Latest news with #ByronBay
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Dave Hughes as you have never seen him before! Veteran comedian shocks fans as he flaunts his ample beach body
Dave Hughes is embracing his silver fox era - and he's not shy about it. The 54-year-old comedian surprised fans on Saturday when he uploaded a shirtless beach selfie to Instagram, proudly showing off his lean physique while soaking up the sun on Byron Bay beach, ahead of his evening comedy show. Grinning confidently in aviator sunglasses and beach shorts, Hughesy captioned the post with some amusing words: 'Is it me or the rain that's scared everyone off Byron Main Beach?' - but it was the photo itself that stole the show. He added a cheeky label over the photo, calling himself the 'hottest and only guy on Byron Bay beach' and, in true Hughesy style, threw in the cryptic hashtag #pregnantgreyhound. Hughes looked impressively fit for 54, flaunting a lean torso and toned frame that left fans doing a double take. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Fans and fellow celebs quickly flooded the comments section with praise and banter, with comedian Joe White dropping fire emojis and one follower declaring: 'Looking great! Enjoy'. Hughes married his wife Holly on New Years Eve in 2006 and they share three children together: Rafferty, 15, Sadie, 13, and Tess, 11. The comedian has had a challenging past year, as his long-running breakfast show Hughesy, Ed and Erin was axed from 2DayFM back in August. 2Day FM announced the axing of its trio of hosts on August 8, informing listeners that they opted to pull the plug on the show and replace it with night shift larrikins Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye, who were hosting The Jimmy and Nath Show. The announcement came that evening with the embattled hosts given one more show the following morning to finish up - but they decided against going back on air. 'We've loved our time together on 2DayFM Breakfast, however, due to some of our families living in different cities we are unable to commit to 2025,' Hughsey, Ed and Erin said in a statement. 'So with a heavy heart we are moving aside so 2DayFM can find the team to take them forward in Breakfast.' The program, hosted by Dave, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan, managed a mere 3.6 market share in the last ratings survey. Millions of dollars were reportedly shelled out to salvage the long-running radio program, but nothing was able to be done to keep the show on the airwaves. According to radio insiders, the departure was a 'long time coming' for the trio and their plummeting ratings was the 'final nail in the coffin'. 'Southern Cross Austereo have spent millions trying to make this show a success, including having Hughesy relocate from Melbourne to try "connect" with Sydney listeners. It's always struggled to find an audience,' an insider told Yahoo Lifestyle. SCA went on to thank the radio hosts for their 'passion and commitment' following the announcement. 'We are incredibly thankful to Hughesy, Ed and Erin for their unwavering dedication in making the 2DayFM Breakfast show a fun way to wake up Sydney each morning since 2020. We wish them the best,' said SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Fact or fad: Ice baths are on the rise, but do they really work?
Cold therapy was once reserved for elite athletes and biohacking enthusiasts. Inspired by the Finnish tradition of alternating between a sauna and a plunge into icy water, this invigorating ritual is now spreading far beyond Scandinavian borders and across the globe. In Australia, ice baths are appearing in gyms, wellness studios, and even suburban backyards, from Bondi to Byron Bay, as people embrace the trend. Neil O'Sullivan, the CEO and Co-Founder of NIMBUS CO, a network of infra-red sauna and cold plunge studios, says that this surge is no accident. 'We live in an age where stress, burnout and overstimulation are at an all time high,' Mr O'Sullivan tells 'People are looking for simple, natural tools to feel better and support their physical and mental health.' Cold therapy rituals offer a quick way to help us reset, he says, whether it's via a full-body plunge, a cold shower, or simply splashing icy water on your face in the morning. What does it involve, and what are the potential benefits? Cold therapy, or cold exposure, involves deliberately exposing your body, or parts of it, to cold temperatures. The benefits, according to O'Sullivan, are seriously impressive, and a growing body of research backs this up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold therapy may improve circulation and even assist with sleep. Multiple studies have shown that cold water immersion can also promote basic post-sport recovery, making it a popular choice for athletes and daily exercisers. Beyond physical benefits, cold therapy has also been linked to improved focus and a reduction in inflammation throughout the body. However, what often surprises ice bath regulars the most is the effect they can have on people's moods. 