Poster advertising 'The Ultimate Design Experience' event happening on May 15-16, 2026. The event features a two-day immersive design retreat in Byron Bay with The Designory. The background shows a cozy interior space with beige chairs, a wooden table, and a large window with greenery outside.

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.

The Details + Retreat Itinerary

  • 9:00am
    Meet at Basq House for welcome morning tea and introductions, followed by a live Q&A & guided tour with hotel interior designer Leo Terrando, Studio Terrando. We will be exploring spatial planning, finishes and styling choices.

    10:30am – 12:30pm
    Design & Decorating Workshop with Melissa
    (Focus on layout, layering, materials, colour and styling.)

    12:30pm – 1:30pm
    Lunch at Basq House

    1:30pm – 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

    Day One concludes

  • 9:00am
    Meet at The Bower for morning tea and welcome. Catering by The General Store.

    9:30am – 12:30pm
    Renovate & Build Workshop with Melissa
    (Focus on planning, materials, documentation, budgets and decision-making.)

    12:30pm – 1:30pm
    Lunch

    1:30-3:30pm
    Guided site visit to a local building project, discussing real-world challenges and solutions.
    Potential: Visit to The Materials Library — finishes, fixtures and product sourcing.

    3:30-4:30pm
    Private tour of Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay

    4:30pm – 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

    • Sundowners in Byron 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

    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

    • Mel’s favourite places to shop, dine and unwind in Byron Bay

The Ultimate Design Experience is filled with design inspiration, sources and ideas:

A woman sitting outdoors smiling with her chin resting on her hand, in front of a large palm tree.

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

A man with dark hair and beard in a dark jacket sitting on a textured sofa in front of a bright, backlit window with curtains, looking pensively to the side.

Guest Speakers at the Retreat

Léo Terrando

Creative Director Studio Terrando

On Day One of the Retreat, guests will enjoy a private tour of Basq House 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.

Black and white portrait of a man with glasses, short tousled hair, and a slight smile, standing against a brick wall.

Accommodation + Retreat Partners

EXCLUSIVE RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS FOR RETREAT ATTENDEES

Book the Ultimate Design Experience Retreat

Pathway leading to a white lighthouse on a hill overlooking the ocean, with people walking nearby during sunset.
Interior of a modern living room with natural light, featuring a wooden table, beige armchair, white sofa, and a large window showing lush green tropical plants outside.
A modern living room with a large mustard-colored sofa, a low wooden coffee table, and multiple patterned pillows. There is a tall, white floor lamp, a pink textured rug, and large windows with wooden trim that let in natural light. A green plant is near the windows and the walls are textured with a concrete finish.
Sample materials for interior design, including tiles, a wooden panel, a plush gray rug, a stone slab, a black strip, and a metallic cylindrical piece.
Arrangement of various sample materials on a wooden table, including tiles, fabric swatches, and color samples, with hands pointing towards the samples.