Elsa Pataky wants to be a Byron Bay hippie – but her luxurious lifestyle keeps getting in the way

She traded in her flashy Hollywood lifestyle for a low-key existence in Australia’s hippie capital of Byron Bay eight years ago.  

And while Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky tries her best to exude the typical Byron Bay bohemian ‘look’, her lavish lifestyle keeps getting in the way. 

At first glance, the Spanish-born beauty, 45, easily passes as a typical Byronite – often going barefoot, makeup-free and braless in public. 

The barefoot and braless millionaire: How Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky tries her best to exude the typical Byron Bay bohemian ‘look’ – but her luxury lifestyle keeps getting in the way

However, a closer look at Elsa’s wardrobe tells a different story with many pieces each costing hundreds of dollars.

The former glamour model has a penchant for wearing designer fashion, and is often spotted wearing expensive garments from local Byron Bay label Spell. 

Known for its earthy aesthetic and expensive price tags, Spell sells casual skirts and dresses for approximately $300 a pop, while bridal-inspired gowns can retail for around $1,300.  

Embracing the Byron Bay aesthetic: At first glance, the Spanish-born beauty easily passes as a typical Byronite - often going barefoot, makeup-free and braless in public

Embracing the Byron Bay aesthetic: At first glance, the Spanish-born beauty easily passes as a typical Byronite – often going barefoot, makeup-free and braless in public 

My, how you've changed! Elsa, a former glamour model and actress, was known for her well-preened look when she met Chris, but has since toned down her style and embraced an earthier look. Pictured in 2011

Pictured: Elsa cuddling a koala in November 2020

My, how you’ve changed! Elsa, a former glamour model and actress, was known for her well-preened look when she met Chris, but has since toned down her style and embraced an earthier appearance. Pictured left in 2011, right in 2020

Elsa frequently wears the luxury label while visiting local shops, the beach and even on school runs.  

Speaking to Vogue Australia about her personal style journey in 2016, Elsa said moving to Byron Bay inspired her to embrace her inner ‘hippy’.

‘I love a mix of hippy, but [my style] touches on rock ‘n’ roll, with colours and prints,’ the Fast And The Furious star proclaimed.   

Expensive taste: The former glamour model has a penchant for wearing designer fashion, and is often spotted wearing expensive garments from local Byron Bay label Spell while barefoot

Expensive taste: The former glamour model has a penchant for wearing designer fashion, and is often spotted wearing expensive garments from local Byron Bay label Spell while barefoot

‘I always had it there, but coming here to Byron, it did come out a bit more to work with this lifestyle.’

She also often accessorises her looks with one of her many Fendi handbags – most of which retail for over $2,000 each. 

Elsa’s expensive shopping habits made headlines in March when she was pictured with Isla Fisher, Tessa Thompson and Rita Ora enjoying a private shopping spree at David Jones’ flagship department store in Sydney. 

Hey, big spender! Elsa's expensive shopping habits made headlines in March when she was pictured with Isla Fisher, Tessa Thompson and Rita Ora enjoying a private shopping spree at David Jones' flagship department store in Sydney (pictured)

Hey, big spender! Elsa’s expensive shopping habits made headlines in March when she was pictured with Isla Fisher, Tessa Thompson and Rita Ora enjoying a private shopping spree at David Jones’ flagship department store in Sydney (pictured) 

Enjoying a true VIP experience, Elsa and her friends shopped for four hours at the retailer before leaving the building and jumping into a waiting limousine with their new purchases.  

Elsa’s expensive skincare regimen is also worlds away from goat milk soap and a splash of water. 

The Interceptor actress has previously revealed she keeps her skin looking flawless by lathering herself in a moisturising cream from luxury skincare brand La Mer. 

It's expensive to look this good! Elsa's expensive skincare regimen also poses problems for her quest to become a true-blue Byron Bay hippie

It’s expensive to look this good! Elsa’s expensive skincare regimen also poses problems for her quest to become a true-blue Byron Bay hippie

Skin secret: The Interceptor has previously revealed she keeps her skin looking flawless by lathering herself in a moisturising cream from luxury skincare brand La Mer, which retails for $242 for 30ml or $445 for 60ml

Skin secret: The Interceptor has previously revealed she keeps her skin looking flawless by lathering herself in a moisturising cream from luxury skincare brand La Mer, which retails for $242 for 30ml or $445 for 60ml

‘I… moisturise every day, especially after showering, with La Mer Creme De La Mer, which Chris and I share,’ the actress recently divulged to Woman’s Day magazine.  

