Revealed: Byron Bay's Most Stunning Luxury Accommodation

Amid the lush hills and laid-back beaches of Byron Bay, a trove of thoughtful boutique luxury accommodations beckons the discerning traveller.

The storied surf breaks, pastel sunsets and pristine waterfalls of Byron Bay and its verdant hinterland, on Bundjalung Country, have long attracted seekers, travellers and iconoclasts. But as the region continues to evolve into a world-class destination, the run-down backpackers are giving way to eclectic boutique luxury accommodations and private estates that emphasise wellness, sustainability, design and local food. Read on to explore our picks for Byron Bay’s most thoughtful and distinctive luxury accommodations.

1. Lo Scoglio

You might be in Byron, but this private villa will transport you straight to Italy. Taking its cues from neo-classical mansions that sit by the sea in Sicily, Lo Scoglio is easily one of the region’s most luxurious accommodation offerings.

Located in Coopers Shoot, this vast Italian-style farmhouse is set on a breathtaking two-acre private estate with a luxurious swimming pool, five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Immaculately designed in earthy tones, Tigmi Trading furniture and 18th-century Italian artwork, and crisp linen, this high-end holiday rental has been crafted for design-savvy travellers.

Onsite you’ll also find a chef’s kitchen swathed in Italian marble, an Ilve oven, and a butler’s pantry. Enjoy produce from the vegetable garden or take advantage of the concierge service which can source you everything you need to cook up a feast. For those wanting to minimise any work done, a personalised chef can also be arranged.

Lo Scoglio, Byron Bay — The property boasts Sicilian elegance.

Address: 451 Coopers Shoot Road, Coopers Shoot NSW

2. The Atlantic

Byron’s original boutique hotel has undergone a stunning renovation after being devastated by the region’s 2022 floods. Owner Kimberly Amos, a designer and creative who raised her three boys onsite, collaborated with local artists and makers to elevate her property (which now welcomes children 14+).

A bedroom at The Atlantic in Byron Bay — One of several charming private rooms available. (Image: Alicia Taylor Photography)

The result is just as free-spirited — and essential — as ever, catering to urban solo travellers, writers in need of a retreat, couples on holiday and Amos’s cadre of well-connected international friends. The unique layout features three cottages with multiple private rooms and showstopping communal kitchens, where guests can cook their own farmer’s market breakfasts and live like Byron locals.

Communal kitchen at The Atlantic in Byron Bay — The communal kitchen within The Atlantic. (Image: Alicia Taylor Photography)

Amos’s incredible eye is omnipresent in an impeccably curated IRL and online shop (many of the books were written by former guests), a brand-new magnesium pool and art objects she made herself from fishermen’s buoys.

Aerial view of pool at The Atlantic in Byron Bay — The Atlantic recently underwent an extensive renovation. (Image: Alicia Taylor Photography)

The hotel’s timber pathways wind through lush tropical vegetation and back up to a nature reserve, making it easy to forget you’re actually in the centre of town. Grab one of the hotel’s McTavish longboards and stroll to the beach just 200 metres away, then come back to sip cocktails by the pool. The idea, says Amos, is to “come up and not rent a whole house but still feel like you’re at home."

Address: 13 Marvell Street, Byron Bay NSW

3. Hotel Marvell

The hottest new rooftop in town is located atop the scenic and sprawling Hotel Marvell, which bills itself as Byron’s first five-star accommodation.

With its sleek suites, bougie onsite restaurant, rooftop pool and unparalleled views of the coastline, Hotel Marvell is the place to stay in Byron Bay.

Positioned just off the main drag, the hotel has upped the ante (and sophistication quotient) on Byron nightlife, with alluringly moody and consistently lively vibes.

The pool on Hotel Marvell's rooftop in Byron Bay — The rooftop of Hotel Marvell is Byron’s hottest new hangout. (Image: David Chatfield)

Its imposingly Brutalist exterior, designed by local architect Harley Graham, is softened by earthy pink tiles and unruly vines spilling whimsically from concrete balconies. The tastefully minimalist rooms draw in Byron’s famous light and offer Leif toiletries, Bemboka & Eadie bedding and access to a rooftop pool with panoramic views.