'It can build emotional resilience by activating the parasympathetic nervous system – essentially helping the body shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair mode,' Mr Mr O'Sullivan explains. Studies have also shown that cold water immersion can trigger the release of endorphins and noradrenaline, which are associated with improved mood, focus and reduced stress. Potential risks While the benefits of ice baths are compelling, experts caution that ice baths are not without their risks. Medical literature and leading health organisations warn of several potential dangers, especially for those with underlying health conditions. Sudden immersion in icy water can trigger what's known as a 'cold shock' response, causing rapid breathing, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and even dizziness or fainting. Prolonged exposure can also lead to hypothermia, which affects both physical and cognitive function and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. The cardiovascular system may also be impacted, as cold water can make the heart work harder, which can be an issue for anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. Experts suggest that anyone considering ice baths should consult a healthcare professional first. Ice baths for women As with many biohacking practices, there is a ' gender research gap ', and the same applies to cold exposure. Much of the scientific research regarding cold and heat exposure focuses on male biology, which means our understanding of its benefits and side effects for women remains somewhat limited. However, emerging research suggests that women may experience cold therapy differently from men due to hormonal fluctuations, thermoregulation, and body composition. In simple terms, our bodies regulate heat differently depending on gender. Shifts during the menstrual cycle or perimenopause can influence how the nervous and cardiovascular systems respond to stressors like cold immersion. Some studies have shown that the physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate variability or resting heart rate, may be less pronounced in women compared to men. It also takes longer for women to return heat to vital organs compared to men. However, that doesn't mean cold therapy isn't effective for women, and the effects have been observed across genders. 'There is no 'one size fits all' protocol, especially for women,' Mr O'Sullivan notes. 'Where you are in your life stage, or specific times in your cycle can largely impact how and when, or if, you should ice bath. It also means that temperature carries further importance. Women don't need their ice bath to be as cold as men do'. How to try cold therapy If you're keen to try cold therapy, you'll be pleased to know that you don't need an expensive set up or extreme temperatures to see results. 'Anything below 15°C can be effective. A cold shower, a dip in the ocean, or even standing outside in the cold with few layers on (depending on where you are in the world, of course) can unlock the same effects as a dedicated ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. If you are looking to ease into cold therapy, he recommends Wim Hof's 30-day cold shower challenge. The Wim Hof 30-day cold shower challenge Option 1: Cold shower progression Week 1: Finish your usual hot shower with 30 seconds of cold water Week 2: Extend the cold part to 45 seconds Week 3: Extend to 60 seconds Week 4: Try doing the entire shower cold If you're feeling brave, a DIY ice bath can be easy and effective, too. Option 2: DIY ice bath at home Prepare the set up: Fill a bath or large tub with cold water and ice – aim for 10–15°C. For beginners, three bags of ice from a service station should be plenty. Prepare yourself: Take three deep breaths to calm your nervous system before stepping in. On the third exhale, start entering the water. Get in: Ease into the bath. Stay for at least three minutes: That's the average time it takes for the nervous system to switch from a stress state (sympathetic) to a recovery state (parasympathetic). If you can't make three minutes on your first go, no stress – 30 seconds is still a win. Ice bath tips Breathe slowly throughout: The first 30 seconds are the hardest, Mr O'Sullivan says. That's when your system is panicking. Deep, steady breaths help regulate this response. Crossing your arms? That's normal: It's called the 'dive reflex' – your brain thinks you're underwater and your body enters survival mode. Want to make it harder? Stretch your arms out or move them – it breaks your body's thermal barrier and lets more cold in. Clothing makes a difference: Bulky boardshorts can dull the cold. Budgie smugglers or nude? Much more intense. Progress happens quickly: Most people who think they can't last three minutes usually end up surprising themselves. Shivering is normal (with limits): It's your body producing heat via brown fat activation – a positive metabolic response. But if the shivers linger, that's your cue to get out. Don't jump into a hot shower right after: Let your body reheat itself. That's part of the process. Hot showers right after can cause skin burning or rob your body of the chance to restore balance naturally. Want to warm up? Try light movements – air squats or arm swings. Feeling off afterwards? That happens too: If you feel light-headed or tired, rest. Get into a blanket, have a hot tea or snack, and let your body recalibrate. Contrast therapy Contrast therapy involves pairing an infra-red sauna with cold immersion, which has been shown to boost circulation, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and help recovery. This occurs through the processes of vasoconstriction (blood vessels narrowing) and vasodilation (blood vessels expanding) simultaneously. 'We usually recommend 20–30 minutes in the infra-red sauna followed by one to three minutes in the ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. What's the recommended weekly protocol? Longitudinal studies emerging from Finland and Scandinavia suggest various weekly protocols to maximise benefits of cold exposure. Dr Susanna Søberg, a scientist who specialises in metabolism, temperature exposure, and longevity, claims that seeing results doesn't require hours of extreme therapy. Based on her 2021 study, she suggests only 11 minutes of cold exposure weekly, divided into brief sessions, along with roughly 57 minutes of sauna use in 10 to 15 minute intervals. This simple routine has been associated with benefits such as reduced blood sugar levels and improved cardiovascular health. In other landmark studies conducted by Dr Jari Laukkanen, participants were followed for up to 20-30 years. The research found that frequent sauna use (four to seven times per week, 15–20 minutes per session at 80–100°C) is linked to a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. What's next for cold therapy? Looking ahead, Mr O'Sullivan predicts that cold therapy will become a staple for stress management, sleep hygiene, and even beauty routines. 'It's not new – many cultures around the world have used it for centuries. But what we will see is its ubiquity among the average person and also how dynamic it can be in terms of use cases,' he says. 'We're also seeing increased interest in pairing cold with breathwork and mindfulness, not just for performance but for emotional regulation and resilience. The perfect tool to fit stress management into personal or professional life.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Elsa Pataky turns heads at the premiere of her new film Matices in Spain while her husband Chris Hemsworth is on dad duties at home in Byron Bay
Elsa Pataky made a statement as she attended the premiere of her new film Matices in Spain on Wednesday. The wife of Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth, 48, showed off her physique in a tight sparkly maroon coloured dress as she walked the red carpet. She accessorised the floor-length gown with a pair of black strappy heels and wore gold earrings. Elsa tied her blonde locks back into a ponytail and showed off her natural beauty with a neutral makeup palette consisting of blush and a smoky eye. The Spanish actress was all smiles as she posed on the red carpet after arriving to the premiere at Callao Cinema. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. While Elsa is promoting her new film, her supportive husband Chris has been looking after their three children at home in Byron Bay. He also recently enjoyed a holiday in Fiji with their twin sons Tristan and Sasha. The couple purchased their sprawling 4.2 hectare estate in Byron Bay back in 2014 for $7million, eventually constructing a $50million mega mansion on the site. The property features six bedrooms, a spa, games and media rooms as well as sprawling outdoor living areas. Chris recently revealed a new addition to the sprawling property - a lavish home gym. The Thor star created a state-of-the-art training facility called The Shed for his fitness brand, Cent, which was unveiled in January. Speaking to Hemsworth's personal trainer and business partner, Luke Zocchi, explained that the facility serves as a space for Centr trainers to test new workouts and equipment while also having fun. 'It's definitely next level,' Zocchi said. 'Chris made sure to include the latest and greatest Centr equipment in the gym.' He mentioned that much of the equipment at The Shed -which includes treadmills, cable machines, weight benches, and power racks - is currently unavailable in Australia. 'Some of the equipment isn't available in Australia yet, but will be soon,' Zocchi revealed. 'It's where Chris, the boys, and I can come through for a session, or we can just chill and recover when we need to. It's a place to really get after it or reset, depending on what we need.'
