13 of the best hotels in Byron Bay for your next beach getaway

Supplying holidaymakers with chic chills and dazzling pools, these are our top picks for stays in Byron Bay.

Any Byron Bay hotel is in hot competition with the wave-lapped sands and the town’s rhythmic energy that lures holidaymakers out of their accommodation. So hotels here have been ever-evolving to fringe stays with exceptional design and amenities that cocoon guests in laidback luxury.

From architecturally designed digs with magnetic rooftop bars to relaxed style at revamped retro hotels and a ranch experience in the hinterland, these are the best hotels in Byron Bay that offer more than just a place to rinse and rest between beach sessions.

1. Hotel Marvell

sun loungers by the pool at Hotel Marvell — Laze on the shaded sun lounges by the pool. (Image: Hotel Marvell)

When this new-build, five-star hotel opened in 2023 it was confirmation that Byron Bay’s desirability as an escape route was firmly intact. Designed by award-winning Byron architect, Harley Graham, Marvell is an edifice of cool complete with a rooftop pool and bar, both of which oblige for sundowner drinks, as well as the downstairs Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant. Rooms are elegantly styled with natural and textural touches, and the chic, curated common spaces invite lingering amid earthy tones and lush greenery.

Address: 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

2. Basq House

The swimming pool at BASQ House. — Dive into paradise.

A tranquil, riad-style sanctum in the heart of Byron. You’ll enter Basq House ’s white-washed and open lobby through a discreet laneway entrance, finding yourself amid a deftly styled space with ’70s-era Californian bungalow vibes lifted with contemporary touches. A shimmering centrepiece pool entices with daybeds and rooms are vignettes of minimal cool with terracotta hues. There’s no restaurant onsite, but snacks and drinks are available by the pool for days spent lounging at its edge. When the mood strikes to venture out, Hotel Marvell’s rooftop bar and restaurant are right across the road and you’re just steps from the bongo beat of Byron’s heart.

Address: 4 Fletcher Lane, Byron Bay

3. Swell Hotel

the bedroom at Swell Hotel, Byron Bay — Bed down at this coastal retreat.

This petite, 16-room boutique hotel is a laidback enclave of coastal style set just a gentle stroll down the street from Main Beach. It’s adults-only here, so you can be mostly assured Zen by the hotel pool or in the wellness space, which includes an infrared sauna and ice bath. To keep hitting those health highlights during your stay, Swell Hotel offers guests complimentary access to Byron’s Mahi Health Club. You can also sit and sink into the mineral pool onsite or recharge post-beach in your natural-toned, ’70s-leaning room.

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay

4. The Sunseeker

a couple relaxing in the pool at The Sunseeker, Byron Bay — Take a dip in the advanced mineral pool.

If you’re hunting those rays, then The Sunseeker welcomes you to catch them by its lushly hemmed pool. When it’s time to retreat to shadier spaces, enjoy a drink in the castaway-style pool bar. Accommodation in this ’80s-built revived surf motel takes the best elements of the era and finesses them with contemporary touches. Choose to stay in a beautifully hip room, a garden cabin or, if you’re a group, you might take over the residence. A coffee cart parked out-front supplies morning motivation, but otherwise, you’re a 10-minute walk into the south end of town.

Address: 100 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

5. The Atlantic

the pool area at The Atlantic, Byron Bay — The Atlantic has an array of amenities including a stunning swimming pool.

The tropical, palm-fringed grounds of this white-hued escape are tricky to leave. A large, magnesium pool shaded by pandanus is part of the problem, but the neutral and natural rooms are also deeply captivating with their invitation to do hardly anything at all. Luckily the central location of The Atlantic makes flitting to the beach an easy thing, so you can be back quickly to lounge once more in these soothing surrounds.

Address: 13 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

6. Raes on Wategoes

the coastal white interior of Raes on Wategoes, Byron Bay — The Spanish-style interior exudes charm. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

While the brilliant-white facade is unmissable with its rambling, Spanish-style, mildly Moorish architecture, no doubt you’re already well aware of Raes on Wategos . That would be thanks to its preceding reputation as the go-to for the rich and famous in Byron’s most affluent enclave. With its Capri-style luxe, Raes makes a lot of bucket lists, as it should with its ultra-mod but timeless interiors and ocean-infused freshness. It’s all about confident luxury here, but if you can’t sprig for the digs, you can still enjoy the glow with dinner at Raes Dining room, a drink at the Cellar Bar or a treatment in the onsite spa.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

7. Elements of Byron

private villas by the lake at Elements of Byron — The private villas are tucked away in a calming oasis. (Image: Elements of Byron)

Steps to the sand and with a lavish, lagoon-style pool strongly suggestive of day-long laziness, you can entirely cocoon away with a stay at Elements . With the unending soundtrack of waves, stylish tucked-away villas and an onsite restaurant and spa, the tug of town can quickly lose its appeal. Capitulate to utter relaxation and spend your stay treading a path from beach to pool to that deep bath.