Inside the rooms at Hotel Marvell — Rooms are tastefully pared back. (Image: David Chatfield)

Downstairs at Bonito, the showstopping in-house restaurant, Vietnamese chef Minh Le cooks locally sourced seafood and Asian-inspired plant-based cuisine. Outside in a three-story pedestrian laneway enveloped by jungle-like greenery, friends meet for drinks, making the hotel feel like a world in itself.

The onsite restaurant Bonita serves Asian-inspired plant-based cuisine and seafood.

Address: 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay NSW

4. Swell Hotel

Byron’s unlikeliest recent luxury upgrade occurred right in the middle of town, where an eyesore motel on the traffic circle connecting Byron’s CBD to Belongil Beach and the Industrial Estate metamorphised into a sultry adults-only hotel with lush, textured interiors.

Communal lounge area at The Swell in Byron Bay — Lush design details feature throughout the property. (Image: (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The Swell is the brainchild of California transplants Andrew Maltin and DayNa Decker, who paired their earthy, retro West Coast aesthetic with design objects made by local artisans. With the help of local designer Nyree MacKenzie, they created 16 individually-appointed rooms that feel like sumptuous cocoons for relaxation and intimacy, just steps from Main Beach.

The hotel’s wellness offerings include a state-of-the-art cedar sauna and cold plunge pool, not to mention healthy elixirs served poolside.

A room inside The Swell in Byron Bay — The Swell features 16 adults-only rooms. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay NSW

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5. Sun Ranch

Few Byron luxury accommodations have attracted such instant international acclaim as the Sun Ranch, a one-of-a-kind destination property with impeccable old-West, seventies-inflected California ranch vibes set on 55 prime hinterland acres.

Bedroom interior at The Sun Ranch — Seventies-inflected California ranch vibes at Sun Ranch. (Image: Anson Smart)

Available for individual bookings, events and buyouts, this imaginative property attracts creative types and foodies to its Cowboy Bar, Whiskey Lounge saloon and Lair, which the hotel bills as a “sexy as hell sunken lounge area" built around a sculptural fireplace.

The outdoor bar at The Sun Ranch — The Lair is a vibrant sunken lounge located within The Rambler Long House on the property. (Image: Anson Smart)

Pool suites open directly onto a stone pool, while six off-grid barns accommodate families and dogs in rustic timber interiors souped up with luxe French linen. All guests receive hot muffins on their doorstep each morning, as well as a full ranch breakfast. The result is Byron’s most unforgettable weekend experience.

The pool at The Sun Ranch in Byron Bay — Book a pool suite for direct access from your room. (Image: Anson Smart)

Address: 17 Byron Creek Road, Coopers Shoot NSW

6. Basq House

Set just off Byron’s bustling retail thoroughfare, the 32-room Basq House offers walkability to Byron’s best shops and most exciting restaurants, plus a soothing sanctuary in which you can retreat from the chaos.

Close up of seating area around the Pool Deck — The Pool Deck at Basq Hotel. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Serene, monochromatic rooms feature king beds, high ceilings, Mr. Smith toiletries and juliette or full balconies. Some overlook the hotel’s private courtyard pool, where guests can relax in cabanas or lounge on sunbeds while enjoying the self-service bar.

Interior of Pool Studio room — The 32-room Basq Hotel is in the heart of Byron. (Image: Elise Hassey)

The hotel’s cosy, intimate vibe extends to its guests-only common spaces, which include a library, a lobby bar and a rooftop perfect for yoga, meditation, or watching the sunset with a cocktail.

The Library communal space at Basq Hotel in Byron Bay — Guests make themselves at home in the Library with fully stocked bookshelves, cosy fireplace and a bar. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Address: 4 Fletcher Lane, Byron Bay NSW

7. Copperstone

Unfolding over 48 acres just outside the achingly charming Byron hinterland town of Bangalow, Copperstone is the piece-de-resistance of Tom and Emma Lane, founders of The Farm, Byron’s iconic agriculture-meets-foodie destination. Their growing collection of Range Estates pairs thoughtful European design with expansive Australian acreage and a commitment to sustainability and localisation for a private and personalised luxury experience.