The cream retails for $242 for 30ml or $445 for 60ml and boasts a cult celebrity following, including the likes of Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevingne and Brad Pitt.

A glance at Elsa and Chris’ palatial property also suggests the Hemsworths haven’t entirely rejected the Hollywood lifestyle. 

Mega-mansion: A glance at Elsa and Chris' palatial property also suggests the Hemsworths haven't entirely rejected the Hollywood lifestyle. Pictured: Elsa and Chris posing at their $30million property

Mega-mansion: A glance at Elsa and Chris’ palatial property also suggests the Hemsworths haven’t entirely rejected the Hollywood lifestyle. Pictured: Elsa and Chris posing at their $30million property 

The couple live in a sprawling, LA-style mansion worth $30million, located in the sleepy town of Broken Head near Byron Bay.  

In contrast, the average house price in Byron Bay is $655,000. 

Sitting on 4.2 hectares of land, Chris and Elsa’s fortress-inspired compound boasts luxury amenities including a 50m infinity pool, two bars and a gym complex including steam, sauna and massage rooms. 

Inside 'Fort Hemsworth': Chris recently uploaded these photos of his home's bowling alley and indoor mural

Inside ‘Fort Hemsworth’: Chris recently uploaded these photos of his home’s bowling alley and indoor mural 

The Hemsworths began construction on the mansion, which was previously an eight-bedroom resort-style home known as Kooeloah, in late 2017. 

Angry neighbours were quick to say the rebuild reminded them of a suburban shopping centre, a refurbished RSL club or a regional airport terminal.

While most Byron Bay locals could only dream of living in such luxury, it’s a mere drop in the pond for Rich Listers Chris and Elsa.  

Raking it in While most Byron Bay locals could only dream of purchasing such expensive homes, it's a mere drop in the pond for Rich Listers Chris and Elsa - who are worth a combined $180million

Raking it in While most Byron Bay locals could only dream of purchasing such expensive homes, it’s a mere drop in the pond for Rich Listers Chris and Elsa – who are worth a combined $180million

As of 2021, Hemsworth’s net worth is $130million, while Elsa is worth $50million – bringing their combined worth to a whopping $180million. 

This is certainly at odds with the average household income in Byron Bay, which for this year was calculated at $68,910.   

Unlike most families living in Byron Bay, the Hemsworths also often travel via their own personal aircraft instead of driving or flying with the general public. 

Living the high life! Unlike most families living in Byron Bay, the Hemsworths also often travel via their own personal aircraft instead of driving or flying with the general public

Living the high life! Unlike most families living in Byron Bay, the Hemsworths also often travel via their own personal aircraft instead of driving or flying with the general public

In March, Chris sparked backlash after he charted two private jets between Sydney and Byron Bay in the space of just one day – a journey estimated to take around eight hours by car. 

Elsa and Chris met in early 2010, and tied the knot just a few months later in the same year.  

At the time, the pair enjoyed a glitzy lifestyle in Los Angeles, often gracing the red carpet in expensive outfits and dining at swanky restaurants.  

Making the move: In 2014, the couple moved to New South Wales' northern coast with their children, daughter India Rose, eight, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, seven

Making the move: In 2014, the couple moved to New South Wales’ northern coast with their children, daughter India Rose, eight, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, seven

In 2014, the couple moved to New South Wales’ northern coast with their children, daughter India Rose, eight, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, seven.

Discussing his decision to move Down Under, Chris told OK! magazine that he felt ‘suffocated’ by the Tinseltown crowd.  

‘It’s nice to be a part of a community that doesn’t live and breathe that world,’ he said of Byron Bay. 

'Suffocated': Discussing his decision to move Down Under, Chris told OK! magazine that he felt 'suffocated' by the Tinseltown crowd, explaining: 'It's nice to be a part of a community that doesn't live and breathe that world

 ‘Suffocated’: Discussing his decision to move Down Under, Chris told OK! magazine that he felt ‘suffocated’ by the Tinseltown crowd, explaining: ‘It’s nice to be a part of a community that doesn’t live and breathe that world 

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