Daily Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Byron Bay's Beach Hotel sold for $140m
The famous Beach Hotel at Byron Bay has traded hands for $140m, the second most expensive Aussie pub ever sold. 'The Beachie' has been bought by Scott Didier, Group CEO of construction firm Johns Lyng Group. The $140m price tag is the second highest price paid for a pub in Australia, behind The Crossroads Hotel in Casula in Sydney's southwest which changed hands for $160m in 2022. MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth's $50m Byron Bay home MA Financial Group's Redcape Hospitality confirmed the sale late Wednesday. 'The Beach Hotel is a special place, and the team has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of its history' said Chris Unger, Managing Director, Redcape Hospitality. 'The sale not only delivers a strong result but also marks an exciting new chapter for the Beach Hotel and we are sure it will continue to thrive as a beloved part of the Byron Bay landscape under the guidance of the Didier family.' The sale was brokered by John Musca of JLL. The sale of The Beach Hotel has come amid increased new competition for drinking holes across NSW. Originally a family pub run by Sale of the Century hostess Delvene Delaney and her producer husband – and best mate to Paul Hogan, John 'Strop' Cornell – The Beach Hotel in Byron was the first Aussie pub to sell for $100m, when it last traded in 2019. RELATED: How family business became billion dollar pub empire Records then revealed that global investment firm MA Financial Group had entered into an exclusivity agreement to purchase the 4585sq m property that Delaney and Cornell, who produced and co-wrote the international blockbuster Crocodile Dundee, spent about $9 million building up in the 1990s. The pub has since been managed by Redcape. At the time of the 2019 sale, Dan Brady, CEO of MA Financial Group, described the almost waterfront hotel as an 'iconic Australian establishment located on irreplaceable real estate.' MORE: Kmart set to change everything in Temu war 'The acquisition of both freehold and operating interests will enable the required capital investment to further enhance what has made the hotel iconic – that is, a great community gathering place with a fun, sociable, friendly and safe hospitality offering delivered by an engage and passionate team of local hospitality professionals,' Mr Brady. said. The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay on Sydney's North Shore was believed to have been sold for $175m in 2022, before the sale fell through and long-time owners The Thomas family decided to keep running it. Former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers and his family were revealed as the buyers who paid top dollar for The Crossroads. MORE: Price of car spot proves Australia has lost it
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Byron Bay's Beach Hotel ‘sold for $140m'
The famous Beach Hotel at Byron Bay has traded hands for $140m, according to reports, which would make it the second most expensive Aussie pub ever sold. The massive sale went through late Wednesday, according to Green Street News. If the $140m price tag is confirmed, it would it make the second highest price paid for a pub in Australia, behind The Crossroads Hotel in Casula in Sydney's southwest which changed hands for $160m in 2022. MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth's $50m Byron Bay home The Beach Hotel sits in the heart of Byron Bay. Former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers and his family were revealed as the buyers who paid top dollar for The Crossroads The new buyer of the Beach Hotel, which sits right in the heart of the township of Byron Bay on Main Beach, is yet to be confirmed. However pub barons Arthur Laundy and Justin Hemmes are sure to mentioned as possibilities given their impressive and ever expanding empires, amid increased new competition for drinking holes across NSW. Originally a family pub run by Sale of the Century hostess Delvene Delaney and her producer husband – and best mate to Paul Hogan, John 'Strop' Cornell – The Beach Hotel in Byron was the first Aussie pub to sell for $100m, when it last traded in 2019. RELATED: How family business became billion dollar pub empire The huge pub last traded for $100m in 2019. John 'Strop' Cornell, Paul Hogan and Delvene Delaney. Records then revealed that global investment group Moelis had entered into an exclusivity agreement to purchase the 4585sq m property that Delaney and Cornell, who produced and co-wrote the international blockbuster Crocodile Dundee, spent about $9 million building up in the 1990s. The pub has since been managed by ASX-listed company, Moelis Australia Hotel Management. At the time of the sale, Dan Brady, CEO of Moelis Australia Hotel Management described the almost waterfront hotel as an 'iconic Australian establishment located on irreplaceable real estate.' MORE: Kmart set to change everything in Temu war Casula's The Crossroads Hotel holds the record Aussie pub sale of $160m. 'The acquisition of both freehold and operating interests will enable the required capital investment to further enhance what has made the hotel iconic – that is, a great community gathering place with a fun, sociable, friendly and safe hospitality offering delivered by an engage and passionate team of local hospitality professionals,' Mr Brady. The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay on Sydney's North Shore was believed to have been sold for $175m in 2022, before the sale fell through and long-time owners The Thomas family decided to keep running it. The $175m sale of The Oaks Hotel on Sydney's North Shore fell through. Picture: Supplied MORE: Price of car spot proves Australia has lost it : Originally published as Byron Bay's Beach Hotel 'sold for $140m'