Copperstone in Bangalow, NSW — Copperstone sprawls across a stunning 48 acres. (Image: Sean Fennessy)

Copperstone’s old-world, Tuscan-inspired design features rustic tones and textures, encompassing a five-bedroom homestead, state-of-the-art kitchen, pool house (with gymnasium, infrared sauna and ice bath), games room, stables, tennis court and walled garden. Even better, it’s all set against a breathtaking vista of paddocks, walking trails, outdoor entertaining areas and a private beach on a small lake.

The Range’s extensive concierge services include babysitting, day-trip planning and customised meals, wine tastings, and/or cooking classes created by a private chef. The result is the pinnacle of conscious, forward-thinking Byron luxury.

Address: 165 Lismore Road, Bangalow NSW

8. Raes on Wategos

Possibly Byron’s most exclusive hideaway, the Mediterranean-inspired Raes is enviably positioned on Wategos Beach, just under Byron’s iconic lighthouse. Built in the 60s as a posh, eclectic home, it maintains the intimacy of your fancy aunt’s beachside European villa — where her fabulous friends sip Aperols and eat oysters at sunset (at the Cellar Bar downstairs) while stylish longboarders catch cruisey waves in the break just beyond the lawn.

the living room interior at Raes On Wategos — Stay close to nature at Raes On Wategos. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

With five spacious suites, an intimate spa, highly photogenic pool and two expansive penthouses bedecked with marble and multiple balconies, Raes is a paean to old-world European luxury and a place to celebrate milestones, or just treat yourself.

Rooms at Raes On Wategos — Inside the luxe rooms at Raes on Wategos. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW

9. Soma

Immortalized in 2021 by the Nicole Kidman series Nine Perfect Strangers, Byron’s most famous retreat space doubles as a luxury accommodation for groups or large families.

Bedroom interior at Soma — Nicole Kidman series *Nine Perfect Strangers* put Soma in the spotlight. (Image: Romella Pereira)

Soma offers 10 king bedrooms with en suites and rainforest showers, organic toiletries produced in partnership with cult local skincare brand Mukti, a geodesic dome for morning yoga and a freshwater infinity pool overlooking 22 acres.

rustic chairs with cushions at Soma, Byron Bay — There are plenty of sitting areas for a family or group getaway. (Image: Romello Pereira)

Address: 221 Kennedys Lane, Ewingsdale NSW

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10. The Sunseeker

Byron’s obvious choice for hip families and longer stays, the Sunseeker is a renovated 80s motel just outside town, with a communal vibe and cheerfully retro design aesthetic.

Inside the bedrooms at Sunseeker — Find Sunseeker, a renovated eighties motel just outside the CBD.

Owners Jess and Dave Frid worked with local artists and community members to imagine a space full of bright colours, varied textures, tropical gardens and cheeky, thoughtful touches (a tiki bar beside the pool, an in-ground trampoline). The result feels less like a hotel and more like a happy, stylish commune that you’ll never want to leave.

Pool and table with food on it at Sunseeker — Sunseeker is Byron’s only truly family-friendly luxury accommodation.

The Sunseeker is one of Byron’s only true family-friendly luxury accommodations, with rooms cleverly configured for kids. Six freestanding bungalows feature fully-stocked kitchens with Smeg fridges, breakfast windows, children’s bunk nooks and outdoor gardens with covered bathtubs.

a bungalow-type stay at The Sunseeker, Byron Bay — Stay in one of six freestanding bungalows.

The hotel even partners with local food purveyor Bay Grocer to stock guests’ fridges with curated hampers before they arrive, if they choose. Meaning you can cook up dinner on your private Weber barbecue while the kids wheel around on complimentary scooters and climb the timber playground. In the evening, retire with friends old and new to the communal firepit for a drink.

Lounge area of Sunseeker — Sink into the lounge area of the Sunseeker.

Address: 100 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay NSW

11. Halcyon House

Halcyon House has become a popular weekend destination for travellers who want a luxury beachfront experience outside the bustle of Byron.

