Elements, Byron Bay: Playtime for grown-ups

Elements of Byron's appeal to families was not a surprise in itself, but since the beach resort in northern NSW's Byron Bay opened in 2016, the level of that appeal has been nothing short of astounding, with mums, dads and the children taking to the property in droves.

And why wouldn't they? With all-villa accommodation that has parking on the doorstep, bushland gardens affording privacy, easy beach access and a gorgeous main pool, it's the readiest of ready-made holiday relaxation on offer here.

Couples, including honeymooners and groups of adult pals love the resort too, though. It's not like there's a sense of the place being overrun with children and there's still a sophisticated barefoot luxury vibe to it.

And while the owners always envisaged creating more adult zones in the 20-hectare property to cater for this crowd, new additions are keeping everyone happy.

The crowning glory of all this is the new over 18s' pool, with a plethora of cabanas in which to laze, a bar that's swim-up on one side and on the other, has rope-and-plank swings upon which to perch. There's also a food van serving Mexican delights, including thoroughly adult tequila cocktails.

The resort is also now taking better advantage of its absolute beachfront easterly perimeter. Where once a few somewhat isolated sun loungers were the extent of the hospitality, the area now feels more connected to the resort action, with the new Beach Club offering more loungers with umbrellas, a gathering of tables and chairs and a bar housed in a teardrop caravan serving all-day drinks.

This is all on top of a further 99 new luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom rainforest villas featuring timber decks, inbuilt fireplaces and luxurious verandah bathhouses looking out to Elements' beautiful bushland that includes more than 19 rare and threatened Australian species.

"Nature has always been a starting and primary point for our inspiration and design. Developments to the property throughout summer and beyond will maintain that philosophy and ethos," says Elements of Byron's development director, Jeremy Holmes.