exclusive accommodation partner discounts and offers at Hotel Marvell, Basq House and The Bower
All bus transportation between venues, tours and activities
Daily morning tea and light lunches
Drinks and nibbles at Bohdi Living on the Friday afternoon and Drinks & canapés at Hotel Marvell on Saturday afternoon
A luxury gift bag featuring curated products, samples and exclusive offers from The Designory’s favourite local brands valued at over $300!
Plus
Complimentary access to The Designory’s Little Black Book
Full access to The Designory’s eBooks, Kickstarters and Design Tools (valued at $500+)
50% off ANY Design Library plans or schedules by The Designory
Before the retreat, guests will receive a digital handbook including:
Full itinerary & Venue directions
Your exclusive retreat discounts
Our favourite places to shop, dine and unwind in Byron Bay
The Ultimate Design Experience is filled with design inspiration, sources and ideas:
Your retreat host Melissa Bonney
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DESIGNORY
Melissa Bonney is a trusted voice in the Australian design and building industry, bringing over 30 years of experience across property, building + interior design, project management, marketing, and human behaviour. Her career spans client projects, personal developments, and strategic brand partnerships—resulting in a uniquely holistic and people-focused approach to both design and education.
As Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, Melissa has led more than 400 successful residential design and build projects. Her strength lies in blending creative vision with practical insight — making great design feel accessible, intelligent, and deeply considered.
Melissa is also an advocate for accessible, transparent design. She’s passionate about sharing professional insights, simplifying the process for homeowners, and breaking down industry barriers through education, digital resources, and collaborative storytelling. Driven by curiosity and a love of innovation, Melissa is on a mission to empower others to design with confidence and creativity—without the barriers of jargon or exclusivity.
mumma of 3 | property obsessed | collector of old things | lover of tea | golden retriever enthusiast | yoga teacher in training
Guest Speakers at the Retreat
Léo Terrando
Creative Director Studio Terrando
On Day One of the Retreat, guests will enjoy a private shopping tour at Bohdi Collective before meeting designer Leo Terrando, Creative Director of Studio Terrando. Mel will lead a curated Q&A with Leo, delving into his sourcing process for Basq House, his philosophy on residential design, and practical insights into decorating with his signature eclectic aesthetic.
Harley Graham
Director & Principal Architect HGA Studio
On Day Two of the Retreat, guests will enjoy a private tour of Hotel Marvell before meeting project architect Harley Graham, Principal of renowned HGA Studio. Mel will lead a curated Q&A with Harley, delving into his architectural style, the story behind Hotel Marvell, and how these principles translate into residential design.
Kimberley Wiedermann
Interior designer and photographic stylist
On Day One you’ll meet Kimberley Wiedermann as she talks through her philosophy of creating considered, textural interiors across residential and commercial spaces, developing a signature approach that blends earthy tones, sculptural forms and artisanal pieces to create spaces that feel both grounded and elevated. We’ll also walk through the Bower and Kimmy will talk through how she layered rich textures and curated elements within a minimal framework.
Accommodation + Retreat Partners
EXCLUSIVE RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS FOR RETREAT ATTENDEES
Book the Ultimate Design Experience Retreat
A two-day immersive design retreat with The Designory
Join Melissa Bonney, Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, for an exclusive, in-person design experience set in the heart of Byron Bay — where relaxed luxury, considered design, and creative inspiration collide.
Over two immersive days, you’ll enjoy bite-size design workshops, live Q&A sessions with Mel, curated shopping and supplier visits, and intimate designer-led conversations — all while experiencing some of Byron Bay’s most beautiful spaces.
This experience is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and insider access — whether you’re decorating, renovating, building, or simply love great design.
DATES & INVESTMENT
Friday 15 May & Saturday 16 May, 2026
· $900 per person / per day
· $1,650 per person (both days)
Guests may attend one day or both.
What’s included
Your ticket includes:
Exclusive accommodation partner discounts and offers at Hotel Marvell, Basq House and The Bower
All bus transportation between venues, tours and activities
Daily morning tea and light lunches
Cocktails & canapés at Hotel Marvell on Saturday afternoon
Optional yoga session or guided walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse on Saturday morning
A luxury gift bag featuring curated products, samples and exclusive offers from The Designory’s favourite local brands
PLUS
Complimentary access to The Designory’s Little Black Book
Full access to The Designory’s eBooks, Kickstarters and Design Tools (valued at $500+)
50% off ANY Design Plans or schedules by The Designory
Guests will receive a digital handbook including:
Full itinerary & Venue directions
Your exclusive retreat discounts
Mel’s favourite places to shop, dine and unwind in Byron Bay
What you’ll learn:
Across the two days, Melissa will share:
Her proven design and build processes
Key interior design principles that make spaces work
How to confidently decorate, renovate or plan your next project
Her go-to Byron Bay suppliers and trades
Practical tips to save time, money and costly mistakes
Expect open, honest conversations, generous knowledge sharing, and real-world insight.