Pool at Halycon House — Laze poolside at Halycon House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just forty minutes up the coast in the sleepy surf hamlet of Cabarita in the Tweed, the hotel’s little-Miami-meets-Palm-Beach design sensibility, white and blue colour palette, elegant spa, and vibey, stylish pool attract couples and girls-getaway groups alike.

paintings on the walls at Halcyon House, Byron Bay — The walls are adorned with eclectic artworks. (Image: Destination NSW)

There is no end to the thoughtful touches here, including complimentary bikes for morning beach rides, Mercedes SUVs for hire and private beach picnics catered by Paper Daisy, the hotel’s acclaimed in-house restaurant.

Bikes for use at Halycon House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach NSW

12. Blackbird Byron

Just 30 minutes from Byron in the hinterland, near the beloved hippie enclave of Mullumbimby and tucked into the side of Mount Koonyum, you’ll find an old banana plantation that offers peace, privacy and ocean views for days. You’ll also find Blackbird, a romantic and secluded luxury accommodation that is fully immersed in nature.

Close up of pool reflection at Blackbird — Laze by the pool in rustic-chic style at Blackbird. (Image: Property Shot Photography)

Named after the Beatles song and in homage to native black cockatoos, Blackbird was envisioned by James Hudson, a Sydney hospitality veteran who opened the property in 2018.

Aerial view of Blackbird near Byron Bay — Blackbird is near the beloved hippie enclave of Mullumbimby. (Image: Property Shot Photography)

Its three large industrial-chic pavilions incorporate reclaimed materials, many found onsite, for a look that’s original and sustainable. The suites offer binoculars for birdwatching, Egyptian cotton linens and a full breakfast, while local chefs are available to prepare dinner by night.

the exterior of environmentally sustainable pavilions made of reclaimed timber at Blackbird Byron, Byron Bay — The former banana plantation is now a luxe hideaway. (Image: Property Shot Photography)

Address: 210 Frasers Road, Mullumbimby Creek NSW

13. The Bower

Located walking distance to Byron’s CBD and just steps from its famed General Store, a sceney Byron breakfast spot, the Bower’s black-and-white interiors and haute beach-shack vibes attract couples seeking accessibility and discreet, understated luxury.

Inside the cottage rooms at The Bower Byron Bay — Expect contemporary luxury at The Bower. (Image: Jessie Prince)

The pool and garden bar provide a quiet, palm-lined oasis for lounging in the sun, while the hotel’s holistic spa offers wellness treatments onsite. Book the Bower Barn, a spacious room with a kitchenette near the back of the property, to enjoy its decadent freestanding bathtub under a clear glass ceiling, allowing you to stargaze while soaking.

bathtub at The Bower Byron Bay — No luxe accommodation is complete without a stunning bathtub to call your own. (Image: Jessie Prince)

Address: 28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay NSW

Discover the best restaurants in Byron Bay.

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

A collection of Byron Bay’s most stunning luxury accommodation

Amid the lush hills and laid-back beaches of Byron Bay, a trove of thoughtful boutique luxury accommodations beckons the discerning traveller.

1. Lo Scoglio

2. The Atlantic

3. Hotel Marvell

4. Swell Hotel

5. Sun Ranch

6. Basq House

7. Copperstone

8. Raes on Wategos

9. Soma

10. The Sunseeker

11. Halcyon House

12. Blackbird Byron

13. The Bower

The Bonobo by Raes: Byron Bay’s newest boutique hotel is open for bookings

Byron’s newest boutique stay is here – and with rates from $70, it won’t break the bank

Byron Bay’s The Bower just got a luxe upgrade in time for summer

This luxe Byron Bay gem has sunset yoga, retro decor and beach access

This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

Amid the lush hills and laid-back beaches of Byron Bay, a trove of thoughtful boutique luxury accommodations beckons the discerning traveller.

1. Lo Scoglio

2. The Atlantic

3. Hotel Marvell

4. Swell Hotel

AI Prompt

5. Sun Ranch

6. Basq House

7. Copperstone

8. Raes on Wategos

9. Soma

10. The Sunseeker

11. Halcyon House

12. Blackbird Byron

13. The Bower

The Bonobo by Raes: Byron Bay’s newest boutique hotel is open for bookings

Byron’s newest boutique stay is here – and with rates from $70, it won’t break the bank

Byron Bay’s The Bower just got a luxe upgrade in time for summer

This luxe Byron Bay gem has sunset yoga, retro decor and beach access

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar