Stylish stays in Byron Bay for every type of traveller 

Luxury  

Raes on Wategos 

A celebrity favourite for three decades, Raes is famous in its own right. The boutique hotel has just seven ultra-luxe suites and the best address in Byron, overlooking the gorgeous sweep of sand that is Wategos Beach. For the ultimate indulgence, check in to one of the two penthouses that come with four poster beds, acres of marble and multiple balconies. 

Elements of Byron 

This sprawling resort covers more than 50 acres of lush beachfront land to the north of town. More than 200 studio, one- and two-bedroom villas are dotted across the property, overlooking the ocean, forest or ponds. Families will love the lagoon pool, playground, outdoor games and fairy trail, and adults will love the adults’ only pool, Osprey Spa and beachside yoga. 

Hotel Marvell

Opening in mid 2023, Hotel Marvell is the first five-star property in the centre of Byron Bay. It’s also the first with a rooftop pool and bar, which is one of the best places in town to watch the sunset. There are 18 rooms and six suites, styled with raw concrete, natural fabrics and gold fittings, perfectly suited to the local bohemian luxe aesthetic. 

Swell Hotel 

Another new opening in 2023, the Swell perfectly captures Byron’s retro luxe charm, with just 16 rooms designed around a palette of earthy tones and natural elements. It’s an adult’s only retreat, so expect some quiet time to rest and recharge around the ozone pool or rejuvenate with a session in the infrared sauna and ice bath. 

Crystalbrook Byron 

Formerly the famed Byron at Byron resort, this luxe escape is surrounded by rainforest close to popular Tallow Beach. Each of the 92 suites is completely immersed in nature, with floor to ceiling windows and enclosed verandahs. There’s a real focus on sustainability, which you’ll see in everything from the ban on single use plastic to the herb garden and beehives that supply the restaurant. 

The Bower 

The Bower began life as a run-of-the-mill coastal motel, but a complete revamp brings a slice of New York sophistication to Byron Bay. There are 18 suites, plus a refurbished five-bedroom heritage cottage and a modern four-bedroom villa, all designed in a chic monochrome palette. The huge, round mineral pool, surrounded by palm trees, is one of the best in town. 

Cape Byron Retreat  

It’s less than five minutes from the centre of town but this adults’ only retreat feels a world away. There are just nine villas and apartments surrounded by gorgeous gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, a yoga pavilion and indulgent spa. Check in and tune out. 

Unique stays 

Sun Ranch

Arrive at this 70s-inspired ranch close to Bangalow and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of a spaghetti Western. Earthy tones, vintage furniture, funky fabrics and cowboy touches are found across its 55 acres, which includes a five-room guesthouse called The Rambler, six freestanding two-bedroom barns, and quirky communal spaces like The Badminton Club and The Lair. 

The Brooklet  

Perched on a lush green hillside just outside the village of Newrybar, The Brooklet is an impossibly glamorous country retreat. Stay in one of the six opulent one-and two-bedroom villas or book The Bails, the original dairy that’s been turned into a luxe three-bedroom house with a private pool. Swim in the 25m magnesium pool, hang out in The Barn, play croquet on the lawn or work out in the gym. 

Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages

Sleep in the shadow of Byron’s most famous landmark. Built in 1901, at the same time as the lighthouse just next door, the cottages have been carefully restored to retain their heritage charm. Both cottages have three bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a backyard, plus spectacular views. 

On a budget  

The Sunseeker  

A brick motel from the 1980s has been given a new life as The Sunseeker, a stylish yet surprisingly affordable property on the southern side of town. There are 12 hotel-style rooms, a handful of charming bungalows and one three-bedroom residence. Relax by the pool or around the fire pit, read a book from the library, or rent one of the surfboards or bikes. 

The Surf House 

Set just 50m back from Main Beach, The Surf House is a budget hotel and hostel inside the heritage-listed Council Chambers building. Rooms range from shared dormitories to private queens with ensuites, plus there are shared kitchen and laundry facilities, a fun rooftop bar and free surfboards to use. 

Wake Up! Byron Bay 

This modern, bright and breezy hostel is close to Belongil Beach and has a huge range of free perks included with your stay. Join a yoga class or sunrise tour to the lighthouse, meet new people at the daily social activities in the courtyard or grab one of the surfboards to hit the waves. 

YHA Byron Bay & YHA Cape Byron 

There are two YHAs in Byron, just a few blocks from each other in the centre of town. Both have shared and private rooms, communal kitchens and laundry facilities, swimming pools and outdoor barbecue areas. It’s resort vibes on a hostel budget. 

Family-friendly properties 

Discovery Parks Byron Bay 

Spread across lush grounds beside the Belongil River, Discovery Parks Byron Bay has camping and caravan sites as well as a range of different cabins and stylish safari tents. Kids will love the waterpark, bouncing pillow, tennis court and swimming pool, and there are BBQs and a camp kitchen to whip up dinner. 

The Oasis Apartments and Treetop Houses 

Sitting on the edge of the Arakwal National Park and just a short walk from Tallow Beach, The Oasis has 25 fully self-contained apartments, treehouses and beach houses. Sleeping from two to eight people, they are a great option for families and larger groups. There’s a heated swimming pool, kids’ pool, games room, tennis court, gym, sauna and poolside BBQs. 

Reflections Holiday Parks Byron Bay 

Reflections Byron is proof you don’t have to spend a lot to get absolute beachfront. The park is just steps from the sand of Clarkes Beach, a great spot for families with its calm waters and tidal rock pools. As well as camping and caravan sites, there are modern cabins and villas plus cute tiny homes. 

Carinya 

Set in the hinterland between Byron Bay and Bangalow, Carinya has six luxurious two-bedroom villas that are perfect for families. There are practical features like a full kitchen and laundry, plus floor to ceiling windows, expansive decks and outdoor showers. All villas are stocked with highchairs, cots, and kid-friendly plates and utensils, and there’s plenty of space to run around. 

For big groups  

Soma Byron Bay 

If this retreat in the Byron Bay hinterland looks familiar, you may recognise it from its starring role in the TV series Nine Perfect Strangers. The striking property is all timber, concrete and glass, with 10 king-size ensuite bedrooms; an open plan kitchen, dining and living area; an infinity swimming pool; a 100sqm yoga dome; and spa treatment rooms. 

Magnolia House  

Step through the doors of Magnolia House and you’ll feel as though you’ve walked into an interior design magazine. (The house has indeed been featured in Vogue.) It’s an impossibly glamorous holiday house for eight, with a sleek swimming pool, lush outdoor dining area, gourmet kitchen, indoor fireplace and pool table. 

Shutters on the Hill 

In the lush surrounds of Coopers Shoot, about 10min south of Byron Bay, Shutters on the Hill is a spectacular property with three separate houses that can sleep up to 20 people. It’s like a private resort for your nearest and dearest with a sparkling swimming pool, separate plunge pools, tennis court, expansive outdoor dining, fireplaces and sweeping valley views. 

Hinterland House 

This beautifully restored homestead was built in 1906 and sits just outside Bangalow, surrounded by 20 acres of macadamia orchard and garden. It sleeps up to 16 people across the original house and two self-contained cottages. Elegant heritage features are perfectly blended with modern touches, like a large swimming pool, in-house limo and private chef on call. 

Pet-friendly accommodation 

Vali Byron 

This retro-chic hotel is right in the centre of town and is a budget conscious option for pets and their people. Funky furniture and a palette of ice cream tones give Vali a distinctive style and every room comes with a dog bed, blanket and bowl. The staff will recommend the best dog-friendly spots where you can share a puppaccino. 

Shambhala at Byron 

Surely your four-legged friend deserves a little wellness too? Shambhala is a holistic retreat set along the dog-friendly Belongil Beach where your pooch will be welcomed with open arms. The four secluded cottages are surrounded by rainforest and come equipped with dogs beds, food bowls and plenty of outdoor lounging areas. 

Beach Suites 

These luxurious apartments just off Main Beach are the most stylish address for a pampered pup. The Garden Studios have a green outdoor space your dog will love or they can lounge beside the private plunge pools in the Beachfront Studios. Five-star dogs will enjoy the rooftop Penthouse, with its spacious swimming pool and views for days. 

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay 

Dogs are welcome in select campsites, caravan sites and cabins at Ingenia Byron Bay, the largest holiday park in the area. Unfortunately, they can’t swim in the pool, but the park is just across from the dog-friendly section of Tallow Beach. Be aware that dogs may be prohibited during some peak periods – check before you book. 

Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments 

One of the largest accommodation complexes in central Byron, the rooms here range from king hotel rooms to three-bedroom apartments. Dogs can stay in certain rooms, so you can book in to one that suits your group. Step outside the front door and you’re just a short snoot from all the best restaurants, cafes and beaches.