There are still plenty of hostels around, but this surf town’s gentrification has given rise to a crop of trendy and beautiful new stays.
Updated December 31, 2025 — 11:21am,first published December 29, 2023 — 9:33pm
The odd sandy-floored hostel remains, but a new crop of accommodation has taken root in the Byron region, ones that prioritise wellness, luxury, sustainable design, and a deep connection to the coast and hinterland.
Amaroo Bangalow
Cabins are designed by architecture firm Shaun Lockyer in Brisbane.Timothy Birch
Perfect for: Couples or large groups who want to feel secluded without straying too far
Before Amaroo Bangalow landed on luxury-seekers’ radars it was built as a family retreat, a fact that’s charmingly evident in the details. Down a gated driveway, cresting the ridgeline of a 240-acre black Angus cattle and macadamia farm, all four lodges back onto a patch of sloping rainforest. Supremely modern and cosy, each boasts a distinct style, studded with beautiful personal touches that aren’t always a given in holiday rental territory, and perks like heated towels racks, Mukti amenities and in-room fireplaces. You can book a single cabin for two, or the entire property – remarkably, either way, you still enjoy exclusive use of the central communal pavilion, with its expansive kitchen and facilities – our favourites being the heated pool and wood-fire oven. It feels gloriously secluded, despite being mere minutes’ drive from the terrific restaurants of Bangalow village and The Hut at Possum Creek. From $850 a night per cabin, which includes exclusive use of the property. 47A Cedarvale Rd, Bangalow NSW. Phone: +61494 080 588. See amaroobangalow.com
The Bower Byron Bay
The Bower Barn.
Perfect for: Stylish road trippers who want to dip a toe in the Byron scene
The former 1970s motel was first reimagined as a luxury hotel in 2017 – the original designer and co-owner, Taliah Lowry, laced Byron’s beachy essence with a touch of New York grit, inspired by the US city’s industrial-cool Bowery neighbourhood. A recent two-year upgrade has once again restored its sheen and grown its footprint, with new additions including a guest lounge, hotel bar, new reception space, an onsite spa treatment centre and four beautiful new suites. There’s no onsite restaurant, though the pool area is serviced by a licensed bar offering canned cocktails, drinks and bar snacks – thankfully, it’s a short stroll from fantastic dining, including hatted Bar Heather.
_From $320 a night; $620 for a Bower Studio. Two Junior King Accessible rooms. 28 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6680 9577. See thebowerbyronbay.com.au Read our full review here
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Basq House, Byron Bay
Bask central at Basq House.
Design buffs who appreciate homely comforts
It feels like you’re staying with a friend with exceptional taste at the central, 32-room, boho-inspired hotel. Melbourne-based owners and good friends Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson wanted Basq House to feel like a home away from home. Taking its cues from a traditional riad, the house-style sanctuary is orientated around a central magnesium pool hemmed by cabanas, overhanging palms and pastel-pink umbrellas. There are six room types in a mix of formats, all stylishly minimalist with custom, honey-hued timber joinery. Take a complimentary Lekker bike out for a spin or catch a wave at The Pass on Basq’s candy-coloured boards. On your return, order a coconut margarita and partake in poolside reverie until dinner beckons. Two dedicated share vehicles can be hired for coastal or hinterland jaunts.
A sprawling resort with appeal across demographics.
Perfect for: Environmentally conscious couples, families, girls’ getaways
Inspired by the elements of nature, this luxury resort blends effortlessly into native bushland a few kilometres north of town. The curved roof of the main pavilion was designed to reflect the windswept sand dunes on neighbouring Belongil Beach, and there’s a communal fire pit beside the large, lagoon-style pool. With everything from a nature playground and fairy trail to a stylish spa and an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar hidden among the high-tech, eco-friendly villas, the property appeals across demographics. Dine at Azure Bar and Grill, pop across the road to North Byron Hotel, or catch the solar train into Byron from North Beach Station. From $515 a night. 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6639 1500. See elementsofbyron.com.au
Raes on Wategos
Sleep to the soundtrack of the ocean.
Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic escapes
Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore at this chic, Moroccan-inspired hotel overlooking Wategos Beach. With features such as enormous daybeds and deep marble baths, the seven suites, which each have their own unique character, are so beautiful you won’t want to leave. If you do make it out, you can borrow an 88 surfboard and hit the waves, dine at the acclaimed Raes Dining Room downstairs or watch the sunset from the Cellar Bar terrace. A complimentary chauffeur service is also available. From $950 a night. 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 5366. See raes.com.au
Gaia Retreat and Spa
A Komala Luxe Villa.