Address: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

8. Crystalbrook Byron

an aerial view of a woman swimming in the pool at Crystalbrook Byron — Dive into tranquillity at Crystalbrook Byron’s pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Shaded within 45 acres of verdant rainforest, you’ll find Crystalbrook Byron toward the Suffolk Park end of town and a short hop to renowned Tallow Beach. Wander to your suite along the boardwalk canopied by endemic trees and listen to the melodic sounds of your lush garden surrounds as you unwind by the pool. The Eleme Spa offers a further portal to relaxation or more indulgent pursuits, so linger over cocktails at the Blue Pool Bar or Verandah and book dinner at Forest.

Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

9. The Bower

the classy white interior of The Bower cottage, Byron Bay — Head to The Bower for an elevated, rustic stay. (Image: Jessie Prince)

With the recent addition of an in-house spa, the polished lustre of The Bower is even more appealing. Soothingly monochromatic and softened with luxe linens and textural elements, you can choose to stay in a room for two, a five-bedroom cottage, or a lovely barn, among other options. A heated magnesium pool is an alluring shade of crystal blue and the adjacent bar adds further ways to refresh from 11am to 5pm. While the town is a 15-minute walk away and beaches a further 5 minutes, you can swing your leg over one of the complimentary bikes and get there much faster.

Address: 28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

10. Sun Ranch

the pool at Sun Ranch, Byron Bay — This ultra-cool accommodation takes cues from Californian ranch houses of the ’70s. (Image: Supplied)

The hinterland sun rolls over the achingly cool, Californian-inspired Sun Ranch in Coopers Shoot, just a 15-minute drive to Byron. There’s a hefty recall of ’70s cowboy (and girl) design with heavy timbers, a sienna-rich colour palette, olive-green tiles and crazy paving, but somehow it comes together without evoking style clichés. Observe the undulations of the pastures beyond when you spend the day by the beautiful rock-walled pool, pull on your riding boots and go for a horse ride or gather friends together for a long, coal-cooked lunch at the Field House. There are six, two-bedroom barns, for adults-only pool suites and one private suite. Having a party? Book the entire ranch.

Address: 17 Byron Creek Road, Coopers Shoot

11. The Brunswick

an outdoor pool at The Brunswick, Byron Bay — The Brunswick is a dreamy escape next to the beach.

For beachside escapes that are a little more low-key than the hubbub of peak-Byron, head to Brunswick Heads, just 15 minutes north. Smaller, but equally chill with a river, creek, beach and little bays, this sunny spot also has great eateries and the iconic Hotel Brunswick, where you can enjoy live bands in the expansive beer garden. A walkable distance to it all is The Brunswick , a renewed, stylish but simple stay. Soft tones and Byron luxe is the mood board for the rooms, while the pool is a perfect place to open that long-neglected book. A plus for pooch-loving travellers is that small dogs are welcome to stay.

Address: 2-6 Old Pacific Highway, Brunswick Heads

12. The Sails Motel

the exterior of The Sails Motel, Byron Bay — The chic, old-school motel has been updated with modern features. (Image: Supplied)

A fancied-up old-school motel, The Sails has 22 comfortable and chic, marine-blue rooms that manage to be both affordable and somewhere you actually want to stay. The pool brings back sun-bleached nostalgia and the onsite restaurant and bar, St Maries, has a genuine vibe with locals descending for cocktails and pizza on sunny evenings.

Address: 26-28 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads

13. 28 Degrees

curtains slightly open letting the light in at 28 Degrees guesthouse in Byron Bay — The chic rooms offer laidback luxury.

Here is a place where rest is not optional. A slow luxury retreat, 28 Degrees has seven rooms, no TV and no children. Its Marvell Street locale makes it close to all of Byron’s glittering assets, but here amid the quietly opulent guesthouse, there’s no cause to do anything but pause. Some villas have plunge pools, while rooms in the main house enjoy access to a lap pool. Before you arrive, you can organise a range of bookable experiences from in-room massages to champagne or cheese platters on arrival. There are also honeymoon, babymoon and aftermoon packages.
Address: 12 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Discover the best luxury accommodation in Byron Bay.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.