The best places to stay in Byron Bay

Gaia Retreat and Spa

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, Qi Gong 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

The Atlantic Byron Bay

Perfect for: Byron purists
If there’s one property that oozes Byron vibes, this is it. After being severely damaged in the 2022 floods, The Atlantic’s owners took the opportunity to give the beach house-style boutique hotel a major revamp before it reopened mid-2023. Backing onto a bushland reserve a couple of blocks from the main street, there are 20 rooms decorated with Caribbean-inspired artworks spread across three buildings with communal kitchens and laundries. There’s also a magnesium pool and deck lined with day beds, an electric moke jeep for zipping guests around town, and surfboards and bikes on hand.
From $330 a night. 13 Marvell St, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 5118. See atlanticbyronbay.com.au

The Brooklet

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

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 the start the night, before heading downstairs to in-house restaurant, Bonito, which is helmed by former Spicers Retreats chef Minh Le.
From $600 a night. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 7385. See hotelmarvell.com.au

Beach Suites Byron Bay

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 ebikes to get out and about.
From $395 a night. 20 Bay St, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6680 9944. See beachsuites.com.au

Hinterland House

Perfect for: Family reunions, special occasions, corporate retreats
Gather 15 of your nearest and dearest and splurge on a stay at this heritage-listed house on the outskirts of Bangalow, around 15 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay. Built in 1906, the grand sandstone home sits on a working macadamia farm and has a wraparound verandah, with chandeliers, stained-glass windows and antique light switches adding to its charm. There’s room for the whole clan with four bedrooms – all with ensuite bathrooms – plus two adjoining cottages overlooking the pool and fire pit. You can book a spa therapist, yoga instructor or private chef to come to the home, and there’s a driver with an eight-seater Mercedes van on standby.
From $5500 a night (minimum three night stay). 1390 Hinterland Way, Bangalow. Phone: 0466 578 241. See hinterlandhouse.com.au

Crystalbrook Byron

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 lamp shades 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

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 Holiday Park Byron Bay

Perfect for: Families, grey nomads
With a track leading straight down to Clarkes Beach, which has a tidal pool ideal for littlies, Reflections Holiday Park 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-dying, bead making and pottery workshops are also on offer.
From $51 a night for unpowered campsites and $218 for cabins. 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay. Phone: (02) 6685 6496. See reflectionsholidayparks.com.au