Perfect for: Solo travellers looking to rest and reset, couples, special celebrations
Restore your inner calm with a stay in a high-tech villa at this hinterland wellness retreat co-founded by much-loved Aussie Olivia Newton-John in 2005. It’s easy to fill your days at Gaia – which means ‘spirit of Mother Earth’ – indulging in rejuvenating massages and facials from the on-site spa, and partaking in everything from yoga and Pilates to reiki, Qigong and sound healing ceremonies. At night, guests converge in the Samoan longhouse-style Kukura House to dine on innovative healthy cuisine, incorporating vegetables grown in the kitchen garden and fish from the aquaponics pond, and sip sustainably and ethically sourced or organic wine. From $1875 a night (two-night minimum stay). 933 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet. Phone: (02) 6687 1216. See gaiaretreat.com.au
28 Degrees
One of the rooms with a private plunge pool at 28 Degrees Byron Bay.Jessie Prince
Perfect for: Wellness lovers, solo travellers, couples
This luxury guesthouse in Byron Bay offers barefoot luxury at its finest. Designed by interior stylist and owner Deb Garske – who created the space while recovering from Hodgkin lymphoma – the toxin-free retreat blends sustainability with style. There are 12 thoughtfully curated rooms (five with private plunge pools), accommodating up to 24 guests, with features such as antique claw-foot baths, Iranian tiles, handmade ceramics and local beeswax candles. A favourite of Baz Luhrmann, who stayed in Room 3 while writing Elvis, 28 Degrees is an elegant, TV-free sanctuary just steps from Byron’s vibrant shops and restaurants. From $520 per night. 12 Marvell St, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 7775. See 28byronbay.com.au Read our full review here
The Brooklet
Cool off in the 25-metre mineral pool.Abbie Melle
Perfect for: Kid-free breaks, solo travellers, significant birthday celebrations
Lie back in your freestanding bath and watch the clouds float across the rolling green hills from one of six contemporary brick villas at this adults-only hinterland hideaway, set on a 50-hectare macadamia and stone fruit farm next door to Gaia. Housed in the former tractor shed overlooking the mineral pool, the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch prepared in the outdoor kitchen with loved ones. The thoughtfully designed villas feature handmade ceramic tiles in the bathroom, SMEG appliances and gas fireplaces. There’s also a Japanese-style cedar hot tub, sauna, gym and tennis court, and a three-bedroom residence, The Bails, for larger groups. From $750 a night. 841 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet. Phone: 0413 120 409. See thebrooklet.com.au
Hotel Marvell
Bohemian luxe, or just luxe? The rooftop pool at Hotel Marvell.
Perfect for: Influencers, business travellers
Take in views over town to the misty mountains beyond from the rooftop pool at Hotel Marvell, in the centre of Byron Bay. No expense was spared when it came to building the architecturally designed five-star hotel, which opened in 2023. There are 16 hotel rooms with smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and blackout blinds spread across three levels, plus six suites and two two-bedroom rooms. The buzzing rooftop bar is the place to start the night, before heading downstairs to its in-house restaurant, the Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant. From $600 a night. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 7385. See hotelmarvell.com.au
Beach Suites Byron Bay
Beachfront digs, complete with private plunge pool.
Perfect for: Surfers, families, couples
A beach pad with your own private plunge pool? Yes, please! Open the gate from your Beachfront Studio and wander down the road to the Beach Hotel or splash out on a two- or three-bedroom Penthouse Suite to make the most of the views across the ocean towards the rocky outcrop Julian Rocks, Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. The upmarket accommodation features marble bathrooms with spa baths (with bonus miniature rubber duckies), beachy paintings by local artists on the walls and sprinklings of coral. There’s also secure undercover parking, and you can borrow bikes or e-bikes to get out and about. From $395 a night. 20 Bay St, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6680 9944. See beachsuites.com.au
Crystalbrook Byron
Luxe facilities on 45 acres of subtropical rainforest.
Perfect for: Rejuvenating tropical escapes
Collect a bamboo room key from reception and meander along a timber boardwalk through the rainforest to your suite at Crystalbrook Byron. Previously known as the Byron at Byron, the 42-hectare property underwent a major refurbishment after being taken over in 2020 by sustainably focused hotel group Crystalbrook Collection, which also has offerings in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Cairns. The plastic-free resort has 92 suites fitted with timber louvre windows, rattan lampshades and tropical print cushions. As well as access to Tallows Beach, just south of Byron Bay, there’s a heated pool, sauna, day spa and a tranquil on-site restaurant, Forest, with a menu showcasing native ingredients. From $455 a night. 77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6639 2000. See crystalbrookcollection.com/byron
The Chalet Motel
A refurbished 1950s motel that’s oh-so Byron.
Perfect for: Budget-conscious nostalgics
Embrace the retro vibe with a stay at this roadside motel in the seaside town of Brunswick Heads, around 15 minutes’ drive north of Byron. Originally opened in 1954, it has 12 refurbished rooms with quirky features like brass pineapple wall hooks, and vintage appliances. Guests are greeted with a pink neon sign with the words Simple Pleasures behind the bamboo reception desk. Photos capturing the local lifestyle adorn the walls, and there’s a pool and undercover barbecue area. From $165 a night. 68 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads. Phone: (02) 6685 1257. See chaletmotel.com.au
Reflections Holidays Byron Bay
Direct beach access from the premium ocean villa.
Perfect for: Families, grey nomads
With a track leading straight down to Clarkes Beach, which has a tidal pool ideal for littlies, Reflections Holidays Byron Bay is as good as it gets for beach-loving families. The park caters to a wide cross-section of budgets and styles, with powered and unpowered campsites through to tiny houses, cabins and contemporary villas with outdoor kitchens on the deck. There’s a playground and barbecue facilities, with mobile businesses like Kombi Keg and Byron Homemade Pizza popping up during school holidays, when activities such as tie-dyeing, bead making and pottery workshops are also on offer. From $51 a night for unpowered campsites; $218 for cabins. 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 6496. See reflectionsholidays.com.au
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